Cyprus is located at the crossroads of the three major flora zones of Europe, Asia and Africa, and it is therefore not surprising that the number of plant species found on the island runs to 1,750, of which 126 are endemic. In the Akamas Peninsula the number of species is approximately 530, of which 33 are endemic. Thus, the ecological and scientific value of the area is self-evident.
Aleppo Pine forests, Phoenician juniper maquis, Rock Rose maquis, and mosaics of Aleppo Pine stands with maquis are the major plant communities of the area. The maquis are characteristic of the Mediterranean climate.
The variety of fauna is equally as impressive: 168 birds, 12 mammals, 20 reptiles and 16 butterfly species have been sighted in the area.
With its approximately 1,800 species and subspecies of flowering plants, Cyprus is an extremely interesting place for nature lovers and has all the attributes which make it a botanist's paradise. Being an island, it is sufficiently isolated to allow the evolution of a strong endemic flowering element. At the same time being surrounded by big continents, it incorporates botanological elements of the neighbouring land masses.
About 8% of the indigenous plants of the island, 125 different species and subspecies, are endemic. The island's great variety of habitats, attributed to a varied microclimate and geology, is the main reason which contributed to this high number of endemics.
The arrival of animals in Cyprus has been a subject of interest to zoologists since it has always been an island. According to existing evidence, the first arrivals were hippopotami and elephants, both excellent swimmers. They arrived 1,5 mil. years ago and apart from some shrews and mice, were the only land mammals roaming the island prior to man's arrival 9,000 years ago.
The present-day fauna of Cyprus includes some 7 species of land mammals, 26 species of amphibians and reptiles, 357 species of birds, a great variety of insects and mites, while the coastal waters of the island give shelter to 197 fish species and various species of crabs, and sponges.
The largest wild animal that still lives on the island is the Cyprus moufflon (Ovis orientalis ophion), a rare type of wild sheep that can only be found in Cyprus.
Cyprus is used by millions of birds as a stepping stone during their migration from Europe to Africa and back, something that has been observed since Homeric times. The main reason for that is the occurrence on the island of two wetlands, with unique and international importance, namely Larnaca and Akrotiri salt lakes.
From the numerous wild birds of Cyprus, birds of prey are the most fascinating and amongst them the Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae) and the imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) are the jewel of the crown. Our sea creatures include seals and turtles, though unfortunately the Monk seal no longer breeds in the coastal sea caves of the island. On the other hand two marine turtles, the Green turtle (Chelona mydas) and the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) have been found to breed regularly on the island's sandy beaches Akamas Peninsular, the last wilderness
Troodos area and Paphos Forest
The fauna of Troodos reflects the rich flora of these mountains and the wide spectrum of habitats it has. Here one can spot mountain butterflies and damselflies as well as many bird species not found elsewhere on the island. There are endemic lizards and snakes. Freshwater crabs and frogs can be found in several of the mountain streams - both are recovering from the use of DDT that was widely used in the antimalaria campaign.
Trout was introduced in several streams in 1948 for the first time and is reproducing there. The most spectacular animal of these mountains is no doubt the Cyprus Moufflon. The first inhabitants of the island, in the neolithic period, apparently brought with them various animals, deer, wild boar, moufflon and a kind of wild goat. Some of them must have escaped and formed wild populations. Some took refuge in the largely inaccessible forests of Troodos and Paphos. Deer and boar disappeared. Moufflon, Ovis orientalis ophion, (now apparently renamed Ovis gmelini ophion) survived. This has evolved, rather surprising for such a short time, into an endemic form. Its population by the beginning of this century was reduced to a few dozen and it was then on the brink of extinction. The threats to it were intensive hunting, the spread of agriculture and the reduction of the forests. The moufflon population, because of strict protection, has increased substantially in the last few decades. Its population is now tentatively estimated at over one thousand animals. Moufflon can be found throughout the Paphos Forest.
Cedar Forest
Today, the island's Cedar forest is restricted to one valley only. It also suffered from lumbering for shipbuilding and from forest fires. Under these circumstances, its natural regeneration was also influenced from competition, from the more prolific Brutia Pine which is quicker in occupying vacant niches.
The need for agricultural land led for many centuries to the clearing of forested areas. Vineyards and orchards replaced pine forests. It was not until late in the last century and the beginning of the present one, that strict forest protection and management practices were introduced. Grazing by goats, which had its impact in Cyprus, as it did in the rest of the Mediterranean, was also brought under control in many forest areas. Hunting is now prohibited in Paphos Forest and in parts of Troodos.
High up on Troodos, in what approaches a semi-alpine zone on Khionistra, with its unique weather and soil conditions, special vegetation communities have evolved. In this area we find Juniperus foetidissima, a Cypress-like Juniper that is restricted to the topmost slopes of Khionistra. The Black Pine starts at an altitude of about 1.300 metres and finishes at just below this peak. At these higher altitudes it replaces the Brutia Pine, which covers most of the lower mountains - including the Paphos Forest - and stretches down to the plains.
A great many of Cyprus' endemic plants are found on Troodos, especially in the higher altitudes. Out of the 130 or so Cyprus' endemic plants more than a third are found only on Troodos and mainly above 1,000 metres. The distribution of many other non-endemic plants in Cyprus is also restricted to the higher reaches of Troodos.
The yellow flowered Alyssum troodi, an endemic species and A. cypricum, a near endemic, are confined, like many other endemic plants, to the serpentinite areas of Troodos. On Troodos many plants flower late in spring, well after the snows have melted spectacular, rosy-purple flowered Peonies can be found near Prodromos and in the forest in Madhari and Papoutsa.
Under pine trees both in the Black pine zone and lower down grows the saprophytic orchid Limodorum abortivum, leafless, light purple and often taller than half a metre. Many other species of orchids grow high up on Troodos - Helleborine orchids, locally known as "The Holy Virgin's Tears," such as Epipactis troodi. As its name infers, it grows mainly in Cyprus, where it grows only on Troodos.
Alder and the Oriental Plane Tree are common on river banks in many valleys. The endemic Cyprus Golden Oak, Quercus alnifolia, covers extensive scree areas, on steep slopes and is characteristic of the Troodos landscape. Strawberry trees, Arbutus andrachne, with their bright red fruit, shiny stem and branches, flourish mainly in the more humid areas, as do wild roses and Myrtle. Various rock-roses and an endemic Thyme (Thymus integer) abound in the area.
Lower down on stream banks, in places such as the valley of Karkotis river, other communities and plants can be found. One of the great orchids rarities, Epipactis veratrifolia, which can reach one metre in height, honeysuckle, wild violets and the insectivorous Pinguicula crystallina, with its fleshy, sticky leaves, can be found here.
Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas peninsula at the westernmost tip of the island of Cyprus is a paradise for nature lovers - read on to find out more about this wilderness and the groups who are working to preserve it for future generations.
The Akamas peninsular is the most isolated and unspoilt area of Cyprus. It is said to have been named after the hero Akamas who returned to Cyprus after the Trojan war and founded the city of Akamanitis. It is an anvil-shaped piece of land which sticks out into the Mediterranean on the westernmost edge of the island, covering an area of approximately 17,000 hectares, of which 7,000 are State Forests. It is hoped that these State Forests will become part of a National Park in the near future.
The Akamas is famous for its abundance of flora and fauna - it boasts 600 different plant species and over 100 different types of birds, mammals and reptiles as well as many butterflies.
The Akamas is famous for its abundance of flora and fauna - it boasts 600 different plant species and over 100 different types of birds, mammals and reptiles as well as many butterflies.
Akamas also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. People have lived here since the Stone Age and evidence of settlements can be found near the deserted village of Androlikou. There are Greek and Roman remains at Pampelon, Portrypetos and Agnades near Neo Chorio. It is also an area rich in churches from the Byzantine and later periods, such as Agios Minas (Neochorio), Agios Ioannis (Androlikou), Agios Georgios (Inia) and many more - Agios/Agia is saint in Greek, so Agios Ioannis is St John. One person you cannot escape in the Akamas is Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and patron goddess of Cyprus. The cult of Aphrodite can be traced back as far as 1500 BC and continued until paganism was banned in the fourth century AD. It was at the Baths of Aphrodite (in Greek Loutra tis Afroditis) that the goddess is said to have bathed before and after entertaining her many lovers, the most famous of whom was Adonis. The baths can be found at the end of the paved road which runs along the north coast of the peninsular from Polis and Latchi - just after the small village of Potami Chiflik.
The Akamas peninsular can be approached from the east via Polis or the south via Agios Georgios and is idea for nature lovers or those looking for some peace and quiet in traditional Cypriot surroundings.
There are many ways to explore and enjoy the Akamas - a number of environmental organizations and projects have been attracted to the area with the aim of preserving this beautiful wilderness and its village life for future generations. Here are some ideas for holiday makers who want to find out more about this very special part of the heritage of Cyprus.
The Akamas region is a coastal area in the Paphos district of Cyprus which includes substantial near virgin habitats and vegetation communities. Its flora is rich and varied. In spring it provides a spectacle of breathtaking beauty with colours and shapes long lost in most of the rest of the island; a reminder of the island's original identity. Its coastline is still largely pristine and its littoral and marine life little impacted by the advance of civilisation. Green turtles still nest on its beaches and the occasional Monk Seal is still sighted there. The last wild boars took refuge in Akamas and were hunted to extinction during this century. The diversity of wildlife in this area ranks it as an area of outstanding ecological importance, not only for Cyprus but for the whole of the Mediterranean. The integrity of the area has nonetheless been and is compromised by a variety of activities and causes (forest fires, excessive hunting, overgrazing, military exercises etc.)
The Akamas range of hills reaches about 670 metres in height. The geology of the area and its morphology are varied, forming a complex mosaic which results in a multitude of habitats. Large parts of it are upper or lower pillow lavas. Diabase intrusions are found in these areas while areas of serpentinite fringe much of this ophiolithic complex. There are large parts of Akamas with sedimentary rocks, such as reef limestones, especially in parts of the north and southern slopes of the range. The limestone parts of Akamas, in several areas, are clearly reminiscent of the Kyrenia mountains with pine trees, junipers and with a profuse display of cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) in spring practically reaching the sea. The autumn flowering Cyprus endemic cyclamen (Cyclamen cyprium) is also found in Akamas but this grows further inland in more shady and humid places. With the exception of the very impressive cliffs and gorges of the area perhaps most spectacular of the rock formations are those of the Mamonia formations typified by the Aetopetres terrain around the highest peak of Akamas. Here lichen-covered gigantic rocks dominate stark and spectacular landscapes.
The vegetation of most of Akamas is characteristic of the Mediterranean shrub forests known as Maquis. The Maquis are in general drought (and goat) resistant forests with their vegetation consisting mainly of evergreen shrubs and small trees such as junipers, lentiscus and wild olive, with a variety of rock-roses and other bushes with, in places, a thin cover of pine trees. The Akamas peninsula is characterised by a large diversity of vegetation communities which are directly related to the area's very complex and varied geology and morphology. Man's influence on the vegetation of the area is minimal in the forest areas at least, though no doubt the original vegetation even in the forest areas was more lush.
The fauna was also undoubtedly richer. Lack of water and the inaccessibility of the area spared the fate of most of the coastline of the island where agriculture and urban development have left little of the natural vegetation. Nonetheless forest fires, old and relatively recent, have taken their toll. Goats have also traditionally grazed there, probably since their introduction to the island by neolithic man. Goats left their impact on the vegetation of the area and, through the centuries, grazing (and forest fires) determined the degree of degradation of the original Mediterranean evergreen forest into the kind of shrub forests we, in the 20th century, recognize as maquis. The impact of grazing is now the subject of some debate, as controlled grazing may also have some positive results. Judging by their remains in nearby archaeological sites, deer and moufflon also grazed in some abundance in Akamas. They too were introduced in Cyprus by man, when he first colonized the island. The degree of degradation of the vegetation of various habitats in the area has resulted in various vegetation communities ranging from relatively dense pine forests to the overgrazed spiny burnet and Genista areas.
The rich vegetation of Akamas includes many endemic species of plants. Many other species found here are rare in most of the rest of the island. Over 30 species of endemic plants grow on the peninsula. Of these Alyssum akamasicum and Centurea akamantis bear the name of Akamas and are found nowhere else on the island except, locally, in Akamas. Alyssum akamasicum grows only in the serpentinite areas. The endemic Cyprus tulip, Tulipa cypria, is found only in Akamas and near Turkish-occupied Myrtou. Locally, on the northern slopes of the Peninsula, we find the delicately scented Orchis punctulata, one of Europe's great orchid rarities. Out of the 50 or so orchids of Cyprus (i.e. species, sub-species and varieties) about half can be found in Akamas. The Lax-flowered Orchid, Orchis laxiflora, one of Cyprus' rarest orchids is found also on the northern slopes of Akamas.
The fragrant Bug Orchid, Orchis coriophora subspecies fragnans and the closely related Holy Orchid, Orchis sancta, grow in abundance as does the Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis. The area also abounds with a variety of bee-orchids including the newly described endemic Ophrys lapethica. Until recently the small Gladiolus triphyllus, which in Cyprus is found mainly in Akamas was considered an endemic species. It is a species closely related to the common wild gladiolus which grows mainly in cultivated fields. (Iladiolus triphyllus was recently recorded growing in small numbers on the mainland. Ancient junipers, some centuries old, grow in much of the area, growing into sizable trees in areas with deep soils, as for example at Fontana Amorosa. In areas with higher humidity Strawberry trees (Arbuto andracne and the much rarer A. unedo), oleanders and myrtle, often interwined with various climbers can be found. In the most humid of the valleys and gorges impenetrable thickets are formed where even goats do not venture.
The gorges of Akamas, essential for the survival of a spectrum of wildlife, are of exceptional ecological importance. These cut deep into the chalk and the reef limestone areas, often forming high vertical cliffs and caves. Rare and sensitive vegetation communities have evolved here. On their inaccessible cliffs rare plants find protection from grazing while many species of birds and other animals take refuge and breed on them.
The fauna of Akamas like much of the fauna of the island has been studied to a small degree and begs for more detailed study. It is known, however, enough for its value to be appreciated and for the threats to it to cause concern. As is to be expected from an area that is practically virgin and extensive it contains practically the whole spectrum of the Cypriot mammalian (and other) fauna with the exception of the moufflon. Species such as the endemic Cyprus White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura cypria), hedgehogs, hares and foxes can be found here. Several species of bats including the fruit bat, which has Cyprus as its northern limit of distribution, shelter in caves in the area.
The reptilian fauna of Akamas is rich and most species identified in Cyprus have been recorded in Akamas with the possible exception of the newly identified endemic snake, Coluber cypriensis, the distribution of which is still being researched into. Of the land reptiles there are sizable populations of the endemic variety of the lizard Lacerta leavis troodii as well as of the Spiny-footed Lizard (Acanthodactylus schreiberi). The Spiny-footed Lizard's distribution is mainly along the coast of Cyprus and its populations are endangered in much of the southern coast. The Green Toad (Bufo viridis) is the only one of Cyprus' three frogs that is present in Akamas in any numbers and even this species is relatively rare in the area.
The diversity in the habitats and in the flora of the area and the fact that insecticides are little used there, have resulted in an exceptional diversity in the insect fauna of Akamas. Numerous butterflies, some very rare, can be found in the area. Butterflies such as the Cyprus (or Paphos) Blue (Glaucopsyche Paphos), the Cyprus Meadow Brown (Maniola cypricola) the Cyprus Grayling (Hiporchia pellucida cypriensis) are on the wing from early spring. Mention must also be made of the very rare and spectacular Two-tailed Pasha, Charaxes jasius, which is dependant probably on the handful of Arbuto unedo trees found in this area. Similarly the Cyprus endemic variety of the Eastern festoon, Zerynthia cerisyi cypria, a fairly rare butterfly is dependant on the exotic looking Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia sempervirens) which is found in the gorges of Akamas.
There are several small springs and seepages in the area. Some, like the Baths of Aphrodite and Ayios Kononas and the elusive Fontana Amorosa, are well known. These springs are precious for the survival of the fauna of the area especially in the long hot summer of Cyprus. Most springs have their own freshwater fauna and flora: small snails (Melanopsis praemorsa and Theodoxus anatolicus), a freshwater crab (Potamion Potamios), several crustaceans and several aquatic species of plants (e.g. Chara algae community). Other species of plants depend on the existence of damp soil e.g. Juncus spp, Schoenus nigricans, Samolus valerandi, Prunella vulgaris, Potentilla reptans and some orchids. The freshwater crab which still survives here has disappeared from many parts of Cyprus as a result of the extensive use of DDT and other insecticides during the campaign against malaria. The use of less harmful insecticides in recent years has seen some recovery of certain populations of this crab. As with some frog populations, crab populations have not all shown recovery and must be presumed extinct in some areas.
Sand dunes (along with wetlands) are probably Cyprus' most endangered habitats. Most sand dune areas have disappeared, or are very rapidly disappearing, as natural habitats, from the south coast of the island (Ayia Napa, Moni, Paphos). In Akamas some are still surviving and they are restricted to the Lara area mainly. Their vegetation is unique. Rare and endangered plants and plant communities as well as animals depend on them. Species such as the spectacular Sand Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum) and the sand dwelling Spiny-footed Lizard (Acanthodactylus schreiberi) thrive there.
On some of the beaches adjoining these sand dune areas lives the ghost crab (Ocypode cursor), an endangered species which has disappeared from many of our tourist beaches. This is now a protected species under the Fisheries Legislation, along with terrapins, sea turtles, dolphins and seals.
On the west coasts of Akamas, on the relatively remote beaches of Lara and Toxeftra, sea turtles lay their eggs. Both the Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas and the Loggerhead Turtle, Caretta, nest here. The Green Turtle, is the rarer in the Mediterranean and, with a population of probably less than 1000 nesting adults, is now in imminent danger of extinction in this sea. In the Mediterranean it now breeds mainly in Cyprus and in some beaches in Turkey. The sea turtles arrive here from various parts of the Mediterranean to lay their eggs. They nest in summer, from the beginning of June to the end of August. They nest every 14 days, laying 3-5 clutches of eggs in the season. Each time they lay about 100 eggs. They hatch some seven weeks later.
In the past Green turtles used to breed on other beaches in Cyprus also, on beaches such as those of Ayia Napa, Protaras and Potima. Some are now well-known tourist beaches; others have been ruined by sand extraction. Loggerhead turtles also nest in the Polis beaches and, in small numbers, on most other beaches which provide some privacy at night.
The Department of Fisheries started a programme in 1976 aiming at the conservation of the turtles that breed in Cyprus. In addition to other measures, a station-hatchery was set up at Lara in 1978. The project aims among other things at increasing recruitment of young turtles into the population. This is achieved through the protection of the turtle nests from various dangers such as predation by foxes and inundation by the sea. About 80% of the eggs laid on the beaches of Cyprus are either eaten by foxes (as eggs or hatchlings) or perish by getting covered by the sea. Each year some 6,000-7,000 young turtles are hatched either in hatchery or under protection in situ, and then set free. The Lara - Toxeftra area has, since 1989, the status of a protected area under the Fisheries Legislation, with management regulations in place during the nesting and hatching season.
In order to effectively tackle existing and potential threats to the sustainability of the area the issue of the Akamas is currently under study by a team of consultants, with the financial support of the European Union and the World Bank. The study aims at achieving the sustainable management of the area, that is, safeguarding its biodiversity and ecological integrity whilst securing a sustainable future for the area's population.
The orchids of cyprus
When you plan a visit to a new place, and want to see some of the natural history there, it is difficult to know where to look for the information you need.
If you are planning to visit Cyprus, and want to know where to find orchids there, you need look no further than a new book and video by Joan Hubbard and Pamela Scraton.
The book gives easy but detailed descriptions of all the orchids currently known to be found in Cyprus, with site details, and charts and calendars to help you plan your trip and identify what you find.
The video contains vivid digital photography which will enable you to learn before you come, identify orchids in unusual forms, and will provide you with a lasting record of the visit.
And because we know you will not have access to a VCR in the field, there are thumbnail reminders of each orchid at the back of the text.
All the video footage has been shot in the last twelve months, and contains the first published images of an orchid rediscovered by the authors after 40 years!
When is the main season?
February and March are good months for the spring orchids.
Most of the mountain species can be seen in mid-to-late June. These are the endemic orchids of Cyprus - just a few of the fascinating species you could find here, with the aid of this new book and video.
We have already had mail orders from six different European countries, and some very enthusiastic comments; the book and video are now on sale in Cyprus bookshops.
The Troodos mountains: Villages
Pitsillia
The Pitsillia area lies on the eastern slopes of the Troodos mountain range. Picturesque villages cling to the mountain side amid vineyards, orchards of almond and hazelnut trees, and an astonishing array of wild flowers. Pitsillia area is reached either from Limassol, on the Limassol-Ayios Theodoros-Agros Road, or Limassol-Kato Amiandos- Karvounas-Kyperounda road, or from Nicosia through Palaichori-Agros, or through Kakopetria-Karvounas- Kyperounda.
Louvaras
28 km north of Limassol on the south of the Troodos range, off the Limassol-Agros road. In the middle of the village is the small church of Ayios Mamas built in 1455 with wall paintings some signed by Philip Goul.
Agros
45 km north of Limassol through Ayios Theodoros, Agros is the centre of the district. It has a good dry climate, gardens of roses, cool springs and hotels for visitors.
A 19th century church in Byzantine style now stands on the site of a 9th century monastery of Panayia Eleousa Agrou, founded by monks from Constantinople.
Palaiochori
45 km south of Nicosia on the Nicosia- Agros-Limassol road, and 15 km from Agros. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour (tou Sotiros) is an early 16th century chapel on the hill overlooking the beautiful old village. Its interior is completely painted with one of the most accomplished series of murals, of the post-Byzantine period in Cyprus. The church of Panayia Chrysopantanassa was built in the 16th century and is the main church of the upper village.
Stavros Tou Ayiasmati At Platanistassa
Platanistassa village, 15 km from Agros, 30 km off the Nicosia-Astromeritis road, turning left before Peristerona village. A 15th century church, lying about 3 km outside this very pleasant old village, retains the most complete cycles of mural paintings of the second half of the 15th century in Cyprus. Visitors can ask for the key from the village priest. Panayia Tou Araka At Lagoudhera. Lagoudhera village, is 15 km from Agros or off the Kakopetria-Troodos-Limassol road (Karvounas crossroad). The 12th century church stands just outside the village with some of the finest frescoes of the late Comnenian style (I 192), prevailing throughout Greece, the Balkans and Russia. Together with Assinou church and that of Ayios Nikolaos tis Steghis, it is considered to be one of the most important Byzantine churches on the island. Visitors can ask for the key and be escorted by the priest who can be found in the premises next to the church.
Kourdhali
7 km off the Kakopetria-Troodos road, after Spilia village. The village's early 16th century church, containing frescoes of the same period, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panayia).
Pelendri
3 km below Kato Amiandos, off the Karvouna-Limassol road, 32 km from Limassol. Once the property of Jean de Lusignan, son of the Lusignan King of Cyprus, Hugh IV. There are two interesting churches, the 14th century church of Timiou Stavrou with beautiful wall paintings and the church of Panayia Katholiki in the middle of the old village which dates to the early 16th century with paintings of the ltato-Byzantine style.
The Cedar Valley area, including Tripylos, the peak behind Cedar Valley, has been declared as a Forest Reserve in which the fauna and flora are strictly protected. Central Troodos, encompassing an area of about 9.300 hectares, around Khionistra, has also been declared into a National Forest Park. Within this area four Nature Reserves, totalling about 220 hectares, have been set up.
There are several interesting walks in the Troodos area and several nature trails have been constructed by the Forestry Department in some of the most attractive areas. Some are:
The Artemis Trail is a circular trail seven km long around Khionistra (1.951 m) in the Black Pine region at about 1.850 m altitude. The flora of the area is very distinctive and includes many endemic species of plants characteristic of this summit. Bird watchers will occasionally sight birds such as the Cross-Bill, the Short-toed Tree creeper, the Haw Finch, the Blue Rock Thrush and the Imperial Eagle, as well as many other species.
The nine km Atalante Trail, named after the mythological forest nymph, starts in Troodos and finishes on the road to Prodromos. Like the Artemis nature trail, it has a rich plant life and spectacular scenery. The two km Caledonian Trail, called the "Trail of Nightingales," follows the Kryos River flowing from Troodos to Platres, winding down through the pine forest with Oriental Planes and Alders and many orchids and butterflies in late spring. Trout and freshwater crabs can be found in the river. They are both protected. The path continues past the Caledonian Falls for another one km or so to Platres.
The Persephone Trail (Makrya Kontarka), named after the Goddess of Spring, is only about three km long. Yet it offers fine views and notable botanical growth, especially lichens and ferns. Like all the other trails in this area, it is also interesting from a geological point of view.
A relatively new trail in the Pitsilia area around Madhari peak is very interesting from a botanical point of view. The Madhari Juniper can be found here reaching 20 or so metres in height. Peonies and many other plants can be seen in flower in late spring. The path offers exceptional views and spectacular gabbro rock formations. Several other trails have also recently been constructed in the Pitsilia area. There are such trails at Agros, Lagoudhera (ending up at Agiasmati), Alona and in other places.
A number of forest paths also traverse the more inaccessible forests. One such path starts at Kykko Monastery and winds through the forest to Cedar Valley while another one starts at Kykko and heads towards Alonoudi location.
Mountain resorts
Mountain Resorts - While most tourism is concentrated around the coastal resorts, the interior of the island offers a charm of its own. The undulating hillsides of the Troodos and Makheras mountains are spotted with hundreds of tiny villages which, especially in summer, offer a cool retreat from the hustle and bustle of the beaches. In winter the same mountains offer the option of alpine style holiday.
The highest point of the Troodos range is Mount Olympus, (1,952 metres) easily discernible from almost any place of the island. A little below it stands Troodos village. The summer seat of government during British rule, it now has a few hotels and restaurants, and an expanding ski area resort with four pistes - two beginners' slopes and intermediate and advanced runs on the north face. The skiing season lasts a couple of months a year, peaking in February.
Other favoured summer retreats in the mountains are the villages of Prodhomos, Pedhoulas and Platres. The latter is the most cosmopolitan of the mountain villages and was once a favourite summer home for the affluent from Limassol and Nicosia not to mention the wealthy regular visitors from neighbouring countries who spent their summer there. Their sumptuous stone-built holiday villas now line the narrow roads in the area. Today, however, many of these houses have been converted into guest houses, for city dwellers in the summer months, particularly during the annual holiday in August. Apart from this period, peace and tranquility reign.
Nestling lower down in a deep valley amidst poplars, fruit trees and vines is the village of Kakopetria. The old part of the village which climbs the hillside from a disused mill, has been declared an 'ancient monument' and restored to its former glory of cobbled streets and old stone houses.
The Makheras mountain range derives its name from the Monastery of Makheras situated about 25 miles from Nicosia. During Cyprus' struggle for independence from British rule in the late 1950s, the monastery harboured many fighters of the Cypriot independence movement, EOKA, including Gregoris Afxentiou, the second in command to the movement's leader, General Grivas. It was near the Makheras Monastery that Afxentiou fought a last ditch battle against British forces, preferring to be burned alive rather than surrender. His mountain hideout is now a place of pilgrimage for Greek Cypriots.
Cyprus' mountain villages are host to some of the most important examples of early Christian art. Part of the Byzantine Empire for almost 800 years, the island bore witness to one of the most creative periods of Christian church painting and architecture. Because of the island's remoteness this heritage escaped the religious conflicts of the time and, more especially, the destruction of the Iconoclasts. As a result the chapels, where people can wonder around with their beautiful religious frescoes, are living museums of Byzantine art spanning some five centuries of the Middle Ages.
In all there are some five thousand churches and chapels in Cyprus, five hundred of them with remains of their original frescoes and hundreds more housing ancient icons. Many of the churches retain apse mosaics of the early Byzantine period - exceptionally rare survivors of the Iconoclasts assault. Nine Cypriot churches containing especially fine examples of this church art were recently given the distinction of inclusion in UNESCO'S world heritage list. These churches are: Asinou, Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, St John's Monastery (Lambadistis), Panayia tou Moutoulla, Archangelos at Pedhoulas, Stavros at Pelendri, Panayia tou Araka at Lagoudera, Panayia tis Podithou at Galata and Stavros tou Ayiasmati near Platanistassa.
Marathassa Valley
This fertile valley, well known for its cherries on the north side of the Troodos range, offers an alternative route to Troodos, through the lovely mountain villages, such as Kalopanayiotis, Moutoullas, Pedhoulas and then up to Prodhromos and Kykko. The road is signposted to Kykko, and turns off the main Nicosia-Troodos road just below Evrykhou. Marathassa is also reached from Limassol-Platres-Prodhromos road (around 65 km from Limassol) .
Kalopanayiotis
The village is famous for its sulphur springs and the famous church of Aylos loannis Lampadistis. Originally a monastery, it is a complex of several buildings of various dates and contains excellent frescoes of the 13th and 15th centuries. One of the biggest religious fairs in the valley is held here on St. John's day, 4 October.
Moutollas
Less than a kilometre further up, is Moutoullas village with its tiny 13th century chapel of Panayia tou Moutoula, one of the earliest dated examples of the steep-pitched wooden roof type with frescoes dating back to 1280. Visitors can obtain the key from the adjacent house. Also at Moutoullas, the tradition continues for carved wooden basins.
Pedhoulas
The third village up the mountain is Pedhoulas, a summer resort famous for its cherries. The painted church of Archangel Michael stands in the lower part of the village and dates from 1474.
Visitors can obtain the key from the adjacent house, or leave a message for the village priest at the coffee shop.
Three old monasteries in Troodos
Kykko Monastery
20 km west of Pedhoulas village. The most famous and richest monastery in Cyprus. Founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it possesses one of the three surviving icons ascribed to St. Luke. The icon, covered in silver gilt and enclosed in a shrine of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, stands at the front of the iconostasis. The first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III served as a novice here. At his own wish, he was buried at Throni, 3 km west of the Monastery, not far from his native village of Panayia,
Religious fairs are held at Kykko on 15 August and 8 September.
Troodhitissa Monastery
5 km north west of Platres, (40 km from Limassol), on the Platres- Prodhromos road. A beautiful monastery standing amid pine trees, it was originally founded in the 13th century, but the present church dates from 1731. The church contains a priceless icon of the Virgin Mary brought from Asia Minor, plated with silver-gilt and many other valuable icons.
A large religious fair is held in the grounds on 15 August.
Mesa Potamos Monastery
Deserted monastery near Platres in an idyllic setting, which includes a nearby waterfall.
Close enough to touch, herds of grazing moufflon, or agrino - the shaggy mountain sheep indigenous to Cyprus, pass by and the clear mountain air is fragrant with lemon and orange from the groves below. Happily, a natural reserve in the heart of the region ensures that this wild beauty will remain forever. Along the way, each village will be glad to offer you its local specialty, whether that be a mountain goat cheese, a characterful Cypriot wine, fresh cherries or rosewater. And of course, because you're still on Cyprus, history and culture are never far away. Nine of Troodos's remarkable painted Byzantine churches have been listed on UNESCO's prestigious World Cultural Heritage List. The famous Kykkos and Trooditissa Monasteries are well worth a visit for their icons, frescoes, and inspiring architecture.
Nature Trails : Artemis / Atalante / Kaledonia / Persephone
The thick cedar and pine forests and sun soaked slopes of the Troodos region offer an unexpected contrast to the Mediterranean coast. All four nature trails are found in a state forest which, because of its particular importance, is classified as a National Forest Park, while some smaller areas with sensitive biotopes were chosen as Nature Reserves. Signs mark the presence of flora and fauna unique to Cyprus.
Cedar Valley/Stavros Tis Psokas
The Cedar Valley is a forest unlike any other in the Mediterranean. Its 200,000 indigenous cedar trees are of a type found exclusively in Cyprus and they provide the natural habitat for the moufflon, a breed of large mountain goat also believed to be unique to Cyprus. Rarely seen by man outside captivity the moufflon are protected species and the Cyprus Government has set up a national preserve for the breed at Stavros tis Psokas. Overnight accommodation is available at the Forest Station's guest house next to the preserve.