Cyprus is the third biggest island in the Mediterranean sea and blessed with a relatively large number of habitats, a mild climate and a significant altitude range (0 – 2,000 meters). It has a rich natural heritage, that we can enjoy (while protecting it) all year round, and places that can suit a plethora of outdoor activities. This section includes information on about 200 naturespots that we have divided in a number of subcategories.
Beaches
Cyprus beaches constitute one of the high value touristic asset of the island. There is a big selection and variety and visitors may find what suits their specific needs. Cosmopolitan to empty, white, golden, or dark sand, pebble or rocky, natural or improved, well organized to completely isolated, in green or desert like environments, still, lagoon to rough ocean like waters, Cyprus beaches have many combinations of properties.
Towards the east (Protaras and Ayia Napa), the beaches have gold or white sand, and the water is usually still (though it gets a little wavy in Ayia Napa in summer after noon). Further west on the south coast all the way to Paphos castle, there are many beaches that have wave breakers, and dark sand and/or pebble surfaces. The beaches close to the resorts and/or cities are invariably organized and very popular. One is likely to find peace and quiet in more isolated beaches like those in the east of Polis. To the east of Limassol there are beaches with the extraordinary combination of dark sand and white rock while on the west coast, the seas are rougher. Those seeking complete isolation should go to Lara coast (west side of the Akamas peninsula).
Beaches in Cyprus are clean, and more than 50 have been awarded the Blue flag eco-label (www.blueflag.org) while 30 have handicap facilities. The website has information on more than 70 beaches including the above.
Dams and lakes
You will find information on more than 20 important wetlands of Cyprus including the biggest dams. Many of these are very significant for birds and are prime birdwatchers spots, while most of the dams are open to angling (there are of course conditions and a permit is required). The dams, constructed over the last 45 years, can prove a big asset for ecotourism on the island and boost the economy of the local, rural communities, provided they are managed in an environmentally sustainable way. In 2007 there was a dramatic decrease in the water quantity in most dams. In 2008 the situation is considerably worse. The best solution to this is related to better water management and the shift to agricultural practices (and crops) that require little, if any, irrigation (eg, olive trees, carob, etc).
Trails
We have included more than 40 trails and hiking routes in the website. Many of them are official trails whereas others are routes that we have hiked and recommend to visitors. Our suggestions include a big part of the coast and many hikes in the forests. The great majority of these hikes are linear, rather easy and with a length of less than 10 km. There are endless other possibilities for hiking on the island, so feel free to explore and compose your own route.
Bridges
We have included information on 5 Venetian bridges on the island. Even though they are not part of its natural heritage, they are nevertheless directly related to the island’s rivers, and they are noteworthy architectural structures. Most of them are in Paphos forest, in the west part of the island.
Waterfalls
The island has very small waterfalls. We have added 4 of them in Platres area, that usually have water all year round, because they are found in beautiful surroundings and are well worth a visit, especially when combined with other attractions in the area.
Ancient tree
The website includes information on tens of trees that have been declared as “Natural monuments”. Each of these may have been chosen using different criteria, but all of them are more than 100 years old, while a few are over a thousand years old. Obviously they deserve our admiration and respect. Many of these trees are huge. They are scattered around rural Cyprus.
National Parks
We have included information on a few national parks that we consider to be excellent places to spend at least a few days exploring.
Others
We have also included a number of sea caves on the website. We are not encouraging you to enter the caves but rather to explore their surroundings. If you are going to enter, please make sure that you do not disturb bats, or any other animals that may have found refuge in them.
Besides numerous site visits over decades and the study of books and other sources of information, our investigation of the various naturespots also included interview of locals.