Cyprus for All Seasons
One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, whether it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying cultural sites and festivals (all year long).
An ideal way to get a feel for the countryside of Cyprus is to walk through it - literally. There are hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty throughout the country, with the most extensive network found in the delightful Troodos Mountains. Some of these are within walking distance of the major monasteries. All told more than 48 well signposted paths or trails cover a total distance of 200 kilometres in various parts of the island.
Three Days In Central Cyprus
The Troodos Mountains area boasts four distinctive signposted nature trails. The circular, seven-kilometre long Artemis Trail is at the 1850 metre level and encompasses endemic flora such as Cyprus crocus and orchids under the black pines, as well as rich avian life that includes blue rock thrush and imperial eagles.
The Atalanti Trail, named after a forest nymph, is nine kilometers long.
At four kilometres, the Kalidonia Trail (also known as the Trail of Nightingales) criss-crosses the Kryo Potamo stream as it flows from the Troodos to Platres. The final portion of the trail begins under a wooden archway and leads to the Caledonean Falls.
The three-kilometre Persephone Trail affords up-close looks at beautiful lichens and ferns.
A Day in Akamas
Still basing yourself in Paphos, explore the Akamas Peninsula, a rugged thumb-shaped strip of land criss-crossed by rocky hiking trails. From the Aphrodite Trail hikers have spectacular views of rock formations, limestone outcroppings, cliffs and boulders sculpted into odd shapes suspended in the sea. Both the Aphrodite Trail and Adonis Trail branch out from the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural grotto.
On the other, western side of the peninsula is Avakas Gorge, popular as a day trip excursion from Paphos by jeep. Several outfits organize 4X4 jeep trips all year long, the majority leaving from the Paphos District. Most of the excursions include a stop at Lara Beach, a protected nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. All of the settings are pristine, so be sure to bring Your camera!
One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, whether it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying cultural sites and festivals (all year long).
An ideal way to get a feel for the countryside of Cyprus is to walk through it - literally. There are hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty throughout the country, with the most extensive network found in the delightful Troodos Mountains. Some of these are within walking distance of the major monasteries. All told more than 48 well signposted paths or trails cover a total distance of 200 kilometres in various parts of the island.
Three Days In Central Cyprus
The Troodos Mountains area boasts four distinctive signposted nature trails. The circular, seven-kilometre long Artemis Trail is at the 1850 metre level and encompasses endemic flora such as Cyprus crocus and orchids under the black pines, as well as rich avian life that includes blue rock thrush and imperial eagles.
The Atalanti Trail, named after a forest nymph, is nine kilometers long.
At four kilometres, the Kalidonia Trail (also known as the Trail of Nightingales) criss-crosses the Kryo Potamo stream as it flows from the Troodos to Platres. The final portion of the trail begins under a wooden archway and leads to the Caledonean Falls.
The three-kilometre Persephone Trail affords up-close looks at beautiful lichens and ferns.
A Day in Akamas
Still basing yourself in Paphos, explore the Akamas Peninsula, a rugged thumb-shaped strip of land criss-crossed by rocky hiking trails. From the Aphrodite Trail hikers have spectacular views of rock formations, limestone outcroppings, cliffs and boulders sculpted into odd shapes suspended in the sea. Both the Aphrodite Trail and Adonis Trail branch out from the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural grotto.
On the other, western side of the peninsula is Avakas Gorge, popular as a day trip excursion from Paphos by jeep. Several outfits organize 4X4 jeep trips all year long, the majority leaving from the Paphos District. Most of the excursions include a stop at Lara Beach, a protected nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. All of the settings are pristine, so be sure to bring Your camera!
