Short Distance Trails

Before the technological revolution and the dominance of the motor vehicle, paths and cart tracks made up the main road network in Cyprus and were the only link between villages and towns. Nowadays, cart tracks have virtually disappeared, while most paths are now covered in thick vegetation. The few that remain are used mainly for exercise, nature study and recreation.

With financial support from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the Forestry Department has created a number of trails in various parts of the island, from Cape Gkreko in the southeast to the Akamas peninsula in the west. These have been carefully designed to cover areas of rich natural vegetation and cultural interest. They have been landscaped on gentle gradients and are, as a rule, circular so that all age groups can use them with ease. ln many cases, there are signposts in place, to indicate a trail starting point, as well as flora and geological features along the route.

Although hiking in Cyprus can be enjoyed throughout the year, the recommended seasons are during late autumn (November) and spring, when the Cyprus countryside and forest areas are in full bloom.

Degree of difficulty of trails

Αll nature trails are divided into 3 categories of difficulty as follows:

Category 1: Easy trail, with gentle gradient. Suitable for all ages and state of fitness.

Category 2: Medium degree of difficulty, suitable for adults in generally average to good state of fitness. Sudden changes in gradίent (uphill and/or downhill), and/or course along narrow or rοugh terrain.

Category 3: Ηίgh degree of difficulty. Route with difficult terrain such as sudden changes in gradient (uphill and/or downhill), course along particularly rough and/or slippery, and/or narrow, and/or steep terrain. Suitable for adults in generally good to very good state of fitness.

USEFUL ADVICE

Wear footwear suitable for walking on cross country terrain.
Wear a hat and sunglasses and carry an ample supply of water at all times.
Entrance to monasteries and churches is permitted only to persοns suitably attired.
When you walk:
- Respect the property of others
- avoid any disturbance and destructίοn
- do not leave behind litter
- show cοnsίderatίοn for animals and wildlife and avoid dίsturbίng them in their natural surrοundίng
- leave flοwers and plants where they grow
- take care not to cause fires

In Cyprus there are 8 species of snake, of which only one is dangerous to man. In case of a snake bite by the Vipera lebetina, medical attention should be sought immediately. Wells are the most dangerous spots.
Picnic sites contain sanitary facilities and drinking water. Most also have facilities for barbecues.
When attempting to walk ονer remote mοuntaίn or rural areas it is highly recommended you have access to a mobile telephone.
Forestry Department: Τel 2280510