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 Hiking, Biking & Skiing in Cyprus

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Hiking in Cyprus

There are more than 200 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails on the island, including a number of popular hiking routes such as those in Troodos area, the Akamas Peninsula, the Aphrodite Trail, the Adonis Trail branch and the Avakas Gorge. Trails are signposted, giving hikers information on the local flora, fauna and geology.

In the summer it may not be advisable to walk in high temperatures during the middle of the day. 

  • Wear good walking boots, especially on the rocky trials. 
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses 
  • Carry a water bottle at all times, throughout the year. 
  • Watch out for snakes (see below)

Note: it is forbidden under the Forestry Act to:

  • Litter
  • Cut plants and flowers 
  • Light fires outside safe fire areas
  • Damage any structures 

Note too: you should dress appropriately to enter monasteries and churches.

Hiking Trails

The CTO has information on some walks and nature trails. Well marked trails can be found in the following areas:

  • National Forest Park Athalassa: Nicosia
  • Pitsylia Area: Nicosia District
  • Machairas Forest, Lefkara, Kato Drys, Vavatsinia: Nicosia/Larnaca Districts
  • Kavo Greco: Famagusta District (6 trails) 
  • Protaras Area: Famagusta District (3 trails)
  • Stavros tis Psokas: Paphos District (5 trails)
  • Akamas: Paphos District (5 trails)
  • Kyparissia - Germasogeia: Limassol District (3 trails)
  • Troodos Area: Nicosia/Limassol Districts (over 10 trails)

There are two nature trails for the disabled:

  • Kampos tou Leivadiou in the Troodos area is a 1.6 kilometre circular walk
  • Mandra tou Kampiou in the Machairas forest in a 1 kilometre circular walk

Further Information

  • Cyprus: the Great Outdoors: an AngloINFO INFOrmation Page 
  • Forestry Department
    At: Leoforos Louki Akrita, CY 1414 Nicosia
    Tel: 22 805 510
Snakes in Cyprus

There are eight species of snakes, three of which are venomous but only one is dangerous to man: the Vipera lebetina or Blunt Nosed Viper. In case of a snakebite by this viper, medical attention should be sought immediately. It's a front-fanged, fat snake, identifiable by the "blunt nose" and dull grey/brownish shade. It typically reaches 130 cm in length. Wells, streams, shaded areas under rocks or shrubs are the most common resting spots for this snake. All snakes are most active during the summer. 

Mountain Biking & Cycling in Cyprus

The Cyprus Cycling Federation is a member of the International Cycling Union. It organises events, races and non-race cycling activities, and has information on cycle routes.

Cyprus also offers many opportunities for mountain biking. Facilities for renting bikes are available in larger towns and sea-side resorts.

Note: You must wear a helmet. Helmets can be hired from any of the mountain biking organisations.

Further Information

Winter Skiing

The ski season in Cyprus is generally runs between January and April.

The Cyprus Ski Club has four ski lifts reaching 8 alpine ski runs on the slopes of Mount Olympus (1,951 metres). The runs accommodate all skiers, from beginner to advanced levels. There are also cross country ski tracks. 

Up to date information on piste and ski conditions and what facilities are open is available on the official website of the Cyprus Ski Club

Downhill and cross country ski equipment can be rented.

There are two hotels in the Troodos Square area, both of which are about 2 kilometres from the ski resort. In addition, there are many more hotels in the surrounding villages.

Mount Olympus is about 3 kilometres from Troodos hill resort, 12 kilometres from Platres hill resort, and about an hour's drive from the seaside town of Limassol.

  • Access direction Limassol: take the highway leading to the city of Limassol and follow signs to the Troodos area.
  • Access from Nicosia: take the highway following directions to Troodos. It takes about one hour to reach Troodos.

Further information