Hiking, Biking & Skiing in Cyprus

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Hiking, Biking & Skiing in Cyprus

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, high temperatures during the middle of the day can make outdoor activity dangerous. It is suggested to take the following precautions:

• Wear good walking boots, especially on rocky trails
• Wear a hat and sunglasses 
• Keep hydrated; carry a water bottle at all times
• Watch out for snakes (see below)

Note that it is forbidden under the Forestry Act to:

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

It is recommended to dress appropriately to enter monasteries and churches (shoulders should be covered, shorts, short skirts and low-cut attire should not be worn).

Hiking Trails

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has information on walks and nature trails on the island. 

• Cyprus Tourism Association (CTO)
  At: 19 Leof. Lemesou, Nicosia
  Tel: 22 691 100
  Website
• For contact information for tourist information offices throughout Cyprus, see The AngloFILE category, Tourist Offices & Information 

Well-marked trails can be found in the following areas:

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

There are two nature trails for the disabled:

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

Snakes in Cyprus

There are eight species of snakes in Cyprus, three of which are venomous but only one which 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. The Blunt Nosed Viper is 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. The Coin Snake is commonly mistaken for the Blunt Nosed Viper as they are similar in appearance. All snakes are most active during the summer. 

• For images and information from Rüdiger Preiss on Vipera Lebetina (Blunt Nosed Viper or Levantine Viper): Click here
• For information from kypros-cyprus.com on snakes in Cyprus: Click here
• For information from Snake George's Reptile Park on amphibians and reptiles in Cyprus: Click here 

Cycling in Cyprus

As the professional cycling teams that train in Cyprus can attest to, Cyprus can be a cyclist's paradise with it's good weather and relatively quiet country roads. 

• For a list of road and mountain bike routes in Cyprus from the Cyprus Holiday Guide: Click here

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) website has a searchable list of bike routes in Cyprus. 

• For the CTO website Click here

Bike rentals are available in larger towns and sea-side resorts and from guided cycling tour companies.

Drivers may not be accustomed to sharing the road with riders, so it is important to ride defensively and with awareness. It is recommended to wear a helmet.

To avoid being caught out riding in the dark, it is worth noting that dusk is short and night falls quickly in Cyprus.

Mountain biking

With it's varied terrain, many fire roads and donkey tracks as well as fantastic views, Cyprus can be a great place to mountain bike. Most tracks are not mapped, so some riders may find it worthwhile to initially hire a guide.

During the hotter months of the year, the Troodos mountains is an excellent place for riding as temperatures are cooler than on the coast.  

Winter Skiing

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

The Cyprus Ski Federation & Club has four ski lifts reaching 8 alpine ski runs on the slopes of Mount Olympus (elevation 1,951 metres). The Hera and Zeus lifts service the runs on the North Face of Mount Olympus while the Aphrodite and Hermes lifts service runs in Sun Valley. The runs accommodate skiers of all levels and ski schools are on site. Cross-country ski tracks are also available. The Mount Olympus ski area has a restaurant and two cafes.

• For up-to-date information on ski and road conditions and what facilities are open, see the Cyprus Ski Federation & Club website: Click here
• Olympus Ski School
  Tel: 99 428 116
• Troodos Ski School
  Tel: 99 443 450

Downhill and cross country ski equipment can be rented on the North Face (Zeus lift) and at the Ski Shop in the Sun Valley area. It is recommended to arrive early to rent the best equipment.

There are two hotels in the Troodos Square area, about 2 Km from the ski resort. There are many more hotels in the surrounding villages of Kakopetria and Platres. Winter is considered the low season, so prices are lower than in the summer.

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.

Ski clubs

There are four ski clubs in Cyprus: Nicosia Ski Club, Famagusta Ski Club, Limassol Ski Club and Troodos Ski Club. 

• For information about the Nicosia Ski Club: Click here
• Nicosia Ski Club
  Tel: 22 675 340
  Fax: 22 669 681
• Famagusta Ski Club
  Tel: 25 566 099
• Limassol Ski Club
  Tel: 25 579 919
• Troodos Ski Club
  Tel: 25 420 230

Ski club members receive a discount on rentals at the Sun Valley Ski Shop. 

Related Information

• For information on other outdoor activities, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Cyprus: the Great Outdoors
• Cyprus Forestry Department
  At: Louki Akrita, CY 1414 Nicosia
  Tel: 22 805 531
  To report forest fires: 1407

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