Athalassa National Park
This park is located very close to the island's capital and serves as the city's green lungs.
Athalassa Forest Park
Officially named Athalassa National Forest Park, this green space is located within the city limits, on the southeastern outskirts of the capital. Besides the park itself, visitors can learn a lot at the educational center.
Athalassa National Forest Park is an 840-hectare green oasis, home to numerous endemic and introduced trees, shrubs, and grasses. A 20-kilometer network of trails makes it a popular spot for cycling, walking, and dog walking (in designated areas).
Athalassa Park Educational Center
The center is part of the environmental education program of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus. It offers one-day and multi-day programs starting at 9:00 AM and ending at 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM, respectively. The programs include interactive learning. A mini-museum is also located here.
The Athalassa Educational and Tourist Center is situated on the northeastern edge of the park, at the corner of Kyrenia and Athalassa Avenues. The center's buildings are restored government premises from the 1930s, which were primarily used as stables until 1963. Restoration began in 1996 and was completed in 2004. The center opened to visitors in May 2004.
Park Flora and Fauna
The forest features shrubs and herbaceous plants such as sunflowers, periwinkle, thyme, pallium, and fennel. Most of the trees are not native but were planted.
The tree population mainly consists of pines, acacias, eucalyptus trees, carob trees, and wild olive trees.
The fauna of Athalassa National Forest Park includes a diverse array of birds, mostly migratory waterfowl due to the presence of two reservoirs. A total of 173 bird species, 7 mammal species, 6 reptile species, 2 amphibian species, several butterfly species, and numerous insects have been recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Athalassa Park
Are there cycling paths in Athalassa Park?
A 16-km cycling path was created in Athalassa National Forest Park at the initiative of the Forestry Department. It is an easy route suitable for all types of bicycles, with a paved road.
How much does entry to the educational center cost?
While entry to the park is free, admission to the museum section of the educational center costs 1 euro for visitors aged 6 and above.
What are the operating hours of the Athalassa Park Educational Center?
Unfortunately, the center is closed on weekends and official holidays. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. For more information, call +357 22 462 943.
Where is the best place to park in Athalassa Park?
Free parking is available near the educational center. Here are the coordinates: 35.135817665473716, 33.405447651420424. Another parking area is located in the southern part of the park at these coordinates: 35.122570856775646, 33.3826594815045.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…