Athalassa National Forest Park in Nicosia — Republic of Cyprus 2026
Athalassa National Forest Park in Nicosia is one of the most convenient green zones in the capital region of the Republic of Cyprus. The park is free to enter, located in the Aglantzia area, and is perfect for walking, running, cycling, and trips with children. According to official data, its area covers 840 hectares, with a trail network of about 20 kilometers. The botanical garden is open daily and is free of charge, while a visit to the Visitor Centre costs 1 EUR for adults and children over 6 years old; for children under 6, entry is free. It is best to check the Visitor Centre's opening hours separately before visiting, as official sources publish slightly different schedules.
Below is an article with practical information: where the park is located, what is inside, why it is convenient for everyday recreation, and what to consider before your trip.
- What Athalassa Park is like
- Education and Visitor Centre
- Flora, Fauna, and Botanical Garden
- Things to do in the park
- Practical information
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Athalassa Park is like
The official name is Athalassa National Forest Park. The park is located on the southeastern outskirts of Nicosia, in the Aglantzia district, and is considered one of the capital's main green lungs. This is not a remote natural location, but specifically an urban forest park, convenient for a short walk after work or a half-day outing with the family.
The main advantage of Athalassa is the combination of scale and accessibility. For Nicosia, this is a rare format where you can quickly reach a large natural area without traveling far out of the city. The park is ideal for walking, cycling, birdwatching, and relaxing in the shade.
Education and Visitor Centre
The Athalassa Visitor Centre, also known as the Centre for Environmental Information and Education, operates within the park. It features exhibition halls, a lecture hall, a small shop, and materials regarding the park's flora, fauna, geology, and recreational opportunities. A small botanical garden and geological samples are located on the adjacent grounds.
It is important for visitors to distinguish between the park itself and the center. Entry to the park is free, while entry to the museum and educational part of the center costs 1 EUR for adults and children over 6 years old. For children under 6, entry is free.
The center is open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 15:30 and is closed on weekends and holidays. However, the Department of Forests page for the information and education center lists a schedule of 08:00 to 14:30 on weekdays. Therefore, it is better to confirm the current schedule by phone before your visit.
Flora, Fauna, and Botanical Garden
The park is known not only as a walking area but also as a convenient site for environmental education. Both native and planted species of trees and shrubs grow here. Materials about the park typically mention pines, acacias, eucalyptuses, carob trees, and wild olives.
Athalassa is particularly interesting for birdwatching. The presence of two reservoirs makes it a notable spot for aquatic and migratory species. Popular descriptions of the park list 173 bird species, as well as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and other insects.
The Athalassa Botanical Garden deserves separate mention. According to the Department of Forests, it is the oldest botanical garden of its kind in the Republic of Cyprus; it is part of the park and occupies about 4.5 hectares. For those interested in local plants and ecological trails, this is one of the most useful sections within the entire territory.
Things to do in the park
Athalassa serves several purposes at once. People come here to walk, run, cycle, relax with children, walk dogs in permitted zones, and simply spend a few hours in nature without traveling far from the center of Nicosia.
The original article specifically mentioned a 16-kilometer bicycle path. In practice, this makes the park one of the most convenient options in the capital area for an easy cycling route without difficult terrain. For walkers, the total network of paths in the park reaches approximately 20 kilometers.
If you want to combine a walk in the park with other green routes and natural areas near the capital, you can also check the material on national parks of the Republic of Cyprus.
Practical information
How to do it
- Choose what you need: a short walk, a bike ride, a picnic, or a visit to the education center.
- If you want to visit the Visitor Centre specifically, check the current opening hours by phone in advance, as official sources vary.
- For navigation, you can use the map point and approach from the side of Aglantzia and Keryneias Avenue.
- If you are traveling by bus, it is more convenient to check the route in advance via Cyprus By Bus.
- For walking in the summer, it is best to bring water, a hat, and arrive in the morning or closer to the evening.
Free parking is available near the education center. You can also use the parking in the southern part of the park.
If you are planning a short trip to Nicosia and want to stay near the park or in the capital's center, accommodation options can be viewed in advance on Ostrovok. For traveling around Nicosia and the surrounding areas by car, it is convenient to compare rentals on Localrent.
If you are flying into the Republic of Cyprus via Larnaca and do not want to look for transport on-site, you can check transfers to Nicosia in advance on KiwiTaxi. For travel medical insurance during your trip, you can conveniently view options on EKTA Traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Athalassa Park located?
The park is located in the Aglantzia area on the southeastern outskirts of Nicosia. It is one of the most accessible large green zones in the capital region of the Republic of Cyprus.
How much does entry to Athalassa Park cost?
Entry to the park itself is free. Only entry to the Visitor Centre is paid: 1 EUR for adults and children over 6 years old, while children under 6 enter for free.
When is the education center open?
Official sources indicate a weekday schedule and closure on weekends and holidays, but the hours vary slightly. Therefore, it is best to clarify the schedule by calling the center before your visit.
Are there bike paths in the park?
Yes. Athalassa is considered one of Nicosia's most convenient parks for easy cycling routes. Popular descriptions specifically mention a 16-kilometer bicycle path.
Can I walk my dog?
Yes, but there are specially designated zones for dogs. For a regular walk, it is best to follow the signs inside the park.
What makes the park interesting besides walking?
In addition to the trails and reservoirs, there is a visitor centre, a botanical garden, materials on geology, flora, and fauna, as well as excellent conditions for birdwatching and family visits.
Author
I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…