NATIONAL PARKS OF CYPRUS

Cyprus is beautiful in every place, but there are special natural areas that differ from other parts of the island and are protected by the state.

Access to nature reserves is free, but there are a number of restrictions - for example, you cannot make fires or hunt. Here is a list of specially protected natural areas in the southern part of the island.

• Athalassa National Park
• Ayios Nikandros National Park
• Cape Greco National Park
• Machairas National Park
• Pedagogical Academy National Park
• Petra tou Romiou National Park
• Polemidia National Park
• Rizoelia National Park
• Troodos National Park
• Akamas National Park
• Liopetri Forest

Top 5 Natural Parks in Cyprus

• Akamas National Park
• Polemidia Forest Park
• Pedagogical Academy Park
• Troodos National Park
• Cape Greco National Park

Akamas National Park

The Akamas Peninsula is located near Paphos and covers 230 square kilometers of land, much of which remains untouched by urban development. Here grow over 530 local plants and endemic animals inhabit, for observing all of this, there are many nature trails in the park. Thrill-seekers can discover roads ideal for off-road driving that lead to breathtaking views. Near the Akamas Peninsula is the famous Avakas Gorge.

Polemidia Forest Park

Polemidia Park, located on a hill in the suburbs of Limassol, boasts pine, cypress, eucalyptus, olive, and carob tree groves. Among the park's vegetation, you can have coffee and snacks in the buffet. But our advice is to take everything with you and use the picnic tables under the trees. For walkers, there is a circular walking trail next to an asphalted cycle path. The park sometimes hosts events and weddings, as the Panayia Glykiotissa church is nearby. Its proximity to Limassol makes it a great viewpoint.

Pedagogical Academy Park

This large green park in Nicosia offers picnic areas, walking paths, cycling routes, dining spots, and a children's playground. Covering an area of 45 hectares, this park is suitable for families and those looking to relax among trees or meet friends. Its location is very convenient for residents of the capital - just two kilometers from the city center, allowing you to enjoy nature without leaving Nicosia.

Troodos National Park

Troodos is undoubtedly the largest and most famous of all the island's national parks, covering an area of over 9000 hectares. The park offers many facilities, including picnic areas with wooden tables, playgrounds, toilets, and drinking water points. There are three campsites, two for short stays and one for longer stays. Within the park, visitors can walk along 10 marked hiking trails with a total length of 57 kilometers. In the park's forests, you can see some endemic animal and plant species of Cyprus.

• How to get from Limassol to Troodos
• How to get from Paphos to Troodos
• Ski resort in Troodos
• UNESCO churches in Troodos

Cape Greco National Park

If you want to explore the coastal landscape of the island, then Cape Greco National Park is the best place to do so. The park consists of a cycling trail, a network of hiking trails totaling 16 kilometers, and natural attractions such as sea caves and the chapel of Ayios Anargyros, where many wedding ceremonies take place. Along the coastline, you will find crystal clear blue waters, with some areas accessible by stairs for a swim, while some swimmers dive directly from the cliffs. The park is perfect for long walks or bike rides against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

• More about Cape Greco: how to get there, viewpoints, and other details

Frequently Asked Questions about Cyprus Parks

Which parks have vineyards?

Grapes are grown in the Troodos mountains, so vineyards can be found in the park of the same name. There are also quite a few wineries in the villages there. Check out our article on Cypriot wineries — you can combine a stroll in the park with a wine tasting.

Can you reach the parks by public transport?

Yes, public transport goes to all parks — in Akamas, there's a bus from Paphos, in Polemidia, a bus from Limassol, in the Academy Park, a city bus from Nicosia, in Troodos, buses from Limassol and Paphos, and in Cape Greco, a bus from Larnaca to Protaras.

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