National Parks of the Republic of Cyprus — What to See in 2026

If you are looking specifically at the official National Forest Park status in the Republic of Cyprus, Department of Forests public materials list nine such parks: Pedagogical Academy, Potamos Liopetriou, Athalassa, Troodos, Cape Greco, Polemidia, Rizoelia, Agios Nikandros, and Petra tou Romiou. At the same time, Akamas remains one of the island's main natural areas, but in the official list of National Forest Parks, it is usually not listed as a separate park. For a first trip, travelers most often choose Troodos, Cape Greco, Athalassa, Petra tou Romiou, and Akamas as the largest protected natural area.

Below is an updated and corrected list of natural parks and protected forest areas in the Republic of Cyprus, which is convenient for starting nature trips: where there are more trails, where a picnic is more convenient, where to go for the sea, and where for the forest and mountain routes.

• Official list of National Forest Parks
• Top 5 parks for a first trip
• Which parks and natural areas are worth seeing
• What to consider before visiting
• Frequently Asked Questions

Official list of National Forest Parks

The public list of the Department of Forests for the Republic of Cyprus includes the following National Forest Parks:

• Athalassa National Forest Park
• Agios Nikandros National Forest Park
• Cape Greco National Forest Park
• Pedagogical Academy National Forest Park
• Potamos Liopetriou National Forest Park
• Polemidia National Forest Park
• Petra tou Romiou National Forest Park
• Rizoelia National Forest Park
• Troodos National Forest Park

This is an important clarification for the article: Akamas, Avakas Gorge, and other famous natural areas in the west of the Republic of Cyprus are very popular with tourists, but in practical guides, it is better to separate them from the official list of National Forest Parks.

Top 5 parks for a first trip

• Troodos
• Cape Greco
• Athalassa
• Petra tou Romiou
• Akamas

Which parks and natural areas are worth seeing

Akamas

Akamas remains one of the main natural areas of the Republic of Cyprus and one of the strongest destinations for a day trip from Paphos. The peninsula is known for the Aphrodite, Adonis, and Smigies trails, as well as routes near the Avakas Gorge. In recent years, information centers have also been developing in the region: a center for Akamas avifauna and flora operates in Kathikas, and a geological-paleontological center in Pano Arodes. For practical choice, this is not the most convenient park without a car, but it is one of the strongest in terms of landscape and biodiversity.

If you want to add an excursion with a local guide around Paphos, Akamas, or neighboring villages to your trip, you can check options on Tripster.

Polemidia National Forest Park

Polemidia remains a good option for a short walk near Limassol. It is not the most famous park for a tourist trip around the Republic of Cyprus, but it is a convenient green zone for locals and for those who do not want to drive far into the mountains. The park is better suited for a walk, a picnic, and a small nature outing than for a full day of trekking.

Pedagogical Academy Park

The Pedagogical Academy Park in Nicosia is convenient because it is a green zone in an urban environment. It is usually chosen not as the number one tourist destination, but as an accessible city park for walking, relaxing with children, and meeting in the fresh air. For residents of the capital, this is one of the most practical options to get out into nature without a long journey.

Troodos National Forest Park

Troodos remains the main mountain park of the Republic of Cyprus and the most versatile option for a trip at any time of the year. The current Visit Cyprus tourist guide states that the park covers about 9,300 hectares and has 10 picnic areas, 4 campsites, and 15 nature trails. The Troodos Environmental Centre operates near Troodos Square, and a botanical garden and geopark facilities are located on the Karvounas – Troodos road. This is the best option if you need forest, coolness, long routes, and mountain views.

• 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 Forest Park

Cape Greco remains the most spectacular coastal park in the Republic of Cyprus. It is especially convenient for those vacationing in Ayia Napa or Protaras who want to combine a walk, viewpoints, sea caves, and short trails without a long drive. Current Visit Cyprus materials indicate that the park covers about 385 hectares and is part of Natura 2000. It is convenient to plan a hike here along the Aphrodite Trail or the Sea Caves – Agioi Anargyroi route.

Athalassa National Forest Park

Athalassa is one of the most convenient parks near Nicosia. The official Visit Cyprus page states that the park occupies 840 hectares, and the network of trails reaches 20 kilometers. This is one of the best options for walking, running, cycling, and family outings without having to drive far from the city. If you need the most accessible park in the capital area, you should start with Athalassa.

Petra tou Romiou National Forest Park

Petra tou Romiou is interesting because it combines a protected natural area with one of the most famous viewpoints in the Republic of Cyprus. Visit Cyprus materials indicate an area of approximately 350 hectares. People come here not for a long hike, but for the views, short walks, and to learn about the geology and legends of the region. This is one of the best options for a stop on the way between Paphos and Limassol.

Rizoelia National Forest Park

Rizoelia is located in the Larnaca district and is more often perceived as a local green zone than a major separate tourist destination. It is a quiet option for a short walk and a small nature outing. For a first trip to the Republic of Cyprus, it is usually chosen less often than Troodos or Cape Greco, but for Larnaca residents, it is a convenient location near the city.

Agios Nikandros National Forest Park

Agios Nikandros is a small park from the official list of National Forest Parks. It is more often considered a local protected forest area rather than a major tourist attraction of the Republic of Cyprus. If the task is to see the most spectacular natural locations, other parks are usually chosen first, but for the sake of completeness, this park is important.

Potamos Liopetriou National Forest Park

Potamos Liopetriou is included in the official list of National Forest Parks, but it is rarely mentioned in standard tourist selections of Republic of Cyprus nature. In a practical sense, this is not the park you visit for the island's main views, but rather one of the protected green areas of the Ammochostos region.

What to consider before visiting

How to do it

1. First, decide what format you need: a city park without a long drive, a coastal walk, or a full mountain day.
2. For a first trip to the Republic of Cyprus, it is often more convenient to choose Troodos, Cape Greco, Athalassa, Petra tou Romiou, or Akamas.
3. If short and simple routes are important, it is better to look at Athalassa, Cape Greco, and Petra tou Romiou.
4. If you need full-scale hiking, coolness, and long trails, Troodos is the best fit; for the western part of the island — Akamas.
5. For a trip to natural zones outside the city, it is better to rely on a car: public transport is not available everywhere and not for all starting points of the routes.

If you plan to travel by car between Troodos, Akamas, Cape Greco, and other natural locations, you can compare rental options here: Localrent.

For a 1–2 day trip near the parks, it is convenient to check accommodation in Paphos, Troodos, Ayia Napa, or Larnaca in advance on Ostrovok.

In most parks and protected natural areas of the Republic of Cyprus, standard restrictions apply: fires are not allowed outside specially designated areas, trash must be taken with you, and it is better to stick to official trails on the routes. For mountainous and remote locations, you should consider the season, weather, water supply, and communication in advance. If you need travel medical insurance, you can check options on EKTA Traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which parks have vineyards?

Grapes grow in the Troodos Mountains, so there are vineyards in this region as well. There are also quite a few wineries in the villages there. You can combine a walk in the park with a trip to the wineries: wineries of the Republic of Cyprus.

Is it possible to reach the parks by public transport?

It is possible to reach some parks and natural areas, but in practice, accessibility depends heavily on the specific route and season. For Troodos and Akamas, a car usually makes the trip significantly more convenient. If you need a transfer in advance from the airport to the city or resort before going to the park, you can check options on KiwiTaxi.