Variety of Nature Hiking In Limassol

The only way to truly know a place is to somatically experience it; or tradition would say to ‘walk it’. An amazing number of 52 trails have been developed , designated and signposted to really highlight the rich fauna and flora on the island of Cyprus. There is a hidden element and depth present away from the large urban areas of Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Nicosia. A cornucopia of nature to discover and
explore.

For it’s less than large size Cyprus hosts an almost unparalleled variety of outdoors activities. Not limited to bicycling to mountain biking to off-roading and hiking as ways to really experience Cyprus uncovered. Yet the favourite of so many; to misrepresent a famous brands slogan is to ‘just walk it.’

Despite certain small Limassol villages and natural areas experiencing some fairly serious forest fires in 2021. One of the perils of continued climate change. The island is growing in popularity and is bursting with life and greenery. Hiking is increasing in demand in Limassol and given the low bar to entry and physical and mental benefits, it is easy to understand why.

There is just so much variety. At around 1908 different plants and sub species on the island, the calculation is impressive; these can be best seen on a walk. This big number includes alien and native plants. There are around 142 endemic plants in Cyprus, which comprise the most important part of the island’s flora. Cyprus’ forests are mostly natural woodlands of great biodiversity and ecological importance. The Calabrian pine is the main forest tree that can be spotted whilst hiking; found from the coastal area until an altitude of up to 1,200-1,400 metres, whilst the Black pine is of prime coverage in the higher areas of Troodos. Beside rivers and those areas proximate to this; the Oriental plane and the alder are prominent for walkers, whilst there are other tree species found on a smaller scale such as the Cyprus Cedar and the Mediterranean Cypress.

There are large areas of simple shrubland and bush. At a slightly higher altitude Golden Oak can be spotted on its own whilst trekking, in unmixed forests or together with pines in the lower altitude you will find maquis shrubland with dominant species Phoenician Juniper, the wild Olive tree and the Mastic tree and the Calabrian pine. All of these can be spotted whilst on a hike or walk.

Article by
Daniel Sieff
Contributor at Rejuvenation Hiking Limassol Cyprus