Countryside Activities
Challenging, physical, fulfilling and fun are just a few of the words used by climbers to describe their sport which until now has remained one of Cyprus' best kept secrets.
It is not surprising that local climbers are tempted to keep the island's exciting and dramatic routes to them selves. However, greater interest and stronger develop ment by the country's national federation is drawing attention to Cyprus'considerable climbing potential.
With its growing number of bolted sport climbing routes the island offers variety for both beginners and experienced climbers, who can also tackle its ample traditional climbing areas. What's more, mild weather conditions mean enthusiasts can hit the crags during the winter season, while their European counterparts either climb indoors, wait for a break in the weather or brave ice and snow to satisfy their altitude craving. MORE
The Cyprus countryside is a haven for a variety of activities due to varied landscape, climatic conditions, rich culture and the short distances within the various regions.
Hiking and rambling
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Forestry Department have created over seventy nature trails to help hikers and ramblers enjoy the island's hills and vales. The trails, which are designed to take in areas of outstanding natural beauty and cultural importance, are divided into three degrees of difficulty with two trails suitable for the disabled.
European E4 long distance path
It is now possible to walk the length of Europe, thanks to the European E4 long distance path. Starting in Gibraltar, the path traverses Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece; then it is a short air trip to Crete and on to Cyprus.
The Cyprus section, connects Larnaka and Pafos airports. Along the way, it passes through areas of outstanding natural beauty, places of ecological importance and historic and archaeological sites.
All the roads and tracks on the Cyprus route are well signposted and the Cyprus Tourism Organization has published a booklet splitting it into comfortable daily sections, with the distance and time needed to cover each one. It also gives useful information on the geology, flora, fauna and points of interest along each section of the route.
Cycling
If your ideal of travelling is to have the wind on your face, the sun on your back, the gentle crunch of tyres on gravel, the scent of pines around you and a glimpse of the sea sparkling in the distance, then cycling in Cyprus is for you. Almost all the tourist resorts have bicycles for hire and the guidebook Cyprus Cycling Routes can be picked up at any tourist information office. The guidebook covers the main routes connecting towns or regions and excursions within those regions. Each itinerary describes the route from point to point by altitude and the distance from the start point. Further options include a longer cycling route in the Troodos mountains and, for competitive cyclists, a number of major cycling events organised by the Cyprus Cycling Federation, a member of the International Cycling Union (ICU).
Horse riding
Riding is a different way of exploring the hidden secrets of the Cyprus landscape. Stables can be found all over the island, giving you the chance to enjoy the Akamas peninsula, the Cape Gkreko National Forest Park or the pine-scented Troodos Mountains on horseback. Riding allows you to enjoy nature at a slower pace, to hear the birdsong and watch the incredible colours of the last rays of the setting sun over sea or mountain. Riding can be enjoyed year-round and there is trekking and hacking for all levels of competence. The CTO has published a pamphlet Horse Riding in Cyprus and more information is available from the Cyprus Equestrian Federation.
Angling
in the reservoirs of Cyprus is a popular pastime and twenty-one reservoirs provide excellent fresh-water fishing throughout the year. Seventeen species of fish are stocked, including trout, bass, carp, perch and roach. 'Catch and keep' is allowed at all but two sites, Polemedeia (Lemesos District) and Achna (Ammochostos District), which are 'catch and release1 only. Anglers need a fishing licence, which can be easily obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in Lefkosia or from the regional offices of the Fisheries Department.
Ornithology
Cyprus lies on one of the main migratory paths for bird species from Europe, Asia and Africa and there are many endemic species on the island. Winter is the time to enjoy spectacular flocks of flamingos and wildfowl at the Salt Lakes. High summer is a quiet time, as the number of breeding species is relatively small. Autumn is excellent for the passage of raptors, especially in September and October. The season also sees a massive movement of wildfowl, gulls and herons. It is in spring that Cyprus is truly glorious, as the number of birds passing seems inexhaustible. The spring migration is quite a long one, lasting from early March right through to late April.
BirdLife Cyprus (BLC) is an NGO that promotes the protection of birds and their habitats. BLC is an affiliate of BirdLife Europe and it runs birdwatching trips and a birdline, through which visitors can find out what is happening on the local scene.
Botany
In the heat of summer, visitors can be forgiven for thinking that Cyprus is bereft of flowers, as the dry rock-strewn hills show scant evidence that the island is home to an extraordinary variety of wildflowers and orchids, including around I30 endemic plants.
The best time to see Cyprus' wild flowers is in early spring, when most species enjoy a short period of blossoming and take advantage of the unusually moist climate.
Skiing
-and snowboarding Mount Olympus, at the summit of the Troodos Mountains, is traditionally known as Chionistra 'the snowy one' and, in winter, it is covered with a layer of snow up to 3 metres deep. There is a brief but vigorous skiing and snowboarding season from December to March. There are four main runs ideal for novices, more practised skiers and for the experience ones. At Sun Valley and the North Face, there are six alpine-standard runs varying from 100 to 500 metres. There are also two langlauf (cross-country) trails at Sun Valley; one of eight kilometres and one of four, while snowboarding is growing in popularity. Visitors can hire equipment from the ski store at Sun Valley and tuition is available for skiers and snowboarders. More here
Waterworld Waterpark Ayia Napa - Largest Waterpark in Europe
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