Rural Destinations
: Troodos
Troodos Nature Preserves
Cyprus is known for its rich flora and fauna.
There are 1,900 species of flowering plants in Cyprus, 168 bird species,
12 mammals and 20 reptiles. The Troodos region includes two major
national forest parks and five nature preserves.
Troodos National Forest Park
The Troodos National Forest Park is at the centre of the island and
covers an area of 9,337 hectares. The highest point is Olympos (1,951 m)
and the lowest is Moni forest (700m). The area is of great natural
beauty and suitable for activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain
biking, nature study and picnics. Animal life in the Park is rich and
protected. Of particular interest are the rare and protected: Griffon
Vulture, Raven, Bonelli´s Eagle, Treecreeper, and the Cyprus Pied
Wheatear. The regional geology includes
a well-preserved ophiolite complex, which was created from oceanic crust
some 90 million years ago. Elements of this complex can be seen walking
along the network of nature trails in the Park.
Machairas National Forest Park
The Machairas Park has over 600 plant species, including 27 indigenous
to Cyprus. The dominant forest tree is the calabrian pine (Pinus brutia)
and the golden oak (Quercus alnifolia). Foxes, hares and hedgehogs,
snakes, lizards and rare endemic species of butterflies are found. Birds
in the Park include Bonelli’s Eagle, Cyprus Warbler, Cyprus Wheatear,
Coal Tit, Scops Owl, Jay, Chukar and Wood Pigeon. The two most important
streams of Cyprus, Pediaios and Yialias, spring from the Park.
Nature Reserves
Five nature reserves are found in the Troodos region, each protected by
Habitats Directive. Pikromiloudi,
off the Troodos – Karvounas main road, extending towards Solea Valley.
It includes black pine forests and stands of golden oak. A rare plant
found in the area is the Butterwort (Pinguicula crystallina). It is
included in the EU Habitat Directive.
Livadi tou Pashia, off the Troodos – Karvounas main road contains
turfs, wetlands developed in cavities flooded during winter which remain
muddy and wet throughout the summer season.
Chionistra, the highest Troodos peak
includes black pine forests, Phoenician juniper and Serpentinophilous
grasslands of Cyprus. It also accommodates large numbers of the Cyprus
crocuses included in the EU Habitat Directive.
Presidential Summer Residence, Platres,
off the Troodos – Platres main road is covered with stands of black
pine, golden oak and riparian oriental plane trees. Two other types of
flora are also found in the area, the Butterwort and Kennedy’s
rock-cress (Arabis kennedyae), which have been included in the EU
Habitat Directive.
Madari in the Adelfi Forest (Pitsilia
Region) contains important and unique forest ecosystems, such as the
black pine forest, the pure golden oak and juniper (Juniperus excelsa)
stands. Some 40 endemic species of flora and a large number of rare
birds are found in the area, among them three endemic species.
Picnic sites
Troodos has many picnic sites, all managed by the Cyprus Forestry
Department. They are located in areas which provide easy access, shade,
water, suitable topography and attractive landscapes. Offered facilities
include benches and tables, barbecue sites, potable water, sanitary
facilities, children playgrounds and car parking. All facilities are
provided free of charge. Camping
sites
Troodos has three camping sites where camping is allowed for a small fee
per overnight stay. They provide basic facilities such as barbecue
sites, potable water, benches and tables and washrooms.
For a list of all Troodos picnic and camping
sites consult the Cyprus Forestry Department website:
www.moa.gov.cy/moa/fd/fd.nsf |
