Best Time for a Nature Walk in Cyprus
Discover Beautiful Wild Flowers in the Cyprus Mountains
Mar 18, 2009
There are more than 1800 species of flowers on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, around 120 of which are said to be endemic. One of the best ways to discover many of these flowers is to take a nature walk in the western region of the island in the area surrounding the small towns of Polis and Latchi.
Easily accessible from the larger resort of Paphos some 40 minutes away by car, keen botanists and leisurely walkers alike can explore the area on foot and revel in the riot of colour adorning the lush green countryside after the winter rains.
Plan a nature walk between mid March and mid April to see the best of the wild flowers, in particular the wild orchids of which there are over 30 species on the island.
Where to Plan a Nature Walk in Cyprus
A good place to start is the beautiful Akamas Peninisula, one of the few remaining unspoilt coastal regions of Cyprus. Located a few minutes from Latchi harbour, the area has numerous way marked nature trails such as the Aphrodite Trail starting either from the tourist spot known as Aphrodite’s Baths or the popular Smigies picnic site near the hillside village of Neo Chorio.
The rugged Akamas landscape is home to thousands of pretty cyclamen nestling between carob and olive trees and rocky crevices. In olden times, cyclamen were used to treat arthritis but local fishermen today use the flower for bait.
Other wild flowers commonly found in the Akamas include a wide variety of orchids including the Bee Orchid (Ophrys lutea), the Spider Orchid (Ophrys sphegodes) and the colourful Wavy-leaved Monkey Orchid (Orchis italica) which can often be seen growing in formation as in the picture below.
Flowers of Cyprus
Whilst it is exciting to discover a rare plant on a nature walk in Cyprus, many of the common wild flowers can be found on the roadside along with many a local Cypriot who has stopped to pick them for use in cooking or for medicinal purposes.
Common flowers along the roadside include the majestic pink Asphodel, bright yellow crown daisies, the shy purple Goatsbeard, which locals use in cooking, a host of colourful vetch and the pretty purple and white tassel hyacinth which can be seen in almost every field and hedgerow between Polis and Paphos.
Rare Cyprus Wild Flowers
Those willing to spend time hunting in fields will be rewarded with sightings of rare orchids like Ophrys kotschyi (see picture below). At only 2 cm high this rare plant is often hidden by taller plants but is a true joy to behold for anyone lucky enough to find one.
Wild Flower Medicinal Qualities
Whilst it is forbidden to pick flowers on the Akamas, locals will often pick key flowers by the roadside for medicinal use. The white Neopolitan garlic, caper and myrtle plants are used as antiseptics, Cape Sorrel is used for skin problems and Asphodels are used to treat diarrhoea. The best mountain restaurants use many of the wild plants in their cooking during Lent when they are added to beans and pulses to give a healthy, low cost and nutritious meal.
Nature Walks in Cyprus
Discover the best wild flowers on the west of the island in March and April. Simply head for the Akamas Peninsula, put on those walking boots and don’t forget a camera!
Related Articles
You may also be interested in our articles on Wild Orchids in Cyprus or Mountain Biking in Cyprus.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
