Quick Facts

Capital: Nicosia
Languages: Greek, Turkish, English
Population: 754,064 (July 1999 est.)
Official / National Languages: Greek, Turkish
Religions: Greek Orthodox, Muslim
Currency: Cyprus Pound

Wildlife In Cyprus

With an average of only 51 people per square kilometre, Northern Cyprus holds the enviable reputation of being relatively free of pollution, industry or high concentrations of population. And with 387 km of coastline and pine, cypress and marquis covered hillsides, Northern Cyprus is something of a haven for wildlife.

Northern Cyprus hosts over 1600 plant specia of which 22 are endemic, 350 species of birds, of which 7 are endemic, and 26 different species of reptile and amphibia.The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that Cyprus was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further north), and secondly, that Cyprus forms a resting and nesting station for birds migrating between Africa and Eastern Europe

Stacking Your Postcards

Orchids of Cyprus
Cyprus’s most popular flower is the Orchid. There are about 35 different kinds of Orchids hidden on the slopes of Kyrenia mountains waiting to be discovered. The most commonly known orchid Ophrys Kotshyi ,which only grow in Cyprus ,but the most stunning orchid is the Monkey orchid For those interested in Orchids there are tours in which you can have the most interesting and wonderful experiences.

Troodos Mountains
Take to the Artemis trail around Chionistra for peerless views of forested peaks. In early spring, the blossom from the apple, peach and cherry trees turn the hillsides pink. Don't miss the 11th century frescoes in the church of Asinou.

Pafos Forest
For a glimpse of the shy mouflon, a wild sheep native to Cyprus, and to discover the mysterious Cedar Valley, go walking from Panagia into the western Troodos.

Akrotiri Salt Lake
Surrounded almost entirely by the RAF base, it is nonetheless a nature lover's dream. Flamingos nest here from December until April. There is also a rich flora - orchids galore flower between January and April.

Friends of the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary
The animal welfare charity “ Friends of the Cyprus Donkey” was founded in 1994, to care for sick and unwanted donkeys of all ages and to provide medical and welfare services for animals still working, throughout Cyprus. It is a UK registered Charity, and licensed by the Cyprus Government. Most of the management, all shop keeping and much of the animal welfare programmes are undertaken by unpaid volunteers.

The main sanctuary is situated in beautiful hill country, around the picturesque village of Vouni, occupying a number of fields, with more than a dozen enclosures of stables, stores and exercise yards. Whenever possible, especially during winter and spring, when there is fresh food, the animals are taken out to graze.

Destination Guides

Larnaca
Although very much a working city; the palm-lined waterfront promenade, ancient fort and historic quarter imbue Larnaca with a distinct antique flavour. Today the city is a relaxed place well-loved for its easy going attitude and friendly people.

Dubbed Kition in classical times Larnaca first entered the history books as the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Zeno. A few hundred years later Lazarus decided to settle here (post-resurrection) and became Larnaca’s first bishop and the city’s patron saint. Arab raids in the seventh century forced the citizens inland and the city into decline and it wasn’t until the end of the Middle Ages that its fortunes revived. Under the Ottomans Larnaca became the island’s premiere port and commercial hub, only to be eclipsed by Limassol and Famagusta in the middle of the 20th century.

Nicosia
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, has one unfortunate distinction - it is now Europe's only militarily divided city. It is also a constant reminder of the tragedy and injustice which Cyprus suffered in 1974. In the summer of that year Turkish troops, using the pretext of a coup orchestrated by the Greek junta against the Cyprus Government, invaded and occupied over a third of the island. Despite the efforts of the United Nations and repeated condemnation by the international community, that occupation continues to this day.

Paphos
Paphos boasts a number of unique claims to fame: It was here that Aphrodite, goddess of love, walked in from the sea to found a thousand love cults across the Hellenic world. It was here that Agapeanor, leader of the Arcadian contingent to Troy, was shipwrecked and it was also here that St Paul stopped off on his way to Rome for a quick conversion of the local proconsul. Paphos is a city where myth and reality mingle freely and where you can see Roman villas, Byzantine churches and Crusader castles within a few minutes walk of the harbour. It is also a city that is facing similar developmental pressures to the rest of Cyprus, although it does enjoy some protection as a UNESCO world heritage site

Limassol
Cyprus' second-largest city (pop. 132,000). Limassol's main attraction is Limassol Castle and its medieval museum. Other sights include the public gardens, a small zoo and an archaeological museum. It also has a busy music scene, with everything from bouzouki taverns to jazz. There are several points of interest nearby, and the coastal region to the east is scenic. Many fine hotels dot the coast between Limassol and Amathus, to the east. Nearby are the 13th-century Kolossi Castle (9 mi/14 km west of Limassol), the beach at Dhassoudi, the Ayios Georgios Convent and the Greco-Roman archaeological site of Curium, where plays and concerts are performed every summer in the ancient theater. Regional vineyards and wineries abound (there's a two-week wine festival in September), and you can use Limassol as a base to visit Troodos mountain villages.