The park is situated between the Municipality of Aglantzia and Nicosia 2 kilometres away from the city centre and administratively it comes under the Municipality of Aglantzia.

The objects of the Park have been established as follows:

• the conservation of the Park as a green area
• provision of a recreation area
• aesthetic improvement of the area.

The proposals for the utilization of the park were submitted by the Forests Department and they shall be implemented within the framework of the improvement of the Liopetri river bed by the Department of Town Planning and Housing in collaboration with other Departments concerned.

Inquiries: Lefkosia - Larnaka and Ammochostos Divisional Forest Officer, tel. 22403704, Parks Officer, tel.22805533



3. National Forest Park of Athalassa

It is situated south of Nicosia and it is surrounded by the suburbs of Aglantzia, Strovolos and Latsia. Apart from its major role as a green place/ area it also provides other similar facilities such as recreation, aesthetics, exercise, environmental education/training etc.
The park has two picnic areas, roads, bicycle tracks, pedestrian lanes, sports grounds, parking places, an Environmental Information Centre, a bird observation point at the Athalassa Dam, botanical garden, dog walking path etc.

Of particular interest is the Agios Georgios park with its small picturesque lake and the perimetric path surrounding it which is lit at night.

Inquiries: Lefkosia - Larnaka and Ammochostos Divisional Forest Officer, tel. 22403704, Parks Officer, tel.22805533




4. The Troodos National Forest Park

The largest part of the forest about 9000ha or 90km2, was designated a National Forest Park in 1992. The main aim was to safeguard its rational use and to perpetuate the values and functions of the area: ecological, scientific, recreational, hydrological and economic.

Picnic Sites:
There are 9 picnic sites within the Park area. Among the facilities provided are wooden tables, drinking water, car parks, toilets and children’s play areas.

Camping:
There are three places for camping. Two of these, are campsites for short stays with only rudimental facilities. One at Kampi tou Kalogyrou 4km from Trooditissa and 3 km from Prodromos next to the road. and the other at Platania (Kakopetria Troodos road) 5km from Kakopetria left to the road, before Platania Forest Station. The third site, 500m east of the Troodos square, just next to the main road, is suitable for longer stays since it includes upgraded facilities.

Nature Trails:
The nature trails of the Park are well known and popular. In total there are 10 trails within the Park totalling 57.6km. One of them has been designed to be accessible by wheelchairs. All trails are well maintained and signposted.

Flora:
The total number of individual plant species recorded in the Troodos National Forest Park approaches 750. Among them, 72 are endemic to Cyprus, of which 12 are exclusive to the Park. Some of these plants have been named after Troodos like Alyssum troodi, Nepeta troodi, Scorzonera troodea etc, The Troodos National Forest Park constitutes the only, or the main habitat in Cyprus for many hardy plant species, such as the wild service tree, foetid juniper, cotoneaster, barberry etc.

Fauna:
Animal life in the Park is also rich and with high conservational value. Of particular interest are the rare and protected: Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), Raven (Corvus corax) Bonelli΄s eagle (Hieraetus fasciatus) Treecreeper (Certhia brahydactyla dorotheae) the Cyprus Wheather (Oenanthe cypriaca) etc.

Geology:
The distinctive geology of the Troodos Forest area has attracted international scientific interest. The various rock types of the forest belong to the ophiolithic complex, which is characteristic of the broader Troodos range and which is one of the best developed worldwide and for this reason it has become the object of scientific study. The main rocks found in the Park area are serpentine,dunite, wehrlite, pyroxenite, plagiogranite, gabbro, diabase and volcanic rocks at the lower altitudes.

Hydrology:
Most of the largest streams of Cyprus spring from the Troodos forest: Kouris, Kryos Potamos, Karkotis and Marathasa river. At present, about 50 springs with substantial flow are known, used for supplying drinking water to many villages.


Inquiries: Troodos Divisional Forest Officer, tel. 22924221, Parks Officer, tel. 22805533



5. Kavo Gkreko National Forest Park

Kavo Gkreko is located at the southeast edge of the island, east of Agia Napa and southeast of the occupied town of Ammochostos. The main objectives of the Park are:

(a) Protection of landscape, nature and biodiversity.
(b) Promotion of recreation and tourism.
(c) Conservation and management of wild life.

For the accommodation of visitors, a small picnic site has been created. There is a refreshment kiosk, car park, bicycle track, network of walking trails with a total length of 16km and trail for horse riding.

Sights at the Park
The viewpoint «Kavos», Sea caves, Chapel of Ayioi Anargyroi, «Konnoi» sandy bay, «Cyclopas cave»


Flora
The area is characterised by sclerophyllous, evergreen vegetation, the well-known maquis which is dominated by Phoenicean juniper (Juniperus phoenicea). The total number of plant species recorded in Kavo Gkreko is about 400. Among them, 14 are endemic to Cyprus. Another 14 indigenous plant species are considered to be rare.

Fauna
Various species of mammals can be observed in the area like foxes, hares and hedgehogs, several species of reptiles like snakes and lizards and a big variety of butterflies. More than 80 species of birds, most of them migratory have been recorded in the area.


Inquiries : Lefkosia - Larnaka and Ammochostos Divisional Forest Officer, tel. 22403704, Parks Officer, tel. 22805533




6. Polemidia National Forest Park

The park is situated at a distance of 6 km north of the city centre of Lemesos. The objectives of the park are the following:

• Its protection and conservation as an important green area
• Recreation
• Environmental education for the public

It is situated 3 km east of the town of Aradippou and 7 km from Larnaka.

Objects of the park:

• Its protection and conservation as a green area
• Its protection from other uses
• To provide an opportunity for the public to engage in sports
• Recreation

• Picnic area
• Children’s playground
• Sports and walking trails
• Bicycle track
• Observation points
• Sport playgrounds

It is situated near the village of Agia Napa on the coastal zone. A new development project is being pursued. A picnic area has been designed for the area near the beach.


Inquires: Lefkosia - Larnaka and Ammochostos Divisional Forest Officer, tel. 22403704, Parks Officer, tel.22805533



9. Petra tou Romiou National Forest Park

It is part of the Randi State Forest. It is on the main Pafos – Lemesos road, 10 km far from the city of Pafos. A development project has been pursued for this park and it is already underway.

Main object:
To provide opportunities for recreation and sports and to improve the area aesthetically.

Recreation Facilities:
1. Picnic area
2. Children’s playground
3. Nature trail
4. Sports trail
5. Cycling track
6. Look out points

Flora:
Rare plants as well as a large number or orchids create natural habitats with special characteristics and uniqueness.

Fauna:
There are species such as the hare (Lepus europaeus), the partridge (Alectoris chukar),
ravens, seagulls , various small birds and reptiles.


Inquiries: Pafos Divisional Forest Officer, tel.22942746, Parks Officer , tel.22805533




10. Macheras National Forest Park

The reason for declaring the park a national forest park is to protect and utilize its significant functions and values: ecological, scientific, hydrological and recreational. For this purpose a Development Plan of the National Forest Park will be pursued and implemented.

Existing Situation:

Picnic areas:
There are 3 picnic areas in the park with tables, drinking water, parking places, toilets and childrens’ playgrounds.

Nature trails:
In total there are 5 trails in the area of the park running along a route of 19 km. One of these trails has been designed to be used by people in wheelchairs too. All trails have information signs listing the main points of special interest.

Bicycle tracks:
A number of forest parks is being used for the sport of Mountain Biking.

Flora:
The plant species found in the Macheras Park are over 600. Among them there are 27 indigenous plants of Cyprus. The dominant forest tree is the calabrian pine (Pinus brutia) which creates a beautiful forest landscape either on its own or in combination with other trees such as the endemic golden oak (Quercus alnifolia) and other shrubs.

Fauna:
One can come across various species of mammals such as the fox (Vulpes vulpes), the hare (Lepus europaeus) and the hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus dorotheae), various species of reptiles such as snakes and lizards and rare endemic species of butterflies. Important birds in the Park are the protected species Bonelli’s eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) and the endemics: Cyprus Warbler (Sylvia melanothorax), Cyprus Wheatear (Oenanthe cypriaca), Coal Tit (Parus ater cypriotes), Scops Owl (Otus scops cyprius), Jay (Garulus glandarius) and also the common Chukar (Alectoris chukar) and Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus).

Hydrology
The two most important streams of Cyprus, Pediaios and Yialias, spring from the Park as well as the two streams of Pentaschinos and Maroni.

Inquiries: Lefkosia - Larnaka and Ammochostos Divisional Forest Officer, tel. 22403704, Parks Officer, Tel.22805533