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6 -
Kavo Gkreko
National Forest at the south-eastern end of the
island between Ayia Napa and Paralimni. The uniqueness of the area is not
only due to its natural beauty but also to the fact that it offers a wide range
of interests such as swimming, diving, paragliding, fishing, rowing, cycling,
riding, climbing, air sports and hiking.
The vegetation is dominated by coastal shrubs of which
the most frequent observed species if Juniperus Phoenicea and plants such as
Chrysanthemums, wild onions, poppies, anemones, mainly in spring.
There are about 300 plant species in the area, 11 of
which are endemic. The fauna includes species such as partridge, wood
pigeon, crow, owl as well as a large number of migratory birds, which stop on
the island chiefly to rest. These include blackbirds, thrushes etc. Also
observed in the area are foxes, hares and various species of bats, reptiles and
butterflies.
To date 9 trails have been constructed in Kavo Gkreko -
Paralimni area.
1. Kannoi - Spilia Kyklopa (Cyclops Cave)
Length : 2.4 km Time:
1 hour
Starting point: Kannoi Beach
Points of Interest: A walk along the coast
leading to natural caves, the best known of which is the Cyclops cave. A
kiosk operates at Kannoi Beach
2. Kannoi -
Agioi Anargyri
Length : 1.4 km Time:
1/2 hour
Starting point: Kannoi Beach
Points of Interest: A walk along the coast which
ends at the little church of Ayaioi Anargyri built over a sea cave which
according to tradition was the home of St Kosma and St Damianos
3. Kannoi - Agioi Anargyri (Circular)
Length : 2.3 km Time:
1 hour
Starting point: Church of Ayioi Anargyri
Points of Interest: Dense vegetation, mainly
juniper Phoenicea and a picnic site
4. Agioi Anargyri - Thalassines Spillies (Sea Caves)
Length : 4 km Time:
2 hours
Starting point: Church of Ayioi Anargyri
Points of Interest: A beautiful walk along the
coast. The sea caves are accessible only by the sea and the area is suitable for
diving
5. Thalassines Spillies (Sea Caves - Circular)
Length : 3.6 km Time:
2 hours
Starting point: Ayia Napa - Kavo Gkreko road, 6
km east of Ayia Napa
Points of Interest: A walk along the coast which
at certain points is very steep and craggy
6. Kavos
Length : 2.5 km Time:
1 hour
Starting point: Old quarry parking area
Points of Interest: An old quarry, a large
number of fossilized marine organisms and a vantage point at the peak of the
Cape from which one can see as far as the Stavrovouni Monastery. On a very
clear day the heights above Haifa in Israel are visible. The impressive
cliffs are suitable for climbing.
PROTARAS AREA
There are three trails in this area which is well known
for its golden sandy beaches and its windmills.
7. Profitis Ilias _ Konnoi Beach
Length : 8.5 km Time:
3 hours
Starting point: The little church of Prophet
Elijah. Access from the Kavo Gkreko - Paralimni Road. The trail leads to
Konnoi Beach.
Points of Interest: A view from the little
church of Profitis Ilias. Chapels of Ayioi Saranta and Ayios Ioannis
8. Panagia - Ayioi Saranta
Length : 2.5 km Time:
1 hour
Starting point: Chruch of Panayia (The Virgin) (
300 meters to the left of the Kavo Gkreko - Protaras Road) to the Church of
Ayioi Saranta
9. Panagia - Ayios Ioannis
Length : 2.8 km Time:
1 hour
Starting point: Chruch of Panayia (The Virgin) (
300 meters to the left of the Kavo Gkreko - Protaras Road) to the Chapel of
Ayios Ioannis
This information was
taken from the CTO publication Nature Trails of Cyprus.
You can get a copy from any Cyprus Tourism Organization
office in Cyprus. |
