Troodos National Forest Park
The Troodos National Forest Park is located in the Troodos mountain area in the Limassol district.
The aim of the announcement was to ensure the correct use of precious operations and values of: the ecologists, scientists, hydrological, recreation and tourism.
There are nine picnic sites in the Troodos Natural Forest Park. In these are tables, drinkable water, parking areas, toilets and playgrounds.
There are three areas in which one can camp in. The two are areas of short stay with main facilities only. One is in Kambi tou Kalogirou 4km from the Trooditissa Monastery towards Prodromos , and the other is near the Platania Forest Station. The third, is located 0.5 m east of the Troodos square. In this camping area there are upgraded facilities for a multiday stay.
Nature Trails
The nature trails of the Park are well known. In total 10 nature trails exist in the area of the park with a total length of about 57.6 km. One of these has been designed in order to be used by visitors with a wheelchair. All the nature trails are marked with information sign for the main points of interest.
The types of plants which are met at the Troodos National Forest Park exceed 750 (amongst them are 72 endemic types in Cyprus and 12 are only found in the particular park). Many types of plants took their name from Troodos, such as the Alyssum Troodi , Nepeta troodi, Scorzonea troodea and others. Rare and protected species are the Corvus corax and the Hieraaetus fasciatus. Many plant species took their name from Troodos such as the Alyssum troodi and others. The Trooodos park is the most unique or the only habitat for many cold species such as the wild apple tree, the Troodos Aoratos and the wild Quince tree.
The park’s fauna presents enough interest and special ecological importance. The most rare and protected species are the klokkaros and the perdikosiahino. Also other characteristic types are the Loxia curvirostra, Certhia brachydactyla dorotheae, Luscinia megarhynchos, Oenathe cypriaca and others.
Geology
The geology of the park presents a worldwide scientific interest. The rock formations belong to the known ofiolithic cluster of Troodos which is the most developed in the world today. That is why it is of broad scientific research. The main rock formations which exist in the park are : hartzvourgite serpentinite , dounite , pyroxenos verlite , plagiogranite , gavvros and lava in the lower points.
Hydrology
Some very important rivers flow from the park’s areas such as: Kourris, Kryos, Karkotis, Marathasa. There are also many sources many of which the various forest communities get their water from.
Information: District Forest Operation of Troodos
Telephone: 22608512/514
Rules of conduct for Visitors
Visitors of picnic and camping sites should follow some basic rules of conduct to ensure the least possible harm to the environment but also to ensure the comfort of other guests.
The most important of these rules are the following:
- Fires permitted only in grills provided. In some picnic areas, such as in Asinou and Athalassa, the lighting of fire is not allowed at all.
- Before leaving the area, make sure the coals that have been used, have extinguished completely, even if you have stored them in the premises that may exist for this purpose.
- The use of wood and the preparation of food from the forest is not allowed. Every visitor must arrange to have the necessary amount of charcoal.
- Keep the area clean. Collect all the rubbish that have emerged and put them in bins. If for any reason there are no bins or if it is full, then take your trash with you. Do not leave plastic bags outside, because they are usually scattered by stray dogs, foxes etc.
- Do not make unnecessary noises, respect the rights of the others for peace and quiet.
- Cutting plants, tree bark harassing nests, damaging the environment are banned by the forestry legislation.
- Park your car in parking lots and not next to the tables.
- Use the water with caution. Don't waste it.
- Solicit other guests to obey by the basic rules of conduct.
If you notice a fire, immediately call the number 1407 (24 hours, toll-free)
