Exploring Hiking Trails in Cyprus: A Guide for Post-Summer Excursions

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Explore the enchanting island of Cyprus with GTA Touristik's eight-day round trip, priced from 1,380 Euro per person for almond blossom sightseeing. This picturesque journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culinary delights.

From January to March, Cyprus' almond trees bloom in a spectacle of white blossoms, creating a stunning backdrop for your adventure. In the village of Giolou, the annual almond festival celebrates this natural wonder.

The island is home to over a hundred different species of wild orchids, which bloom from February to April. The breathtaking landscapes of Cyprus are a haven for these beautiful flowers.

Harvesting almonds is a traditional Cypriot practice. Under the trees, nets are spread, and kernels are knocked off with a stick. This method has been passed down through generations.

Cyprus is also known for its carob trees, whose pods are used to make carob syrup, a key ingredient in traditional Cypriot desserts like pastelli, soutzoukos, or terzellouthkia.

Ryanair offers multiple weekly flights from Vienna to Paphos in under three hours, making Cyprus easily accessible for travellers.

Cypriot cuisine is a delightful experience, with a meze meal involving many small dishes for everyone to share. "Kopiaste," a Cypriot phrase meaning "come and eat with us!", encapsulates the warm hospitality that accompanies every meal.

Cyprus' rich history is evident in its ancient mines, such as the Skouriotissa mine, the oldest copper mine in the world. The island's name, "aes cyprium" and later "cuprum," reflects its extensive copper mining since ancient times.

In ancient times, Cyprus was primarily mined for copper, significantly contributing to the island's economy. This extensive mining led to large-scale deforestation, as wood was heavily used for smelting processes and fuel. Today, forests cover only 21 percent of the island's area due to human activities and the need for charcoal in copper mining.

The Akamas Peninsula in western Cyprus offers beautiful beaches with water temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees in September and 24 to 25 degrees in October, making it a wonderful destination for swimming in autumn. The Smigies hiking trail, starting at a donkey farm, offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

In the heart of Episkopi, Chris Fysentzou cultivates a five-thousand-square-meter fruit and herb garden with over fifty varieties of fruits, including lemons and the unusual citrus fruit "Buddha's Hand."

Cyprus is also home to numerous festivals, such as the tulip festival, fig festival, and wine festival, celebrating the island's rich cultural heritage.

Embark on a journey of discovery in Cyprus, where ancient history, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine come together to create an unforgettable experience.