Adelfoi Forest
The Adelfoi forest is the natural border of Agia Marina Xyliatou in Nicosia province of Cyprus. To the west it borders with villages Kyperounta, and Kakopetria while to the south with Platanistasa, to the east with Nikitari and to the north with Agios Theodoros Soleas.
Hidden in the heart of Pitsilia, with a total surface of 128.8 square kilometers the Adelfoi forest belongs to the state and it includes six small groves (Koronia, Palloura, Komopetra, Askopelos, Lourouppas, and the Municipal Forest Agrokipias). The average altitude exceeds the 1000 meters and the tallest peak is Madari at 1610 meters. The climate is mainly Mediterranean but slightly different to different altitudes. Adelfoi forest geologically belongs to the known ophiolite system of Troodos formed in Upper Cretaceous about 90 million years ago. Although one of the least known forests of Cyprus it became an important forest center the late 18th century. In recent years a strong link between the human element with the nature has been established in the area, since there have been built wooden watchtowers and accommodation facilities for the Forestry Department staff.
The Adelfoi forest mainly consists of centuries old olive trees, pine trees and low vegetation with oaks, while in the region there are 40 endemic species and subspecies of plants of Cyprus, as well as 12 endangered species. The rich fauna of the forest is characteristic of the Cypriot countryside. Moreover, the area has been designated as Natura 2000, and is an important refuge for 11 species of endangered birds, including the majestic Bonelli’s eagle, the only eagle that nests in the mountains of Cyprus, fruit bats, and reptiles such as the Cyprus water snake.
Visitors of Adelfoi forest can enjoy the dams of the region, like the one in Xyliatos, the beautiful scenery by walking one of the many nature trails, calm from city noise by resting in one of the picnic areas in the region or visit some of the natural attractions like the impressive cliffs of ‘Teision Madaris’ (near the homonymous fire guardhouse) with the unobstructed view to Morphou bay, the old churches which are protected by UNESCO like Panagia Asinou and Timios Stauros Agiasmati or visit the historic region ‘Spilies Digeni’ (northeast of village Spilia) where the historic battle took place during the national liberation struggle of EOKA 1955-59.