Paphos Forest
The Paphos forest is one of natural attractions of Cyprus, located 60 kilometers north of the homonymous capital of Paphos province and 100 kilometers northwest of Limassol and east of Nicosia.
Between the Paphos province, which is responsible for it, Limassol province and on the Troodos mountains lies hidden a green lung, an impressive ecosystem and the largest forest of the island. Paphos forest extends north to Pomos, Pigaineia and Pano Pyrgos Tillyrias, east from Gerakies, Lemythou, Kaminaria until Foini, spreads south to Agios Nicholaos Paphos, Panagia Paphou and Kannaviou reaching the villages of western Cyprus like Lysos, Kinousa, Argaka and Gialia.
The travellers who want to visit this wild landscape must take the road with many turns that climbs to Paphos forest. Deeper in the forest is the central forestry station in Stavros Psokas while fire guardhouses and additional stations for the protection of the forest exist in various places and villages in the surrounding area.
With an area of approximately 600 square kilometers, representing almost 7% of the total area of the island, Paphos forest starts from the sea and ends at the top of the tallest mountain, Tripylos (1352 meters). The venous rocks and the rare habitats cover the western part of the Troodos mountains and its boundaries coincide with the main state forest Paphos (which also represents 96% of the forest area of the region). Protected even since the English rule, today various measures have been taking for the protection of the forest. Hunting and grazing are permanently banned while quarrying and other activities are permitted only under license and under strict supervision of the authorities of the Republic, while since November 22, 2005, the wider region that hosts the forest is Zone of Educational Priority (ZEP).
Additionally the area of Mavron Kremon has been declared as a Biogenetic Reserve with a decision of the European Council, the area around Trupylos as Natural Reserve with a decision of the council of ministers while the whole Paphos forest has been declared as an important area for birds and is included in the Natura 2000 network.
The species of plants that grow in Paphos forest exceed 600, while rivers Diarizos and Roudias favor year-round riparian vegetation. The forest regenerates itself naturally and consists mainly of pine trees and golden oak bushes. The southern slopes (Cedar Valley), is overgrown with the unique endemic tree of Cyprus, cedar.
Moreover, the forest of Paphos is the most important area of the island, concerning the birth of predatory birds such as Bonelli’s eagle and goshawk, and harrier eagles regularly visit this green oasis to refresh themselves with water. The mouflon (Ovis gmellini ophion) the largest mammal of Cypriot fauna, a type of wild goat, which since 1978 is an endangered species and is strictly protected by the island’s legislation, is living on the steep slopes of the forest, near Stavros Psokas. It is also a breeding place for many endemic birds like Cypriot wheatear, nightingales and more.
Many footpaths go through Paphos forest, hikers can visit the impressive ‘Kremmo Pellis’, rest in Stavros Psokas where there is also food and accommodation. The road that passes over deep gorges can lead the visitor to Kykkou monastery r the Forest Museum of Kampos Nicossia where one can find rich information about the forest.
The route to Paphos forest is demanding with many turns so a 4×4 vehicle is suggested. Finally, in a case of an emergency the Forest Department must get notified.