Experience nature: Orchids, valleys, mountains

Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, boats a richly diverse landscape with a huge variety of flora. From the steep coasts, dunes and salt marshes to the craggy, hilly regions, the lava belt and the high Troodos Mountains the island is home to a wide variety of wild flowers and plants, many of which are to be found in no other country. Some 45 species of orchid are to be found in Cyprus and one, the Cyprus bee orchid, is unique to the island.

The wealth of Mediterranean flowers is particularly spectacular in the spring, and this is when Persian cyclamen blossom by the thousand. From the middle to the end of March, a wealth of orchids can be found blooming in the lowlands, in the vineyards and in the highlands.

The Troodos Mountains in the south-west of Cyprus are volcanic and, unlike the rest of the island, covered by forests. The highest peak, at 1952 metres, is Mt Olympus, a height which enables visitors to go skiing in the brief season from January to March. Visitors to the Troodos Mountains can see a wide range of wild animals including eagles, foxes and the moufflon, an endangered species of indigenous wild sheep. The mountains are home to varied vegetation dominated by a blanket of Aleppo pines, plus cedars and plane trees. The many villages scattered across the terrain offer breathtaking views into the valleys and over the mountain peaks.

Since the autumn of 2008, the small mountain village of Agros, which is situated 1100 metres above the Mediterranean, can boast a very special title: It has been honoured with the "EDEN Award 2008" – and therefore forms part of the exclusive circle of "European Destinations of Excellence". This EU-sponsored prize has been awarded since 2006 to outstanding but still essentially undiscovered travel destinations to promote their development.

In Agros, everything is traditionally centred around the rose: Local companies focus on the production of rose water, sweets, wine and liquor. During an excursion here, you can discover everything worth knowing about the cultivation and production of these fine flowers and blooms – whilst immersing yourself in the world of Cypriot culture.

Introducing Our Holiday Packages in Cyprus Whether you’re into water sports, a discerning gourmet, want to revitalise yourself in our award-winning spa or hold a business conference in an amazing location, we have a package to suit your needs.