Northern Cyprus is called terra-rossa for its magnificent carpets of flowers that cover mountain hills and fields after the rainy season ends.
Botanists count about 1,250 plant species native to Cyprus, including 17 endemics and 30 different wild orchids. In order to indulge in their beauty, you should visit the island in March or April when 14 different species start to flower at the same time.
In Northern Cyprus, the best spots to witness the awakening of the island's nature are Alevkaya Forest and the Kyrenia Mountains.
In the Republic of Cyprus, your best option to discover wild orchids would be Akamas Peninsula National Park in Pathos district. You can get there by two city buses that leave from the Harbour area in Pathos. In the spring, the park offers special tours for nature enthusiasts, guided by local botanists. Some rare species of orchids grow in the Troodos mountains. However, you do not have to climb the mountains to enjoy the nature of Cyprus. Sometimes orchids can be found growing on the streets, covering walls of the houses, and along the highways. The picturesque village of Kritou Terra, located in about 30 km from Pathos, is known for its wild orchids. Flowers cover the hills around the village and there are more of them in the fields between Drouseia and Prodromi.
Practical info
When can one see wild orchids in bloom in Cyprus?
Wild orchids in Cyprus bloom in March and April. During these months, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of colors and fragrances from the 14 different species blooming together. The orchids grow across various regions in Cyprus, including the Troodos mountains, Akamas Peninsula National Park, and Kyrenia Mountains. Show more
Which are the best locations to see wild orchids blooming in Northern and Republic of Cyprus?
Alevkaya Forest and the Kyrenia Mountains are the top spots to witness wild orchids in bloom in Northern Cyprus. The Akamas Peninsula National Park in Pathos district is a recommended location to appreciate wild orchids in the Republic of Cyprus. Additionally, wild orchids can be found growing around Kritou Terra village, on highways and streets, and on walls of houses across the country. Show more
What is the number of wild orchid species native to Cyprus?
The number of wild orchid species in Cyprus totals approximately 30, 17 of which are endemics. The orchids grow in a range of sizes and colors, in various parts of the country, including the Troodos mountains, Akamas Peninsula National Park, and Kyrenia Mountains. Spring, when most of the wild orchids bloom, is the ideal time to visit. Show more
Is a climb up Troodos mountains necessary to view wild orchids in bloom?
Although rare wild orchid species grow in the Troodos mountains, witness blooming wild orchids in Cyprus doesn't require climbing these mountains. Visitors can find blooming orchids in accessible areas throughout the country, such as on highways, streets, and in fields between Drouseia and Prodromi. Show more
Are there any guided options to witness Cyprus's natural orchid blooms?
Guided tours are presented by local botanists, allowing visitors to appreciate Cyprus's natural beauty and wild orchid blooms in Akamas Peninsula National Park. It is possible to explore other points of attraction on your own. The park provides specialized tours for nature enthusiasts during spring when the 14 different species bloom simultaneously. Show more
