Cyprus Sport And Activities

The mild climate in Cyprus means that sports enthusiasts can enjoy sporting activities all year round.

Golfers can choose from three golf courses near Paphos. The Tsada Golf Club, Secret Valley and Aphrodite Golf Club.

Hiking is a very popular pastime in Cyprus, due to the large areas of unspoiled countryside. Many specialist companies offer excursions and these are an excellent way for tourists to discover Cyprus. In addition there are numerous sign posted trails all over the island.

Sea sports are also very popular due to the calm and clear waters surrounding the island. All nature of water sports can be pursued including water skiing, scuba diving, wind surfing and sailing. Trained instructors are also on hand to offer assistance and tuition.

Water lovers will also like to try Water Park near Ayia Napa. "Waterworld" which has a large number of slides, an activity pool as well as a children's pool.

Although most people consider Cyprus a summer resort, winter sports can also be enjoyed in the brief Cyprus winter. The high Troodos mountain range sees some heavy snowfall enabling skiing from January often until March.

Scuba Diving

Cyprus has a plethora of local Shore Dives available and a great many of these sites can be found in Protaras, just a stone's throw from the Dive Centre.

From easy entry/exits with gently sloping bottoms for the beginners to more advanced cliff top jumps for the more adventurous and with Dive depths ranging from 3-10m to 55m+ at the deeper sites, there is something for everyone to dive and enjoy.

Based in Protaras, Cyprus, Scuba Tech Diving Centre is a Technical and Recreational Diving centre offering a full range of Diver Training Courses. Learn to Scuba Dive with PADI or BSAC, two Internationally recognised Dive Agencies and progress to Technical Diver Training with TDI.

Technical Diving in Cyprus is rapidly expanding, offering an excellent base for Technical Divers and students to train, continue their development or just to keep their scuba skills honed, all-year round, with warm air and sea temperatures and good conditions.

Rebreather Diving in Cyprus is also available with Scuba-Tech Diving Centre leading the way for all Megalodon CCR training on the Island and in the Eastern Mediterranean.

PO Box 37165, Protaras, Cyprus, 5307 | Phone: +357 99 184002 | www.scubatechdivers.com

Golf

The magnificent Aphrodite Hills championship golf course is the centrepiece of as exclusive project encompassing a 5* hotel, villa development, tennis academy, health spa and village, and is an exciting addition to Cyprus for golf lovers!

Carved out of groves of carob and olive trees on two high plateaux divided by a ravine, the course overlooks the Mediterranean with all but a few holes enjoying superb sea views. Designed by world renowned Cabell Robinson, the course harmonises beautifully with the natural landscape and environment of the surrounding area. Fairways are generously wide off the tee with large 'sculpted' bunkers and contoured or sloped greens.

The spectacular par three 7th hole is destined to be much talked about! It plays steeply downhill with a 30m drop across the canyon, requiring careful club selection, to a large undulating green nestling within a grove of olive trees. A long winding cart path takes one down to the green and then up out of the canyon for added thrills!

Also on offer is a three-hole academy, 350m double-ended driving range and short game practice facilities.

The clubhouse incorporates a bar and restaurant, with extensive terraces offering spectacular views, locker rooms with bag storage and valet service, and a well-stocked golf shop.
Shoe and club hire is available; golf buggies are essential.

Cyprus may be a newcomer in the golf holiday market but it is fast becoming a favourite with many travelers due to an improvement in facilities and, of course, its superb all year round climate. The island now boasts three courses following the opening last year of Aphrodite Hills, without doubt the jewel in the Cyprus golfing crown.

The course has been developed by the Lanitis family, one of the richest in Cyprus and, in its promotional material, it is claimed that "if the Gods played golf, then this would be their temple". Designed by Cabell Robinson, a Spanish born American, the course is situated on two high plateau divided by a ravine.

There are five sets of tees on each hole and the course offers an excellent test of golf from start to finish. Buggies are compulsory here and you don't have to wait long to discover why as you certainly wouldn't want to walk from the second green to the third tee. From the back tee at the third you have to carry the ravine to reach the fairway but for the less adventurous there are tees on the other side.

The par-3 seventh is a real gem, as is the next hole, a par-4 where accuracy is essential off the tee and the second is hit to a green which has the sea sparkling like diamonds behind it. The back nine is even more memorable and, like all good courses, Aphrodite Hills has an excellent closing hole in the shape of a par-5 which is guarded up at the green by a sizeable water hazard. No expense has been spared either on or off the course at Aphrodite Hills and the clubhouse is certainly a match for the best anywhere else in the world.

A large Intercontinental Hotel is being built, along with a health spa and village centre, all of which will help Aphrodite Hills become a serious player in the golf holiday market in years to come. The two other courses in Cyprus are also in the Paphos area. Indeed, you can see one of them - Secret Valley - from the 16th hole at Aphrodite Hills. It opened in 1996 and lies, as the name suggests, in a valley - a scenic one at that with bright rock formations creating a truly spectacular setting.

In the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, in the hills 15Km north-east from the city of Paphos is the Tsada golf club, designed by Donald Steel, one of the world's leading architects. The course has been designed in two loops of nine revealing the subtle hand of a man who always allows a course to blend into its natural surroundings. In addition to its exceptional course layout, one can find also at the clubhouse, a fine restaurant, bars, a conference room, a swimming pool and a games room. The clubhouse terraces with panoramic view permit pleasant viewing of the course while enjoying lunch or coffee. If you are a golfer, you may want to consider a few rounds of golf on the picturesque landscapes of Paphos.
The Tsada golf club and course is situated some 500 meters above sea level on the hills overlooking Paphos town and the coastline. This 18 hole golf course is comprised of two loops, each of nine holes. Designed by the expert Donald Steel, it offers a challenge to all handicapped golfers. In addition, there is a magnificent club house which apart from a bar, also includes a swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and a snooker room.

The Secret Valley Golf Club, located 18 km east of Paphos and 49 km from Limassol, near "Petra tou Romiou" the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

It lies in a scenic valley with grand trees adding to the new course's maturity and the beautiful sculptured natural rock formations offer panoramic views to the golfer. It plays to a par 72 and measures 6120 metres.

Secret Valley promises players both the glories of nature and the glories of golf. The front nine offer four nice holes for warming up, two birdie opportunities and an easy dog leg (if you know how!). The back nine, plays longer than the first nine and the challenge starts immediately, no warm up holes on this side. Practice facilities include putting greens, chipping areas, fairway bunkers and a large driving range. Tuition can be tailored to suit individual requirements and teaching can be on an individual or group basis.

The clubhouse at Secret Valley as the one of Tsada, has a wooden interior and facilities including a fully stocked Pro-shop, locker rooms, bar and restaurant with verandas overlooking the artificial lakes and the golf course.

Mountain Biking

Cyprus is a fantastic place to go mountain biking as its varied terrain offers some exciting sport and the weather is always good. In fact, you can bike almost all year round.

Top tip:
Fortunately the Cypriots drive on the same side as in the UK, on the left, but it is best to avoid cycling on major roads during the summer when tourist traffic is at its heaviest.

Some Cycling Routes To Try

In the Akamas region there are three major cycling trails:

The first starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, near Polis, and heads towards Fontana Amorosa - about 7km away. According to legend, Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of a natural grotto. Today there is still a grotto at the Baths of Aphrodite with small rivulets running into it. On the trail to Fontana Amorosa there are fabulous views of the landscape as you ride to the spring at the end.

The second trail leads you from Neo Chorio (west of Polis) to Pyrgos and back - a route which is about 16km long. The third route starts at Ayios Georgios to Lara and Ayios Konon. Along the way there are plenty of smaller routes and tracks especially around Lara. Ayios Georgios is about 18.5km from Paphos.

In Paphos itself there is a trail which takes you from the CTO public beach at Yeroskipou to Timi Beach, through Timi eucalyptus forest and on to the picnic area near Paphos airport. The route is about 5km to 6km long.

Hiking

The Troodos mountain range has some of the most beautiful forest in Europe, and it is best explored on foot. You will be amazed how, a short distance into the forest, and you will soon find yourself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the cool shade of the trees and the sounds of nature.

Many of the old paths through the forests which have been used for centuries have now been refurbished for hikers. They now have signs and wooden markers which point out plants, animals, birds and other natural features of interest. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation publication Nature Trails of the Troodos is the best place to find detailed information on the walks available.

Walking
Cyprus is a great place to go walking.

The island's good weather means that only the depths of winter prevents you from going for a hike. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has teamed up with the Forestry Department and has created over 48 paths or trails all over the island, totaling a distance of some 200km. The paths cover areas which are rich in vegetation and of cultural interest. Most trails are circular routes and have been devised so that all age groups can enjoy them.

Nature Trails - General Information

The famous Baths of Aphrodite is the start and end point for both trails. The two trails also have a common part (Baths of Aphrodite to Pyrgos tis Rigaenas)which is approximately 2.5 km long. The total length of each trail is approximately 7.5 Km and the walk time varies from 2 to 4 hours. The two trails are self guided. The numbered wooden signs you notice along the trails refer to points of interest which are explained below.

Aphrodite/Adonis Trail

THE COMMON PART OF THE TWO NATURE TRAILS
(FROM BATHS OF APHRODITE TO PYRGOS TIS RIGAENAS)

1. CAROB TREE Ceratonia siliqua. Carob, Olive, and Lentisk are "old" species which survived the ice ages from Tertiary times. These plants have few or no relatives, indicating that they diverged from main stock a long time ago and all closely related species have become extinct. The Carob for example is the only species in the genus Ceratonia.
Carob, Olive and Lentisk are important constituents of the genus too. This important type of Mediterranean vegetation - a very dense cover of xerophilous, sclerophyllous evergreen shrubs or small trees - resulted largely from man's work on the evergreen sclerophyllous forests constituting the climax community.
Carob is one of the most characteristic trees of the drier parts of the Eastern Mediterranean region and is most commonly cultivated. The pod, which was locally known as "black gold" due to its contribution to the National Economy (at least in the past) in addition to its other uses, is valuable fodder for animals. The wood is hard and it is used as firewood, a practice which may endanger this species.
OLIVE TREE Olea europaea. Olive had its origin in the Orient, yet by the end of the pre-Christian era was cultivated throughout the whole Mediterranean region; it was derived most from the wild form. Olea europaea ssp. Oleaster. The wealth of many, Mediterranean civilisations since the, Minoans was based on the cultivation of olives.
An olive branch has been used as the emblem of peace. Olive branches are also part of the emblem of the Republic of Cyprus. Olive oil has been used for cooking, lighting and anointing the body during festivities since the earliest times. It is considered by many people as contributing to longevity.
LENTISK Pistacia lentiscus. Lentisk is known for its "mastic", a resin obtained from punctured stems and used as a chewing gum for preserving the gums and sweetening the breath.
BRAMBLE Rubus sanctus. Bramble usually grows abundantly near water sources.
This romantic spot, as we noted earlier, is associated with Aphrodite legend, here in the cool, clear pond the Goddess of Love took her bath.
5A. FIG TREE Ficus Carica. This is the wild form of the well known cultivated variety.
EUCALYPT Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The number of species in the genus Eucalyptus exceeds 600, most of which are native to Australia. Today, these beautiful and fast growing trees can be found all over the world.
SAGE Salvia fruticosa. One of the commonest members of the so called "low maquis". Also a member of the garigueit is an important type of Mediterranean vegetation distinguished by its low scattered bushes, rarely more than 0.5m high, dotted over the hillsides, with bare patches of rock or stony ground between. A popular infusion (tea) made from its dried aromatic leaves is believed to have medicinal properties.
Cairns are permanent signs to delimit forest land.
GOLDEN DROP Onosma fruticosum. Endemic; native only to Cyprus.
GROMWELL Lithodora hispidula ssp. versicolor.
HEADED THYME Thymus capitatus. It is a typical member of the maquis and garigue. Its aromatic leaves produce an oil which has medicinal properties and is used in perfumery and cosmetics. Honey produced in areas where this shrub is abundant has a characteristic flavour and is highly valued.
As you walk, notice the hard crust of calcium carbonate which is locally called "Kafkalla": it was formed years ago when calcium carbonate was washed downwards and accumulated in thin layers on top of secondary depositions of calcareous materials. Shallow red soils of Terra rossa are usually found on the top of "Kafkalla"; they are red in colour due to the presence of the reddish coloured iron. Notice that, as a result of erosion, the soil is found only in pockets. Note that both "Kafkalla" and Terra rossa are characteristic of the Mediterranean region.
ALEPPO PINE Pinus brutia. Aleppo Pine is the commonest of the conifers on the island and it is in fact the principal forest tree.
GREEN BRIER Smilax aspera. This woody climber is common in thickets and hedges all over the island.
ROCK ROSE Cistus monspeliensis. Cistus species are among the dominant and characteristic species of the low maquis. They are also members of garigue. This pretty shrub, which is common elsewhere in the Mediterranean, is found from sea level to about 650m in isolated patches only in the western part of the island. Cistus species exudes the gum "ladanum" which is collected by dragging a kind of rake with leather prongs through the shrubs. "Ladanum" is a dark brown, fragrant and bitter gum used today in perfumery and medicinal plasters.
WICK WEED Phlomis cypria var. occidentalis. Endemic.
ROYAL OAK Quercus infectoria ssp. veneris.Isolated trees or groups of Royal Oak are frequently found in cultivated fields particularly in the western part of the island; They are found occasionally in the forest, but never form pure forest stands.
The ruins of "Pyrgos tis Rigaenas" (The shelter of the Queen), as we mentioned earlier, are associated with both history and mythology. History, supported by the existence of frescoes, tells us that this was a medieval monastery.
A fountain built by the Forestry Department. We are positive that you are in need of its cool water.
STORAX Styrax officinalis. The Latin word "officinalis" means "medicinal" which indicates the usefulness of this shrub. The gum, storax, obtained by making incisions in the stem and branches, is also used in perfumery. Moreover, at one time, its fruit was ground to a powder which was then thrown into streams. A broth was produced, capable of stupefying eels which come half-stunned to the surface where they were easily caught.
OLIVE TREE Olea europaea ssp. Oleaster. Does this species look familiar to you? It is the wild form of the known cultivated variety Olea europaea met earlier (No.2 on the common part of the trail).
You should be familiar with this species too! In any case check No.2 (common part of the trail) again.
THORNY BROOM Calycotome villosa. It is a typical member of the maquis, and garigue, family, which grows from sea level to about 1,200 m. In early spring, in areas where it is abundant, it makes a pretty show with its aromatic yellow flowers.
THORNY GORSE Genista, sphacelata this is a common constituent of the maquis where it forms impenetrable thickets.
This is Lentisk again.
STRAWBERRY TREE Arbutus This beautiful small tree or shrub is quite common and found in areas up to 1300 m. It is, however, one of the dominant species and characteristic of the "high maquis". Its reddish fruit, reminiscent of strawberries, is edible but not very palatable. The Latin word "unedo" (from the similar species Arbutus unedo) means "eat one".
ROCK ROSE.Cistus parviflorus. In spite of its name this species is often found abundantly flowering in Cyprus and with more than ten flowers in a flower head. This pretty shrub, which is found in large numbers in the Kyrenia range, occurs only on limestone soils and has never been found in the igneous central mountains.
ROCK ROSE Cistus.salviifloius This shrub is common all over the island up to 1,700m. Its leaves, contrary to other species of the genus Cistus, are hardly aromatic.
ROCK ROSE Cistus monspeliensis x parviflorus. A hybrid resulting from cross breeding between two different species that is between Cistus monspeliensis and parviflorus
THORNY BURNET Sarcopoterium spinosum. This pioneer species is the commonest of all shrubs in all parts of the island, from sea level up to an altitude of 1,250m. Its ripe fruits are widely used in folk medicine. An infusion made from crushed ripe fruits is used as a tonic.
The downhill area has been recently cleared by fire, the worst enemy of the forest. You should note that the climatic conditions of Cyprus favour forest fires and thus protection is a difficult task. Nature has its own means to fight disturbances and restore the balance. In the case of fire pioneer species such as Thorny Burnet, Rock Rose, and Sage colonise the burnt areas thus preparing the way for other more demanding species. What you see now is an intermediate stage, significant changes, however, occur continuously and will lead to the ultimate stage of the "Climax" community.
PHOENICIAN JUNIPER Juniperus phoenicea, This is the most common species in the Akamas region. It grows up to an altitude of 700m. It is one of the dominant species and is characteristic of the high maquis. The durability of its wood has made it suitable for house building for thousands of years. Juniper, in addition to its medicinal uses, is well known for its flavouring and aromatic properties; it is the principal flavouring and aromatic substance in gin.
LENTISK HYBRID Pistacia x saportae This pretty shrub is a hybrid between Lentisk Pistacia Lentiscus and Terebinth Pistacia terebinthus. It is very rare and although it is believed to exist in other places, has never been found anywhere else other than this spot.
Aleppo Pine again.
Does this species look familiar to you? If not, check No. A30

Adonis Nature Trail

FROM PYRGOS TIS RIGAENAS TO THE MAIN ROAD POLIS
BATHS OF APHRODITE, 200m BEFORE THE TOURIST PAVILION

PHOENICIAN JUNIPERJuniperus phoenicea. This is the commonest species in the Akamas region, growing at attitudes as high as 700m. It is one of the dominant species and is characteristic of the so called "high maquis".
STRAWBERRY TREE Arbutus andrachne. This beautiful small tree or shrub is quite common and found up to 1300m. It is however one of the dominant species and characteristic of the high maquis its reddish fruits, reminiscent of strawberries are edible but not very palatable.
THORNY GORSE Genista sphacelata var. sphacelata his is a common constituent of maquis, forming impenetrable thickets.
The trail now joins a forest road, constructed by the Forestry Department to serve a forest nursery which has now been abandoned. Remember, however, that forest roads serve against fire, the worst enemy of forests.
As you walk on, notice to your right the thick stand of Aleppo Pine. Relatively speaking, this is an example of a good quality site.
Notice now to your left an example of a poor quality site. Not only are the trees scattered but also look at their height, shape, and robustness. But how come? The demarcation line between the two sites is just a road! The answer is not that difficult. It is due to the existence of moisture, one of the factors controlling tree growth, which is in fact the limiting factor in the case of Cyprus. Erosion left little or no soil behind and thus moisture is almost nonexistent, a situation aggravated by the southern aspect of this site.
MYRTLE Myrtus commumis. This decorative shrub is common near water sources and in moist places all over the island up to 1700m. Myrtle is one of the "old" species which have survived the ice ages. As a symbol of love and peace, Myrtle was held sacred and it has been used to decorate the entrance of churches, schools and other public buildings during celebrations. It was also a traditional bridal flower in the Orient, a symbol of virginity. The bark, leaves and flowers produce an oil known as "Eau d' Agnes" used in perfumery. A little Myrtle oil in a hot bath water is very relaxing and good for the skin.
As you walk along this steep limestone rock, depending of course on the time of year you are visiting the area, notice, at its lower part, different species characteristic of this rocky and rather damp habitat such as Cyclamen, Stonecrop, Squill, Venus navelwort, Fern, Mosses etc.
Notice along the stream, Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). This plant is very common in Cyprus; it grows both in the wild, specially on limestone hillsides and as a cultivated tree in gardens and cemeteries. Legend says that the island was probably named after it. What we know for sure, however, is that the stream was named after it!
TEREBINTH Pistacia terebinthus. A common constituent of the maquis and pine forest, found from 300 up to 1200m. One of the peculiarities of this species is the great variation in leaf-form and size among individual examples and the perfect consistency of the leaf-form on any one.
ZOULATSIA Bosea cypria. This decorative plant, which is endemic, forms an attractive hedge or wall covering. It is frequently found in hedges in the villages or towns and also on rocky outcrops in forest and maquis in the lower altitudes.
KERMES OAK Quercus coccifera ssp. Calliprinos. This shrub which occasionally grows into medium sized trees, is one of the dominant species and characteristics of the high maquis. It is found in middle and lower regions in most parts of the island and exists in a great number of varieties, all showing minor morphological differences. Its acorns are used as pig fodder and its wood as fuel.
Green-brier suppressing both Carob Tree and Aleppo Pine.
You have heard about the maquis. Here we would like to tell you just a few things about this plant community which is in fact the most important vegetative feature of the Akamas region. But to begin with what is the maquis? You will have been looking at examples on your walk of a very dense cover of xerophilous, sclerophyllous evergreen shrubs or small trees. This plant community can be found in all environments wit