Mother Nature’s Playground

Revel in the marvellous Mediterranean biodiversity, be it underwater, diving with the endemic loggerhead or green sea turtles, to scanning the sapphire skies with a pair of binoculars for the vast array of avian life.

North Cyprus acts as a mid-migratory junction for thousands of birds, who must keep their wits in order to evade predatory eagles, hawks and falcons, on the prowl for their next meal. To witness the airborne drama unfold is simply breath-taking.

On land, diminutive house martins and swallows may seek refuge in an oak tree here, an olive tree there, or the cloisters of several, scattered churches and cathedrals.

Outside one such religious dwelling in Famagusta is a sycamore fig tree planted in 1220 A.D. and rumoured to be the oldest living thing in North Cyprus, truly a sight to behold. The photogenic scenery is elevated by some 1,500 plant species that thrive and jostle for attention, especially in the season of spring when a surplus of flora washes over the landscape like a multi-hued blanket.

The ruby red medos tulip and eye-catching orchids, particularly in Alevkaya or high up on Kyrenia’s mountainous peaks, blossom here, and are something of a pride and joy for the state. Elsewhere, aromatic fennel gently caresses various fields and mountains.

Over in the north-east, Cyprus donkeys roam freely and in abundance on the unspoilt Karpaz Peninsula. Along with Alagadi and Akdeniz beaches, the golden sands here also double up as rare nesting grounds for many languid marine turtles.

The Besparmak “Five Finger” Mountains clothed in pine and cypress forests, also boast diverse flora, many of them endemic species and a source of delight to all botanists whether amateur of professional.

Colossal ‘Monumental Olive Trees‘ are a living cultural and natural heritage over 800 years, and one of the most important projects in the Natura 2000 initiative.

There is an immediate feeling of relief when you let yourself absorb what comes natural in life, away from the distractions and demands of everyday life, and nowhere much more unique to experience this than NCY and its four distinctive seasons each revealing mother nature’s gifts.