Cyprus is home to a rich variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna, including pine forests, olive and carob trees, wild herbs, orchids and other seasonal wildflowers. Its wildlife includes the Cyprus mouflon, foxes, hares, reptiles and hundreds of bird species. The island’s coastline is also an important nesting site for green and loggerhead sea turtles, while flamingos can be seen at Cyprus’s salt lakes during the winter months.
Cyprus is home to a surprisingly rich variety of plants and wildlife, helped by its Mediterranean climate, forests, mountains, wetlands and long coastline. From colourful spring wildflowers and fragrant herbs to wild mouflon and nesting sea turtles, the island’s natural world is one of the most rewarding things to discover beyond its beaches and historic sites.
The island has a distinctive Mediterranean landscape filled with pine forests, olive trees, juniper, carob, cypress and aromatic herbs such as thyme, oregano and sage. In spring, the countryside comes alive with wildflowers, including orchids, cyclamen, anemones, poppies and the bright yellow Cyprus buttercup.
The Troodos Mountains are particularly important for Cyprus’s flora. Higher elevations support plants that are found nowhere else in the world, including the Troodos endemic golden oak and several endemic species of pine, wildflowers and shrubs.
Spring is one of the best times to see Cyprus at its most colourful, with flowers covering meadows, mountain slopes and roadside verges after the winter rains.
The most famous animal associated with Cyprus is the Cyprus mouflon, a wild sheep found in the forests of the Troodos region. It is Cyprus’s largest native land mammal and a protected species. Spotting one in the wild is rare, but the mouflon remains an important symbol of the island’s natural heritage.
Cyprus is also home to foxes, hares, hedgehogs, bats and a variety of reptiles. Its warm climate supports several species of lizard and snake, while the surrounding Mediterranean provides an even greater variety of marine life, including Monk Seals.
Cyprus is an important nesting site for green turtles and loggerhead turtles. Beaches around the Akamas Peninsula and the west coast are particularly significant during the nesting season.
Between late spring and summer, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, with hatchlings emerging later in the season. Several beaches are protected during this period, so visitors should follow local guidance and avoid disturbing nesting turtles or their nests.
Cyprus sits on an important migration route between Europe, Africa and Asia, making it a fascinating destination for birdwatching. More than 400 bird species have been recorded on the island.
The Larnaca and Akrotiri salt lakes are especially well known for migratory birds, with large numbers of flamingos often arriving during the winter months. Depending on the season, visitors may also see birds of prey, herons, bee-eaters and many smaller migratory species.
You don’t need to be an expert naturalist to enjoy Cyprus’s flora and fauna. Some of the best places to experience it include:
Spring is arguably the best season for experiencing Cyprus’s plant life, when wildflowers are at their peak and the countryside is green after the winter rains. Winter is the best time to look for flamingos at the salt lakes, while late spring and summer offer opportunities to learn about nesting sea turtles along protected beaches.
Wherever you explore, remember that Cyprus’s wildlife and natural habitats are protected. Stick to marked trails, take litter with you, keep your distance from animals and never disturb plants, nests or wildlife.
Explore Cyprus’s natural world: discover the island’s mountains, forests, wetlands, coastline and protected areas to see its flora and fauna in their natural surroundings.
Paphos is surrounded by some of Cyprus’s most varied natural landscapes, from its rugged western coastline to the forests and valleys inland. The nearby Akamas Peninsula is particularly rich in native plants, wildflowers, birds and other wildlife. The region is also important for nesting sea turtles, especially along protected beaches. Inland, the countryside becomes greener and more mountainous, creating habitats for a wide range of species.
Limassol sits between the Mediterranean coast and the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, giving the region a wide variety of natural habitats. The countryside around the city includes vineyards, olive groves, dry Mediterranean scrub and woodland. Further inland, the landscape becomes increasingly forested, with pine trees and native mountain plants. The nearby Akrotiri wetlands are also an important habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Larnaca is home to some of Cyprus’s most important wetland habitats, most notably the Larnaca Salt Lake. During the winter months, large flocks of flamingos gather here alongside many other migratory birds. The surrounding countryside also supports Mediterranean vegetation, wildflowers and a variety of reptiles and smaller wildlife. The area’s mix of wetlands, coast and dry landscapes makes it particularly interesting for nature lovers.
The eastern coast around Ayia Napa and Protaras is known for its clear waters, dramatic rocky coastline and distinctive Mediterranean vegetation. Cape Greco National Forest Park provides an important natural habitat for coastal plants, birds and reptiles. The surrounding sea supports a variety of marine life, while protected beaches provide nesting habitat for loggerhead and green sea turtles. In spring, the area’s rocky landscapes and open countryside can also be covered with colourful wildflowers.
