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Rare Birds of Cyprus

Rare Birds of Cyprus

Cyprus sits at the heart of one of the four major migration flyways between Europe and Africa. This strategic location makes the island a critical stopover point for millions of birds traveling between continents each year. The position roughly 50 miles south of Turkey and 60 miles west of Syria places Cyprus directly in the path of birds moving between breeding grounds in Europe and wintering areas in Africa. Among the most spectacular visitors are greater flamingos, multiple heron species, and the elusive black stork. These rare birds depend on Cyprus's wetlands, salt lakes, and coastal areas for rest and feeding during their long journeys. The island's network of protected sites provides essential habitat that supports not just individual birds but entire populations of species that face threats throughout their range. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in Cyprus, with the majority occurring as regular passage migrants. Salt Lakes and Ancient Routes Cyprus's salt lakes hold special importance for migratory birds. The Larnaca Salt Lake complex consists of four interconnected lakes with a total surface area of 2.2 square kilometers, making it the second largest salt lake system in Cyprus after Limassol's Akrotiri Salt Lake. These lakes have been declared Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, EU Natura 2000 sites, Special Protected Areas under the Barcelona Convention, and Important…

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Marki Alonia Bronze Settlement

Marki Alonia Bronze Settlement

Nestled in central Cyprus, Marki-Alonia stands as one of the most revealing prehistoric settlements from the Early and Middle Bronze Age. Between 1990 and 2000, archaeologists David Frankel and Jennifer Webb from La Trobe University uncovered approximately 1,500 square meters of this ancient village. Their excavations revealed a remarkable window into how people lived, built their homes, and organized their communities from about 2400 BCE to around 1900 BCE. Unlike many archaeological sites where researchers can only piece together fragments of the past, Marki-Alonia offers an unusually complete picture of Bronze Age life in Cyprus. Historical Background The story of Marki-Alonia begins with a small group of settlers who arrived around 2400 BCE. The founding population numbered just 40 to 50 people. Over the course of 500 years, the settlement experienced steady growth. By the Middle Cypriot I period, roughly 400 years after its founding, the population had swelled to about 400 inhabitants. This growth reflects the settlement's success in establishing a stable agricultural economy and developing social systems that could support larger groups of people. What makes Marki-Alonia particularly important to archaeologists is its unbroken occupation sequence. Many ancient sites show signs of sudden abandonment or catastrophic destruction, but Marki-Alonia evolved gradually. Buildings were renovated, rooms were reorganized, and structures were rebuilt or demolished as needs changed. This continuous…

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Polis–Chrysochous Coast

Polis–Chrysochous Coast

The Polis-Chrysochous coast represents one of Cyprus's most ecologically valuable marine environments. Stretching along the northwestern shore of the island around Chrysochous Bay, this protected area encompasses the waters from the Akamas Peninsula to the villages of Pomos and Pachyammos. The sea surrounding the area is considered a hot spot for its marine biodiversity on a global scale, and an important and fertile habitat or refuge for many living organisms. The coastal waters support extensive Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, vital breeding grounds for endangered sea turtles, and populations of critically threatened Mediterranean monk seals. The region gained protected status through designation as part of the Natura 2000 network, recognizing its exceptional ecological significance. The combination of pristine beaches, rocky reefs, and underwater caves creates diverse habitats that sustain an extraordinary variety of marine life from microscopic organisms to visiting cetaceans. Historical Context The Chrysochous Bay region has witnessed human interaction with the sea for thousands of years. The town was built on the foundations of ancient Marion, one of the ten ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. Ancient Marion flourished from the 5th century BC through Roman times, with fishing providing essential protein and trade goods for the population. Traditional fishing methods remained relatively sustainable through the Byzantine, Lusignan, and Ottoman periods. The 20th century brought dramatic changes. Modern fishing equipment…

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