Three Days in central Cyprus
The Troodos Mountains area boasts four distinctive signposted nature trails. The circular, seven-kilometre long Artemis Trail is at the 1850-metre level and encompasses endemic flora such as Cyprus crocus and orchids under the black pines, as well as rich avian life that includes blue rock thrush and imperial eagles. The Atalanti Trail, named after a forest nymph, is nine kilometers long. At four kilometres, the Kalidonia Trail (also known as the Trail of Nightingales) crisscrosses the Kryo Potamo stream as it flows from the Troodos to Platres. The final portion of the trail begins under a wooden archway and leads to the Caledonean Falls. The three-kilometre Persephone Trail affords up-close looks at beautiful lichens and ferns.

Two days in Pafos
The Pafos District offers a wealth of nature trails, too, particularly in the Pafos Forest with its pristine stands of pine and golden oak trees. Notable are the trails east and northeast of Panagia, the area around Agia and Stavros tis Psokas, where you might spot the reclusive moufflon, and the starkly beautiful Xeros River Valley. The spectacular Cedar Valley is home to some 5,000 Cyprus cedar trees and many Troodos pines.

A day in Akamas
Still basing yourself in Pafos, explore the Akamas Peninsula, a rugged thumb-shaped strip of land crisscrossed by rocky hiking trails. From the Aphrodite Trail hikers have spectacular views of rock formations, limestone outcroppings, cliffs and boulders sculpted into odd shapes suspended in the sea. Both the Aphrodite Trail and Adonis Trail branch out from the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural grotto. On other, western side of the peninsula is Avakas Gorge, popular as a day trip excursion from Pafos by jeep. Several outfitters organize 4X4 jeep trips all year long, the majority leaving from the Pafos District. Most of the excursions include a stop at Lara Beach, a protected nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. All of the settings are pristine, so be sure to bring your camera!