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Swimming in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea on Christmas morning and Boxing Day. A perfect start to any day. The visit to Paphos Archaeological site was excellent. The last morning was memorable for wildlife, particularly Lang’s Short Tailed Blue and the Dapper Spur Winged Lapwing.
M.S. Somerset, Dec 23
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Cyprus at Christmas
Tour Code: CYP04An 8-day natural history holiday to Cyprus in search of birds and winter-flowering bulbs, all bathed in warm Christmas sunshine!
8 days
from
£1,895 (Inc flights)
£1,895 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£1,545
£1,545
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The island of Cyprus sits in the clear blue waters of the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. At the end of December, when northern Europe has slipped deep into the clutches of winter’s icy grip, Cyprus still enjoys a mild and sunny climate with a pleasant average day-time temperature of 18°C. However, whilst Cyprus can boast an impressive average of 340 days of sunshine per year, its rainfall tends to fall between October and February, watering landscapes parched and desiccated by the summer sun, encouraging Cyprus’s autumn and winter-flowering plants to burst into life once more. This rejuvenated green land attracts an interesting variety of birds, amongst them such sought-after species as Finsch’s Wheatear and Cyprus Warbler which overwinter on the island.
This 2-centre natural history holiday also provides the opportunity for participants to partake in a Cypriot Christmas for a change. So, as well as searching for the varied plants, birds and other wildlife of this beautiful Mediterranean island, we will enjoy a more relaxed and far less commercialised Christmas than that experienced in the UK. We’ll also no doubt sample a few of the island’s traditional festive foods such as ‘melomakarona’ (a delicious honey cake) and ‘kourabiedes’ (an almond cake coated in icing sugar). So, let Naturetrek take the worry and stress out of your festive planning this year and join us in southern Cyprus for a relaxing week of wildlife, walking and a glass or two of the local Cypriot wine!
- A 2-centre wildlife holiday focusing on birds, flowers and archaeology
- Enjoy Christmas in Cyprus
- Autumn & winter-flowering flowers such as Romulea tempskyana & Narcissus serotinus
- Wintering birds including Finsch’s Wheatear, Cyprus Warbler & Greater Sand Plover
- Early orchids such as Ophrys israelitica & Anacamptis collina
- Visit the archeological site on Paphos Headland
- Explore the beautiful Akamas Peninsula
- Led by expert naturalist guides
Grading
Grade A. Easy to moderate day walks only.
The island of Cyprus sits in the clear blue waters of the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. At the end of December, when northern Europe has slipped deep into the clutches of winter’s icy grip, Cyprus still enjoys a mild and sunny climate with a pleasant average daytime temperature of 18°C. However, whilst Cyprus can boast an impressive average of 340 days of sunshine per year, its rainfall tends to fall between October and February, watering landscapes parched and desiccated by the summer sun, encouraging Cyprus’s autumn and winter-flowering plants to burst into life once more. This rejuvenated green land attracts an interesting variety of birds, amongst them such sought-after species as Finsch’s Wheatear and Moustached Warbler which overwinter on the island.
This 2-centre natural history holiday also provides the opportunity for participants to partake in a Cypriot Christmas for a change. So, as well as searching for the varied plants, birds and other wildlife of this beautiful Mediterranean island, we will enjoy a more relaxed and far less commercialised Christmas than that experienced in the UK. We will also no doubt sample a few of the island’s traditional festive foods such as ‘melomakarona’ (a delicious honey cake) and ‘kourabiedes’ (an almond cake coated in icing sugar). So, let Naturetrek take the worry and stress out of your festive planning this year and join us in southern Cyprus for a relaxing week of wildlife, walking and a glass or two of the local Cypriot wine!
Our holiday begins with a flight into Paphos, an interesting and historical town located at the south-western end of the island. A small but comfortable hotel in Paphos will be our base for the next four nights whilst we explore the coastal habitats and inland hills of this region in search of flowers, birds and other wildlife. On our first full day we will visit the archaeological ruins on Paphos Headland, a World Heritage Site with remains dating from pre-historic times through to the Middle Ages. Much of the site, however, is Roman in age and includes some of the finest Roman mosaics in Europe. It is also an interesting spot for wildlife and should offer us our first autumn and winterflowering plants such as Narcissus serotinus, Muscari parviflorum and the endemic Taraxacum aphrogene. Spinyfooted Lizards bask on the walls of these ruins, whilst birds to look out for include Tawny Pipit, Crested Lark, Black Redstart and perhaps even a wintering Greater Sand Plover on the rocky beach.
To the east of Paphos lie the Asprokremmos and Kouris Reservoirs, great areas for birds throughout the year and regular wintering sites for Finsch’s Wheatear, a sought-after species that only breeds from eastern Turkey into central Asia, but winters in small numbers in Cyprus. We also hope there may be one or two lingering Cyprus and Spectacled Warblers here, plus Moustached Warbler, Blue Rock Thrush, Griffon Vulture and Long-legged Buzzard. On the coast at Mandria we will be looking out for other wintering species, plus flowers such as Ranunculus bullatus and Crocus veneris.
Next, we transfer to the small coastal town of Latchi, located at the foot of the beautiful Akamas Peninsula. En route we will stop at the Pegeia Forest, one of the best-preserved lowland juniper and pine forests on the island and home to Colchicum pusillum, Spiranthes spiralis, and Euphorbia dimorphocaulon. During our three nights in Latchi we will be based in a comfortable hotel close to the Baths of Aphrodite, an attractive natural pool where the goddess of love was fabled to bathe. This is also one of the few permanent sources of freshwater in the area and, as such, attractive to a variety of thirsty birds. Walks from our hotel will take us along the coast of the Akamas Peninsula which is characterised by its dramatic limestone cliffs and extensive maquis adorned with rocky fields. With a little perseverance we may hope to find the shy, but very vocal, Black Francolin, plus a variety of other species including Corn Bunting, Sardinian Warbler and Spanish Sparrow. Starred Agamas and Troodos Lizards will be sunning themselves on the Carob Trees, whilst for the botanist an interesting variety of plants may include Arisarum vulgare, Scilla autumnalis, Narcissus tazetta, Spiranthes spiralis and the first Anemone coronaria and Cyclamen persicum of the season. There should also be one or two early flowering orchids on show such as Ophrys israelitica and Anacamptis collina.
So, please do join us for a festive week of wildlife in southern Cyprus this year and a ‘Kala Chritouyenna’ (Merry Christmas) to one and all!
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Paphos.
Day 2/4
Paphos
Day 5/7
Latchi.
Day 8
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in comfortable hotels with private facilities throughout.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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Had an amazing view of a peregrine on a kill which was the highlight of a very enjoyable holiday with a friendly group of people with great leaders. Yiannis knowledge of all things Cypriot (flora, fauna, history, etc) being particularly outstanding.
M.L. Bedfordshire, Dec 23 -
We spent a relaxing and very enjoyable week in Cyprus travelling around with our expert guides looking at and photographing the islands wild plants and wildlife. From our comfortable hotels in Paphos and Polis our happy little group took daily trips to various wildlife locations in search of local flora and fauna, before returning to our base to discuss our day and enjoy a typical Cypriot meal. A lovely way to spend Christmas. The whole experience was well organised and scheduled by Naturetrek. We had two enthusiastic and very knowledgeable guides who ensured that we found many of the islands plants and animals, as well as experiencing the local culture and history.
S.N. Co. Durham, Dec 22 -
An excellent holiday with very knowledgeable guides. We visited a good variety of bird, flower and historic sites. Hotels were simple, friendly with tasty local food. An all round good 'escape from Christmas.
B.S. Dorset -
A well-structured and well-led programme in pleasant and comfortable surroundings. The main focus was on natural history, with some archaeology included as well. I was able to make some observations relevant to my own interests while also taking part in a most amenable social group activity.
J.E. Surrey -
Rob and Yiannis were an outstanding team; the one light-hearted and funny, the other academic and serious. They were both very informative and knowledgeable, they worked very well together.
B.E. Wiltshire -
Organisation was very good, the leaders kept us well informed. The lunches we picked up from the bakers were excellent and dinners at taverns made for a nice change from hotels and were great fun
J.S. Dorset
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 20th Dec – Sat 27th Dec
SPACES
£1,895
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,545
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Yiannis Christofides
Tour Leader: Yiannis Christofides
Yiannis was born in Cyprus. He studied Chemistry at University College, London, before moving on to Birbeck College to do research. In 1986 he returned to the mountain village of Platres in Cyprus to pursue his interest in botany, photography and natural history. Yiannis is a member of the Botanical Society of the British Isles and is actively researching the flora of Cyprus. His particular interests are the orchids of Cyprus and the sub-alpine plants of the Troodos Mountains. He is the author of the book 'Orchids of Cyprus' and is currently writing a new Flora for Cyprus. Fluent in English, his other interests include languages, geology, history and archaeology.
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 20th Dec – Sun 27th Dec
SPACES
£1,895
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,545
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
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There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?
- All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
- All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
- We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?
- Travel with a group of like-minded people
- Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
- Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora
In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.
Our specialist recommends...
"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour”
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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