Spring in Northern Cyprus

Tour Code: CYP01

An 8-day natural history holiday to the fascinating Turkish part of the island of Cyprus, to enjoy its spring flowers and bird migration.

8 days from
£1,795 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£1,545
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

North Cyprus has an astonishing diversity of plants and at the time of our tour the land is ablaze with colour; the diversity of orchids, in particular, will excite keen botanists. This is a 2-centre holiday and our first base will be near the delightful fishing harbour of Girne. From here we’ll botanise on the foothills and wooded slopes of the Besparmak Mountains and watch for flurries of migrant birds including harriers, larks, pipits, warblers and flycatchers. During the second part of the tour we’ll be based on the far eastern tip of North Cyprus where we’ll explore maquis scrub and hope to see birds such as Little Crake and Pied Kingfisher in wetland areas, as well as aquatic plants.

  • Over 1,250 plant species in North Cyprus
  • 30 species of orchid including the endemic Cyprus Bee Orchid
  • Visit towering Crusader forts & ruins of the Roman city of Salamis
  • Water Rail & Little Bittern, plus Purple & Squacco Herons
  • Carpets of anemones, Crown Daisy & the endemic Ophrys kotschyi
  • Spectacular migrant bird ‘falls’ near Cape Andreas
  • Enjoy tavernas & exploring the cobbled medieval streets of Girne
  • This tour can be combined with our ‘The Island of Cyprus’ holiday
  • Led by expert naturalist guides

Grading

Grade A/B. Day walks only.

Separated by both politics and religion from the south of ‘Aphrodite’s island’, Northern Cyprus has always retained a distinctive identity, its economy supported by the production of cereals, grapes, citrus fruits and potatoes on the fertile Mesaoria Plain. The Mediterranean charm of the region is epitomised by a sprinkling of little villages which seem barely to have been changed by the passage of time. However, inevitably, as in so many other parts of the Mediterranean, the last few years have seen an increase in tourism to the island and plenty of development, although there are still many areas of outstanding natural beauty to be found here, such as the dramatic scenery and forests surrounding the Crusader castles and the stretches of pristine coastline at Silver Beach. In addition, this is an island that has witnessed over 8,000 years of civilisation and its history can be traced through the many Roman and other monuments and ruins still evident in the countryside.

Northern Cyprus is renowned in the botanical world for the astonishing diversity of its flora. Over 1,250 plant species have been identified, a number of which are endemic to the country. From February to May the land is ablaze with colour, the components of this floral mosaic changing in tone and form as the season advances. The 30 or so species of wild orchid are particularly coveted by botanists and representatives of this exotic family include the stunning endemic Cyprus Bee Orchid (Ophrys kotschyi). The avifauna is also of great interest, the north of the island sharing with the south the presence of two endemic birds, the Cyprus Warbler and the Cyprus Wheatear. During the extended period of spring migration huge numbers of birds pass through Cyprus heading to northern breeding areas. At such times the interesting selection of resident species is augmented by an ever-changing variety of migrants, adding an exciting unpredictability to every excursion.

This is a 2-centre holiday and our first base for this exploration of Northern Cyprus is near the delightful seaside town of Girne, formerly known as Kyrenia. A lively fishing harbour, around which are scattered numerous inviting tavernas, and a network of cobbled medieval streets, lend a timeless attraction to Girne, and these picturesque qualities are enhanced by the peaks of the Besparmak Mountains which rise inland from the town. Our field activities will focus initially on the abundant flora of the foothills and wooded slopes of these mountains, but during our stay we will also be looking for migrant birds at various coastal locations and wetlands.

A wealth of historical sites provides diversions from the natural history and our programme will be flexible in order to accommodate a little of the history of the region alongside our botanical and ornithological activities. Towering Crusader forts and ancient monasteries compete for our attention with reminders of the Roman era, such as the ruins of Salamis city near Famagusta, which many historians regard as the best preserved examples of Roman architecture in the eastern Mediterranean. Flowers thrive here amid the ruins and we should find such orchids as Serapias parviflora, S. orientalis, S. vomeracae, Orchis simia and many Ophrys species amongst the colourful profusion of poppies, Crown Daisies (Chrysanthemum coronarium), endemic Gladiolus triphyllos and handsome spikes of Giant Fennel (Ferula communis).

During the second part of the tour we will search for migrants on the eastern peninsula, near Cape Andreas. Falls can be spectacular and we will watch out for possible Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers, Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipits, warblers, chats, wagtails and perhaps Wrynecks and flycatchers too. On other days we will wander in the Kyrenia Mountains, a stretch of cliffs and pinnacles of hard limestone, dolomite and marble which forms a dramatic spine-like formation. On the peaks Calabrian Pine and Italian Cypress forests are interspersed with valleys of typical maquis scrub consisting of Arbutus, Myrtus, Laurus and Quercus coccifera. Between the mountains and the rich alluvial central plain lies a hilly area containing reservoirs which are often very productive for birdwatching and aquatic plants. Here we should find Little Crake, Water Rail, Little Bittern, Purple and Squacco Heron, Garganey and possible migrants among the reeds.

Early April is one of the best periods to botanise in Northern Cyprus and among the species we will be expecting to find will be carpets of Anemone coronaria, Cyclamen persicum, Crown Daisy, and many orchids that are typical of the eastern Mediterranean, such as the yellow Orchis morio ssp. syriaca, Ophrys scolopax ssp. lapethica, O. bornmulleri, O. levantina and of course the endemic Ophrys kotschyi. At this season it seems as if every available space is occupied by a profusion of wild flowers providing both a wonderful spectacle and a delight for botanists. Whilst the myriad of blooms are unfurling to welcome a new spring, it is also a period of transition for birds as wintering species are replaced by the newly arrived migrants from Africa.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Larnaca and transfer to Girne
Day 2/4
A daily programme of natural history walks from our base near Girne
Day 5/7
A daily programme of natural history walks from our base in Dipkarpaz
Day 8
Fly London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    We stay in comfortable hotels, where all rooms come with private facilities.

  • Food:

    All food is included in the price.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 2nd Apr – Wed 9th Apr SPACES £1,795
Book Tour Show Details
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
Nick Bond

Tour Leader: Nick Bond

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 1st Apr – Wed 8th Apr SPACES £1,795
Book Tour Show Details
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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Botanical Tours – See Wild Flowers with our Expert Botanical Guides


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




All Botany Tours

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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:



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




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

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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?

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!