The Island of Cyprus

Tour Code: CYP02

An 8-day spring holiday in search of migrating birds, orchids and other flowering plants on the Isle of Aphrodite.

8 days from
£1,595 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£1,345
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

We'll make gentle daily walks to explore the spring flora and birdlife of western Cyprus on this tour, which is timed to coincide with the migration of thousands of birds heading north to their breeding grounds. Over 200 species have been recorded, including such rarities as Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, White-breasted Kingfisher and an array of eastern warblers in breeding plumage. We’ll also explore maquis, mountain, salt lake and forest habitats for insect, bird and plant-life such as Turban Buttercup. Away from the tourist centres, we’ll find tranquil villages, lovely vineyards and legendary hospitality. This is a gentle-paced holiday, and we’ll allow time to enjoy the scenery, lavish picnic lunches and hearty Cypriot cuisine as well as the varied spring wildlife.

  • A 3-centre wildlife holiday focusing on birds & flowers
  • A wide variety of orchids possible including the endemic Cyprus Bee Orchid
  • Cyprus Warbler, Cyprus Wheatear & Masked Shrike among species we hope to see
  • Timed to coincide with peak spring bird migration; around 140 species of bird typically recorded
  • Look for Ruppell's Warbler, Isabelline Wheatear & Wryneck

Grading

Grade A. Day walks only. Usually straightforward.

Cyprus is a rugged, sun-drenched isle languishing at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. In early spring, while western Europe endures late winter gloom, the eastern Mediterranean already sparkles beneath clear blue skies and warm sunshine, its birdlife augmented by the arrival of summer visitors and northbound migrants. Cyprus’s hillsides now show the vivacity of spring, cloaked by a veneer of Crown Daisies, Turban Buttercups, asphodels and marigolds, and encompassed by glittering turquoise waters and sun-bleached rocks. Some of Cyprus’s endemic plants flower at this time and, depending on the season, we might see Yellow Cyprus Sun-rose (Helianthemum obtusifolium) and Threeleaved Gladiolus (Gladiolus triphyllus). This is the peak flowering time for Pyramidal and Bee Orchids, which can be found in our hotel’s gardens; it is also the most colourful season in the island’s calendar and a period when mild temperatures allow its rich natural history to be enjoyed to the full!

We begin our holiday with two nights on the south-east coast of Cyprus (where we will explore the Larnaka Salt Lake), followed by three nights at Paphos and two nights at Polis, on the west coast. From our varied locations we will explore the cliff-tops, headlands, coastal maquis and the two salt lakes in search of a wide variety of birds, plants and other wildlife, breaking each day for lunch. There will also be plenty of opportunities to sample a full range of Cypriot cuisine each evening in our hotels, and in one of the island’s delightful tavernas during our stay in Paphos.

Our visit is timed to coincide with the migration of thousands of birds flying northwards to their breeding grounds across a Cypriot landscape rejuvenated by winter rains. Over 200 species have been recorded, and exotic Hoopoes, Cranes, Purple Herons and Glossy Ibises loiter at the coastal wetlands near Akrotiri. An array of eastern warblers, such as Rüppell’s, Subalpine and Olivaceous, descend to mingle with the endemic Cyprus Warbler, all sporting their immaculate breeding plumages.

All of our hotels lie close to coastal ‘migrant traps’, where tired migrants make landfall after their long crossing of the Mediterranean. The headland at Paphos, for example, has become famous amongst birdwatchers for the sheer variety of migrants that often rests there first thing in the morning, while the Akamas Peninsula near Polis can be equally rewarding at times. In addition to the species mentioned, we should keep our eyes open for Collared Flycatcher, Short-toed Lark, Wryneck, Woodchat Shrike and Cretzschmar’s Bunting.

The Cypriot mountains host a range of local races, such as those of the Coal Tit, Jay and Crossbill. We will make a special excursion from Paphos to see these, along with some of the early alpines that start flowering on the mountain at this time. On the fringes of the pine-clad mountains we will explore the home of the Masked Shrike, which obligingly perches in the open as it scours the ground for small lizards and robust beetles. The maquis is flushed with delicate pink, white and purple-flowered rock roses, a fusion of hues reminiscent of an impressionist’s canvas. Scattered beneath the shrubs lies a wealth of orchids. A Cypriot spring truly presents a feast of varied and exciting encounters for the naturalist.

Our leisurely ambles along goat tracks and eroded gullies will bring fulfilment to even the most discerning of naturalists, and an irresistible attraction of a holiday here is the immediacy and ease with which a diversity of wildlife can be enjoyed. At the same coastal salt lake, mountain forest or ravine in the foothills, we will discover ample to satiate the ornithologist, botanist, herpetologist and entomologist. There is time on our unhurried rambles for the photographer to ponder composition and for the watercolour artist to seize the advantages of wonderful lighting and clear air. Our itinerary offers the expectation of a holiday of rich contrasts; forests, mountains, creeks and saltpans all sit within striking distance of our hotels, and we will enjoy these habitats to the full.

For those wishing to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this historic island, Cyprus reveals much evidence of early settlement and we strongly recommend extending your holiday. Sites such as ancient Paphos boast a series of fine mosaics which even the keenest birdwatcher will find an enthralling diversion from the exciting migrants which adorn the ornate stonework.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Paphos, drive Larnaca
Day 2
Larnaca
Day 3/5
Paphos
Day 6/7
Polis, Akamas Peninsula
Day 8
Fly London
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    We stay in comfortable hotels throughout, all with private facilities.

  • Food:

    Breakfast and dinners are included in the price, lunches are excluded throughout. We recommend allowing around £60-£70 for these.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 26th Mar – Wed 2nd Apr FULL £1,595
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.
£1,345
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£175
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Andy Bunten
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Tour Leader: Andy Bunten

Andy Bunten has been an obsessive enthusiast about wildlife ever since he can remember. Educated at Cambridge, Newcastle and Imperial College, he then embarked on a career in nature conservation. He has worked for local government, wildlife trusts and, for 26 years, the RSPB. He initially worked in RSPB Scotland then headed south to be the Regional Director for the South East of England for 5 years before, in 1991, moving to the North of England to take up the reins of Director there. An experienced lecturer, Andy has cruised extensively completing over 20 trips ranging from South America to the Philippines and from Argentina to Svalbard. Now an Environmental Consultant, Andy is an enthusiastic traveller and has led wildlife groups to numerous places around the world including the Seychelles, France, Egypt, Costa Rica, Panama, Borneo, Norway and Spitsbergen. Over the last few years, he has led Naturetrek holidays in France, Romania, Hungary, Sweden, Spain and Scotland. He loves leading trips!

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 25th Mar – Wed 1st Apr SPACES £1,595
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.
£1,345
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£175 
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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!