Description

We’re delighted to offer a trip to Cyprus in the autumn this year, for flora and other wildlife of interest. Enjoy 8 days on the island, staying at 2 different hotels and be guided by Yiannis Christofides, our resident expert for whom Cyprus is his local patch!

An Indian Summer is the usual course of events in Cyprus, stretching long into autumn. The coming of the autumn rains marks the renewal in nature, bringing respite and relief into the parched landscape.  Many bulbs then burst into flowering, taking the chance to attract the pollinators looking for flowers to visit. We expect to see a number of autumn-flowering bulbs, from the relatively common Narcissus serotinus, the strange Euphorbia dimorphocaulon,  and the endemics Crocus veneris, Taraxacum aphrogenes and Cyclamen cyprium, whilst enjoying our beautiful location in the Akamas peninsula.  We shall enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the beach, whilst the the sea  is still warm for swimming for those that wish to do so.

Cyprus is also on the major migration route from Europe to Africa and birds make landfall here before continuing their journey south. A number of species will be here to stay, amongst them  Finch’s  Wheatear and we shall go looking for it. Other wildlife such as lizards and butterflies should also be active and we should see Troodos and Snake-eyed Lizards. Tree frogs are usual residents of the hotel garden, to be seen basking on the shrubs.

The order of the day is for gentle walks to observe and photograph all that we can find, including the butterflies, dragonflies and other insects that are still around.

We’ll stay at two different hotels in Paphos and Latchi, eating out in Paphos and staying in at Latchi. The holiday is suitable for botanists and for those with a general interest in wildlife. All walks will be at a gentle pace and driving is very minimal as we strive to maximise the time spent out in the field enjoying the many natural, cultural and archaeological delights that Cyprus has to offer!