| I have lived in Paphos for a few years now and after | | | | into these fabulous marine creatures. What a holiday! |
| the euphoria of living in the sun, going to the beach, | | | | Cyprus is also heaven for bird watchers. The island |
| seeing the sea every day and watching fabulous | | | | has become a stop over for many migratory birds on |
| coastal sunsets every night, had settled to an | | | | their travels from Europe to Africa during the autumn |
| acceptable level, I then discovered that Paphos has | | | | and back again in spring. More than 300 different bird |
| so much more to offer. | | | | species have been seen and recorded and the island |
| Don't get me wrong, all of the above still excite me | | | | has two endemic species which are often seen in the |
| beyond belief and the 'Med' lifestyle is all it is cracked | | | | coastal regions, which are the Cyprus Pied Wheatear |
| up to be, but behind the mask of simply being a | | | | and the Cyprus |
| tourist attraction, offering all that the discerning | | | | Warbler. One of the islands larger varieties of bird is |
| holiday maker could be looking for, there is another | | | | now very much under threat and conservationists |
| face to Paphos. Not many visitors will see or | | | | battle hard to save it from extinction. The Griffin |
| experience this face because they are taking a break | | | | Vulture was once a common sight on the island but |
| from their daily lives and looking for fabulous | | | | now their numbers have dwindled to less than 50. |
| beaches, water sports, great restaurants and total | | | | So to those of you that have visited before and |
| relaxation. But, I have found out what is going on in | | | | enjoyed your summer holidays in Cyprus, why not |
| the background. | | | | try an autumn or sprint visit. Most of the tourists |
| Cyprus is an extremely interesting place for nature | | | | have returned home and the beaches once again |
| lovers. Paphos is home to a very rare and very shy | | | | become the domain of our wildlife. You will of course |
| wild sheep called the Moufflon that has magnificent | | | | have to make an effort as not all these areas are |
| curving horns. These heraldic animals, although | | | | easily accessed and the areas around Paphos, namely |
| roaming wild, can be seen at the forestry station in | | | | the Akamas Peninsula, can only beaccessed by four |
| Paphos forest (Stavros tis Psokas). Another delight is | | | | wheel drive. This will be a unique experience that you |
| that the island has visiting Loggerhead and Green | | | | will take home and treasure. Imagine walking a beach |
| turtles that comeashore to nest every year on the | | | | with no sun beds, no shops, no noise apart from the |
| sandy beaches around Paphos. These marine turtles | | | | surf and often nobody else but you! Enjoy the fresh |
| are strictly protected and if you do decide to | | | | air, the scenery and the forests and keep an eye out |
| venture further afield than the local sunbathing | | | | for the elusive Moufflon. Then, before leaving our |
| beaches and seek out the areas of unspoilt | | | | wonderful wilderness find yourselves a |
| wilderness, you may come across frames on the | | | | comfortableplace on the rocks or lay that blanket on |
| beach which warn you of a turtle nest and kindly ask | | | | the beach and experience some of the best sunsets |
| you not to disturb. I have also found that many | | | | in the Mediterranean. Paphos behind the mask is a |
| University students studying marine biology spend | | | | memorable place! |
| their holiday time here helping out with the research | | | | |