• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Just About Cyprus

All About Cyprus

Cyprus Geography

Last Updated on September 10, 2021 by Nick Sanna

Situated in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea is the beautiful island of Cyprus. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, measuring 240 km in length, and 100 km in width.

Where is Cyprus Located?

Cyprus MapDue to its geographic location, Cyprus can be included in the Middle East, Western Asia, or Europe. Turkey is 75 km to the north. Syria is 105 km to the east. Lebanon is 108 km to the east. Israel is 200 km to the southeast. Egypt is 380 km to the south.

The Greek mainland is 800 km to the west-northwest: Rhodes is 400 km away, and it is 280 km from Cyprus to the small Dodecanese island of Kastellórizo (Meyísti).


Mountains & Physical Features

Mountain masses and the central plain they encompass, the Mesaoria, dominate Cyprus’ physical setting.

Cyprus geography The island has multiple mountain chains and large interior plains as well as 648km of coastline.

The Troodos Mountains cover most of the southern and western portions of the island and account for roughly half its area. The narrow Kyrenia Range, extending along the northern coastline, occupies a substantially less expanse and has lower elevations.

Coastal lowlands surround the island with varying widths.

Plains

The Mesaoria (meaning between the mountains) is a sweeping plain that makes up the center of the island. The Mesaoria plain is bounded on the east and west by the Mediterranean Sea, on the south by the Troodos mountains. To its north lie the Kyrenia mountains.

It has an area of approximately 1000 square km. It rises to an altitude of 325 meters, with an average elevation of around 100 meters.

There are many rivers and other watercourses crossing this plain, but none of them have water all year round.

The Mesaoria is the most settled region on the island, containing dozens of villages and many of the most significant towns, including the capital, Nicosia.

Trodos Mountains

The Troodos mountain range is the most prominent mountain range of Cyprus, located in the center of the island; it stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus.

Its highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters. The area has been known since ancient times for its copper mines, and in the Byzantine period it became a renowned center of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline, and they still exist today.

Kyrenia Mountains

The Kyrenia mountain range is a long, narrow chain of mountains that runs approximately 160 km along the north coast of Cyprus. The collective chain is also known as the Pentadactylos.

The mountains are primarily limestone, with some marble. The highest peak, Kyparissovouno is 1,024 meters in elevation. The western half of the range is known as the Pentadactylos (five fingers) mountains.

Though only half the height of the Troodos mountains, the Kyrenia mountains are very rugged. These peaks rise abruptly from the Mesaoria plain making them a spectacular sight.


Plant Variety

The Cyprus Mediterranean Forests ecoregion encompasses the high and steep Troodos massif and hills and low plains of the island, which hosts a wide range of habitats. With approximately 1,800 species and subspecies of flowering plants, Cyprus is a botanist’s paradise.

Oak, strawberry, juniper, and cypress trees thrive at lower elevations, while the driest level plains in the center host semi-arid, shrub-like vegetation and wild olive trees, and carob trees.

In the medium elevations, pine forests are wide-spread and endemic evergreen oak forests.

Pine forests and juniper woodlands cover the higher elevations of the mountains which provide an ideal habitat for many specialized species of plants and animals.


Abundant and Unique Wildlife

Each mountain range hosts some plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth. One such creature is the Cyprus mouflon, also called Agrino from Greek Αγρινό. Although few, they still survive in the mountains of the protected reserve of the Paphos Forest Station.

The Cyprus mouflon is a reclusive, indigenous rare type of wild mountain sheep, and is a protected species. The sheep is also a national symbol, displayed on some of the Cyprus euro coins and Cyprus stamps, and was also the emblem of the former national airline.

Birds

Cyprus is also a major bird migration route, with it being on a north-south migration route. Thousands of birds every year transit via Cyprus, some in vast flocks and some in small clusters.

The resting period of each type of bird varies, with some only resting for a few days to a week, and others for several weeks or months. The Northward migration period is from March to May, while the Southward migration period is from August to October.

The most popular of the migrating birds are the pink flamingos that flock every year to the Larnaca salt lake for the winter months. People come from far and wide to take in the spectacular view of the beautiful pink flamingos, which migrate in their thousands annually.

More recently, the Greater flamingo has also been seen. With over 360 different species of birds documented on the island, many of them migratory, Cyprus is a perfect haven for bird watchers.

Related Posts

  • Cyprus Map
    Cyprus Maps

    A selection of different political, geographical, and historical maps for Cyprus.

  • Cyprus Weather
    View from the beach

    Cyprus has mostly a dry and warm climate all year round, but it does also…

  • Larnaca Cyprus
    The old town of Larnaca in the historic district.

    Larnaca (Larnaka) has plenty to offer its visitors, with an existing marina for yacht owners,…

  • Cyprus Population
    Cyprus population figures

    Demographics of Cyprus The total population of the island is 1,133,803 according to the 2011…

  • Cyprus Districts
    The districts of Cyprus

    There are six major districts in Cyprus, with each region having the same name as…

  • Traditional Cyprus Recipes
    traditional recipes

    Relive your holiday in Cyprus with a homemade traditional Cypriot meal. Most of these recipes…

Filed Under: Information

Primary Sidebar

Who is Just About Cyprus?

Just About Cyprus is a free resource for travelers looking to visit the island of Cyprus. We feature informational articles about attractions, culture, and recipes. Just About Cyprus is owned and operated by Redland Media. To learn more, please visit our about us page.

Learn Greek Language

Cyprus Cuisine

yogurt and honey

Cyprus Recipes – Yogurt with Honey

The ultra-simple combination of yogurt that has been sweetened with honey … [Read More...] about Cyprus Recipes – Yogurt with Honey

tzatziki

Cyprus Recipes – Tzatziki Dip

Tzatziki dip is a popular condiment with variations found in Greece and … [Read More...] about Cyprus Recipes – Tzatziki Dip

Explore Cyrpus

Achaios Shipwreck

Achaios Shipwreck

The Achaios Shipwreck is one of the most interesting maritime wreck sites … [Read More...] about Achaios Shipwreck

Temple of Aphrodite ruins

Temple of Aphrodite – Old Paphos

The ancient ruins that remain of Temple of Aphrodite are a perfect … [Read More...] about Temple of Aphrodite – Old Paphos

Categories

  • Attractions
  • Blog
  • Culture
  • Information
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes

JustAboutCyprus.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates.

Footer

Just About Cyprus

  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

Mailing Address
Redland Media, LLC
9164 Eastchase Parkway
Suite 127
Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: (334) 245-4316
Email: [email protected]

Redland Media, LLC Brands

  • Yard and Garage
  • Alterables
  • Scout It Up

© 2023 Just About Cyprus