"Loumata ton Aeton" nature trail

General The “Loumata ton Aeton” nature trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park which can be classified as the most important natural area of Cyprus while it is included in the major regions of the world for biodiversity conservation (IUCN Biodiversity hot spots). Troodos is the island's highest mountain range reaching 1951m at its highest peak, namely Chionistra or Olympus, while the lowest is at the altitudinal zone of 700m. The most of Troodos NFP is covered with dense natural forests, with the Calabrian pine ( Pinus brutia ) and Golden oak ( Quercus alnifolia ) to dominate up to an altitude of 1500 metres, whereas the Black pine ( Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana ) and Troodos Juniper ( Juniperus foeditissima ) prevail at higher altitudes. The Troodos NFP hosts more than 750 plant species (44% of the native flora), of which 72 are endemic to Cyprus (50% of endemics), including 12 species considered as local endemics. The Troodos NFP hosts 11 habitats listed in Annex I of the European Habitats Directive, and 10 as Annex II-listed species. In addition, more than 100 wild bird species have been recorded, of which 11 are included in Annex I of the European Birds Directive 2009/147/EC. The geology of the area is also unique. The 90 million years old ophiolitic complex of the Troodos mountain range is part of the seabed of the ancient Tethys Sea, which uplifted 15 million years ago as a result of the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plate that marked the creation of the island. All the above, in combination with its climate and the landscape, make the Troodos NFP an attraction pole for thousands of visitors, nature lovers, hikers, skiers, birdwatchers, botanists, geologists, etc. The Troodos NFP is a state forest managed by the Department of Forests towards the following objectives: its protection, biodiversity conservation and forest recreation. Route 2.5 km – linear Duration 1 hour Degree of difficulty Maximum - Minimum altitude 1110m – 1010m General description smooth path Starting point Amiantos –SEKCampingSit e road GPS coordinates (UTM-WGS84) 493784N/3863663E Most suitable period April - November Cautionary notes river crossings, water level rises during winter months, risk of slipping Drinking water on route no easy difficult moderate