Nature Trails
Explore the Natural Beauty surrounding Aphrodite Hills Resort, Paphos, Cyprus
With one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning backdrops, Aphrodite Hills Resort Management were determined that the natural beauty of Aphrodite Hills’ 234-hectare (578 acres) site would be carefully preserved and maintained, whilst developing and managing the Resort.
Aphrodite Hills is situated across two elevated plateaux either side of the Randidi Gorge, a natural ravine and public nature reserve, which is surrounded by the Randi Forest, an area protected by the Cyprus Government’s Department of Forestry.
Dominating the site landscape are around 7,000 olive and carob trees. A huge programme of transplanting trees has been undertaken to preserve those that would have been affected by the construction process. Having been cared for during construction within an on-site nursery, these trees are now being carefully re-introduced to their original landscape.
Indigenous Planting Policy
Aphrodite Hills has been horticulturally designed with flora that is endemic to Cyprus, together with exotic species such as bougainvilleas and hibiscus. In addition to the mature olive and carob trees, thousands of ‘Pistach lentiscus’ also dominate the landscape.
Numerous grasses supplement the area along with native flowering plants, which emerge year after year during the first rainfall in autumn and disappear during the dry and hot summer months. It is hoped that Aphrodite Hill’s decision to terminate uncontrolled overgrazing will help to restore native vegetation.
Flourishing Fauna
The bird population is expected to flourish with the development as the current state-issued hunting permit over part of the Aphrodite Hills site has been abolished. The abundant supply of golf course grass and pond water combined with extensive planting of new bushes and trees has resulted in more food and shelter for the local and migrating bird population including nightingales, kingfishers, kestrels, partridges, francolins and owls. Migrating swans have also been seen on the man-made irrigation lake at Aphrodite Hills.
Enhanced planting and extensive areas untouched by development will result in improved conditions for wildlife ranging from toads and frogs to butterflies, hares, hedgehogs and foxes.
Ongoing Planned Environmental Programmes
During Resort development, 70% of the 234 hectare (578 acre) site area remained undisturbed. On an ongoing basis, Aphrodite Hills Management is closely supervising the conservation activity undertaken alongside construction work, in order to ensure the continual protection and creation of natural habitats as well as the regeneration of natural vegetation on the disturbed areas, the majority of which are steep cuts and embankments. Plans have been developed for the creation of nature trails and hiking paths in the Randidi Gorge and the Randi Forest to encourage Resort guests to explore the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Jogging & Hill Walking
Aphrodite Hills is the ideal destination for walking and running. Bordered on two sides by a natural ravine, it is virtually unequalled in offering numerous, little-frequented trails through unspoilt countryside within moments of your accommodation. The hills surrounding the Resort offer some excellent walking and jogging routes, with well-marked paths and many stunning views. Five kilometres from the Resort, through the village of Kouklia, you can climb to the summit of the local hills. This is a relatively easy, uphill walk, and in 45 minutes you will be rewarded with an unbeatable Mediterranean panorama and be able to see the green of Aphrodite Hills Golf Courses from a completely different perspective. There are a variety of routes for running and trekking, suitable for a wide range of ages and levels of fitness, all easily accessible from Aphrodite Hills.