Athalassa Park near Nicosia — Birds, a Lake, and 14 km of Trails in the Capital

Nicosia isn't typically associated with nature. It's a Mediterranean island, a capital city without a coastline (the only EU capital without access to the sea), with dense buildings and traffic. But 10 km east of the city center lies Athalassa Park — 9 km² of forest, meadows, a lake, and walking trails. For Nicosia residents, it's the city's lungs. For tourists, it’s a surprisingly good option for an afternoon between visiting the Cyprus Museum and the Buffer Crossing along the ceasefire line.

Location and Access

GPS center of the park: 35.1213° N, 33.4172° E. The park is located off the road to Dherynia, 7 km from Nicosia city center.

By Car: From Nicosia city center, head east through the suburbs, approximately 15–20 minutes. Direction: Dherynia/Athalassa. Parking: free at several entrances to the park (main entrance off Athalassa Street).

By Bus: Line 16 or 70 from Nicosia city center — check the current timetable at osel.com.cy. Stop "Athalassa" at the main entrance.

Admission: Free, open 24 hours.

What is Athalassa Park

Athalassa Park is a forested area managed by the Cypriot Department of Forests. It was created between 1990 and 2010 as a project for Nicosia’s green lungs.

Area: 9 km², half of which is an artificial forest (trees planted between 1960 and 2000), and half natural meadow and shoreline vegetation around the lake.

Park Features:

• Athalassa Lake: Retention reservoir with an area of approximately 700 m × 400 m
• Walking Trails: 14 km of marked trails of varying lengths
• Visitor Center: Small exhibition about the park's flora and fauna
• Children's Playground (at the main entrance)
• Picnic Areas with tables and grills (reservations possible)
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (CReWCA): Located within the park

Trails — Description

The park has 4 main trails marked with colors:

Green Trail (2.5 km, easy, loop): Around the lake. Flat, paved in parts. Excellent for families with strollers (on some sections). One hour walking time, views of the water and reeds.

Blue Trail (5 km, moderate): Deeper into the forest — Aleppo pines, eucalyptus trees, willows along a stream. Views of the Kyrenia Mountains (mountains on the Turkish side) on clear days.

Red Trail (3.5 km): Shorter connector through meadows. Good for birdwatching in spring.

Yellow Trail (3 km): Through the boreal part of the park. Shade, tranquility, less frequented.

Trails can be combined. Full circuit of all trails: approximately 14 km, 3–4 hours.

Birds of Athalassa — A Birdwatcher's Paradise

The lake and reeds of Athalassa attract approximately 100 bird species annually — 40 breeding, 60 migratory.

Resident Birds (year-round):

• Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) — along the lake shore, blue with an orange belly
• Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) — motionless in the reeds, hunting for fish
• Moorhen (Fulica atra) — swimming in flocks on the lake
• Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) — in the pine forest

Migratory Birds (April–May and August–October):

• Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) — appears over the lake
• Curlew (Calidris ferruginea) — lake shore
• Whimbrel (Actitis hypoleucos) — along the shores
• Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) — hunting over the reeds

Winter (November–March):

• Flamingos: Occasionally fly over from Larnaca lake (30 km) — not guaranteed, but sightings occur
• Smew (Bucephala clangula): Winter duck at the lake
• Mute Swan (Cygnus olor): Winter flocks

Equipment for Birdwatchers: 8×42 binoculars or stronger. Telephoto lens for photography (300 mm+). Best hours: 7:00–10:00 am.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

CReWCA at Athalassa rehabilitates injured and sick birds and mammals. There is a small garden within the park where you can see rehabilitated animals:

• Raptors (hawks, falcons) in rehabilitation
• Hedgehogs
• Rock Partridges

Access to CReWCA: Possible during working hours (Monday–Friday 8:00–15:00), free of charge. Organized groups with children: call in advance (+357 22 403 621).

Athalassa Park with Children

This is one of the best green areas for families with children in Nicosia:

• Playground (large, at the main entrance)
• Lake circuit path accessible by stroller (section along the western shore)
• Animals at CReWCA
• Picnic tables and benches

Picnic: Bringing your own food is allowed, designated grilling areas (bring your own or buy a disposable one at a supermarket).

Combining with Nicosia

Athalassa is a good option for 2–3 hours between sightseeing in Nicosia city center. Suggested program:

Morning (9:00–12:00): Nicosia Old City — Cyprus Museum, Ledra Street markets, viewpoint on the demarcation line at Ledra Street crossing.

Afternoon (12:30–13:30): Lunch at a Nicosia city center restaurant (Cypriot cuisine, €12–€18).

Afternoon (14:00–17:00): Athalassa Park — Green Trail around the lake (2.5 km, 45 min), CReWCA, birdwatching.

Evening: Return to your hotel or dinner at the old city harbor.

Hotels in Nicosia on CyprusBooker — filter "Nicosia" or "Nikozia". Most business hotels, but a few boutique hotels in the old town at prices of €60–€100.