The Department of Environment and Terra Cypria are organising a 2-day celebration for Natura 2000 Day, under the framework of the Pandoteira project. The celebration will take place on May 16th and 17th, 2026 and it will include activities for children and adults. Click here to view the agenda and register.
Saturday May 16th – Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre (Kritou Terra)
From 9:30 to 13:00, you will be able to participate in a number of activities at the Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre, in Kritou Terra.
The day’s activities include:
1.Bird ringing and bird release
Join us for a live bird ringing demonstration, featuring birds that were cared for and rehabilitated at the Game and Fauna Service’s Rehabilitation Centre, as well as birds from the area! Learn about the importance of bird ringing in monitoring bird populations, as well as the efforts made to rehabilitate them. The activity will conclude with the release of the birds.
2.Interactive games
A series of interactive games focusing on the unique species of Cyprus. Participants will learn about the Cypriot flora and fauna, while discovering endemic species and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.
3.Crafts
We use materials from nature and recyclable items to create environmentally themed crafts.
4.Kremiotis Waterfall hike (registration required)
Join us on this short (1.5 km) hike to discover the Kremiotis Waterfall, while enjoying the refreshingly green landscape. We will learn about the rich biodiversity of the area, whilst unwinding with the amazing sounds of birdsong by the stream. The hike will lead us to the 25-meter-high waterfall—an ideal spot for relaxation.
The trail is circular and lasts approximately 1 hour.
Departure at 10:30 from the waterfall parking area. The hike will conclude at 11:30 with our return to the starting point.
Difficulty level: 1 (easy). Not recommended for children under 6 years old.
5.Activities with invertebrates (registration required)
Through interactive activities, children get to know freshwater invertebrates, learn how to identify them, and study their ecology. Suitable for children over 6 years old.
The activity will take place at Kremiotis Waterfall.
6.Workshop with local products and village tour (registration required)
Make traditional olive pies with guidance from a village resident in the courtyard of the tavern “To Mylari”, in Kritou Terra.
While the olive pies are baking, you’ll have the opportunity to join a guided tour of the village. Join us to learn about the cultural heritage of Kritou Terra and the life of its residents.
7.Bird feathers’ workshop
In this workshop, children study bird feathers to understand their function. They learn how feathers help with flight, insulation from weather conditions, and communication between species. Suitable for children over the age of 6.
Suggested parking options in Kritou Tera
- Entrance to the village: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NTSnDsK9mqUzYEqh8
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/v8SVdPQy1N9uTxEu9
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/kRnb2BpBsvi9q7ue7
Sunday May 17th – Smigies picnic site (Akamas)
The day will begin at 9:00 with bird ringing and bird release, followed by a hike.
1.Bird ringing and bird release
Bird ringing helps us protect birds by tracking their migration and survival. Want to see how it’s done? Come to this ringing demonstration!
2.Educational hike at Smigies nature trail (registration required)
Follow us along the impressive “Smigies” trail in Akamas, on a route with diverse landscapes and panoramic views across the entire peninsula. During this educational hike, experts will talk to us about the protected area of Akamas, its geology, as well as the region’s flora and fauna. We will also learn about sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals as we take in the view toward Lara – one of the most important habitats for sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
For the hike, you have two options:
- The longer route (7.5 km, duration 3 hours) also takes us to an abandoned magnesium mine and an old furnace.
- The shorter route (2.5 km, duration 1.5 hours) is suitable for families with children over 6 years of age. An interactive activity for children will be offered on this route.
Both routes start at 9:45 from the Smigies picnic site.
The hike for both routes will conclude with our return to the picnic site, where you will be able to enjoy some refreshments.
Difficulty level: 2 (medium). Not recommended for children under 6 years old.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL AGENDA.
