Forestry dept provides ‘historic’ shelter for hikers in tourism upgrade

Cyprus is upgrading its long-distance hiking experiences by setting up two forest shelters in the Paphos forest.

The two shelters, described as historic – they are converted and restored from an old schoolhouse and a forest shelter –­­ are in Livadi, near Gialia.

The deputy tourism ministry said that the shelters are accessible for those seeking out long distance trails such as from Stavros tis Psokas, which is about a 15km trek, and will be available from February onwards.

The shelters are described as being in a remote, idyllic setting in nature, accessible only on foot.

It was emphasised that the shelters provide basic necessities such as water, a kitchen and a fireplace but other more personal items such as sheets and a mattress are not on offer. There is no electricity, adding to the true remote experience of the shelters, but water can be heated through the boiler by using firewood.

The forestry department has recently restored the old path linking Stavros tis Psokas with Livadi, a route once used by pilgrims, locals and forest wardens in the past.

They further announced that other old trails have also been spruced up, including those of Panayia-Milikouri, Kykkos and Stavros tis Psokas to Tylliria – which take about five to six days.

Monday’s announcement explained that the works are part of the deputy tourism ministry’s national strategic tourism plan 2030 and the “Heartlands of Legends” campaign.

To celebrate the new trails and forest shelters, the forestry department is hosting a treasure hunt which will take place on January 29, beginning at Stavros tis Psokas.

For sign ups and more information visit heartlandoflegends.com/stays-in-nature-treasurehunt/ while calls can be made at 22 691 309 between 8:30am and 3pm.