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With its glossy purple crown and spiky leaves, this regal relative of the humble thistle was valued as a food source in hard times.

The towering cedars with their spreading green boughs give this valley high in the Tripylos mountain forest its name and aromatic scent. They are the same as the “cedars of Lebanon” mentioned in the Old Testament and prized by the shipbuilders of the ancient world. They grow at altitudes above 900 m (3,000 ft) and are only found here, in the Lebanon, Morocco and the Himalayas.

A beautiful strip of clean pebbles and coarse sand, with clear water and great coastal views. In a forest of eucalyptus trees immediately behind the beach there’s a pleasant camp site and a beach bar and restaurant.

Kolpos ton Koralion, only 8 km (5 miles) north of Pafos, is called Coral Bay by everyone. The sweep of fine sand, covered by rows of sunbeds all summer, is popular with young Cypriots from Larnaca and Limassol. It also hosts live pop concerts on summer evenings (see Coral Bay).

This sandy crescent draws the crowds, especially on summer weekends when it is a magnet for young Cypriots. Turn up early to be sure of finding an empty sun-lounger or a patch of unoccupied sand.

Demoiselle and common cranes fly over Cyprus in spring and autumn, en route between their breeding grounds in Asia Minor and their winter homes in Africa.

Pink and white Cyprus cyclamen (Cyclamen cyprium ) flower in woodland in autumn.

The shy Cyprian hare has been hunted almost to extinction but is sometimes seen by alert walkers.

Now almost extinct in the wild, this rare native sheep can be seen in sanctuaries.

This nut-eating rodent favours a diet of carob beans and almonds.