One of the finest forest parks in the Nicosia district is Athalassa, on the south-eastern edge of the city, covering 840 hectares. It was established as a national park in 1990.
Most of it is green space, but there is a good deal to do besides walking: botanical gardens, two picnic sites, paths for pedestrians and bicycles, a dog path, and people bird watching around the dam. There is also an environmental centre with a small entrance fee.
The gardens and the lake
The botanical gardens are free and open daily. Birds, ducks, fish in the lake and turtles all live here, and there is an area where you can light a fire and cook if you want to picnic — there are rules to follow for that. Walking through it, you would not guess you were on the edge of the city.
The environmental centre
Near the offices there is a scale model of the whole park, along with a lecture theatre, a film theatre, exhibitions of local flora and fauna, a small shop and a laboratory. The shop carries information about the park, books and souvenirs; the laboratory has microscopes so visitors can look at plant and animal species close up, which school groups in particular enjoy. There is car parking and there are public toilets.
More sightseeing around Nicosia
Faneromeni High School
Built in 1857 by Archbishop Makarios I — the first girls’ school in Cyprus.
Laiki Geitonia
Restored lanes inside the walls, taverns and souvenir shops, and the city’s main tourist office.
Chapel of Panayia Lambadiotissa
A small chapel below the peak of Koroni hill at Mitsero, with panoramic views over the Nicosia district.
Panagia Chrysospiliotissa
A church inside a cave near Kato Deftera — ‘golden cave’ — early Christian, and closed whenever it rains.