When the forest department had received the arid region, where the National Forest Park is located today, in an effort to create a large forest, they had to join two streams, the Deep and Kalogeros and earthen fence to collect the water to irrigate the forest. Thus, in 1962 they created a large lake between the municipalities of Aglantzia, Strovolos, Latsia and Geri.
At the lake you will meet a large number of migratory birds that are attracted to the lake during their travel to and from Europe. The lake created by the dam, combined with the large area of the forest, made the climate of the area in cooler during the summer months. The fence is gravel, with a height of 18 meters, length 447 meters, a capacity of 791 000 cubic meters and a volume of 103,000 cubic meters.
In the Athalassa Park you will also find over 300 species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and also 173 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies, 7 species of mammals, 6 species of reptiles and one amphibian. The large variety of migratory birds that visit the area mainly due to the water of the two fences and climatic conditions will impress you for sure.
The Athalassa Park is the largest and most important of Nicosia green spaces and actions against pollution and deterioration of the natural environment.
Apart from its primary role as a green area, it also offers you other functions such as recreation, aesthetics, sports, environmental education, eco-agrotourism, training etc. The landscape, even during the summer months, will impress you with a vast green veil. Besides the main function which is forest and crop research, you can utilize the park as well as a picnic area, fishing area for beekeeping, harvesting plants, firewood and snails collection, bird watching, cycling, as nature trail with over 20 Km. paths, sports area with soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts and military exercises. Hunting, for the ones that are fans of the sport, is strictly prohibited. Important to mention is the significant contribution of the established planting by schools and organized groups at the Festival of the Tree, to the development of the park!
The path follows a circular path around the Athalassa dam. The dam will seem like an oasis for you full of quiet and far away from the hubbub of the city. Visit it directly!
Starting point: Southwest entrance Picnic area. Access from Nicosia - Latsia.
Trail length: 2,2 km
Considerable time: 45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 1
Form: Circular.
ADDRESS: Athalassa Park, Nicosia