The Physical Geography of Cyprus: landscapes, mountains and geology
Cyprus is one of the most geologically fascinating islands in the Mediterranean. Its mountains, plains and coastline have been shaped over millions of years by powerful tectonic movements, creating a landscape unlike any other in Europe. Understanding the physical geography of Cyprus helps explain its unique biodiversity, climate, natural resources and history.
Geological History of Cyprus
It is currently believed that the most conspicuous geological feature of Cyprus is the collision of the Euro-Asian and African tectonic plates with took place about 80 million years ago. About 25 million years ago, during the Lower Miocene era, the igneous complex of Troodos constituted an isle, while the Mesaoria plain, to the north, and the Pentadaktylos or Kerynia range, further north, were under the sea. By the end of the Miocene era, about 11 million years ago, the Pentadaktylos started elevating above the sea, while the Mesaoria plain remained under the sea, to appear much later during the Pleistocene era, about one million years ago. All other details of the geological history of Cyprus, particularly those concerning the coastline, were formed later. It is this tempestuous geological history which is responsible for a great variety of rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary, hard and soft, fractured and unaltered, of different colour and texture, now at a small distance from each other on the island’s surface.
The Five Main Physical Regions of Cyprus
The present topography of Cyprus can be sub-divided into five morphological regions:
- Kyrenia (Pentadaktylos) Mountain Range. This is the northern mountain chain of Cyprus, appearing as a narrow arc-like strip of land. The highest summit, Kyparissovouno, reaches a height of 1024 meters and is made up of relatively hard limestones.
- Troodos Mountains. The central-western part of Cyprus is occupied by the igneous massif of Troodos. The resistant igneous rocks of this mountain block (dunnites, serpentinite, gabbros, diabase, etc.). If you are planning to explore the area on foot, read our Troodos Mountains Hiking Guide.
- Hills Surrounding Troodos mountain and south of the Kerynia range. They extend mainly east, south and west of the ophiolite complex of Troodos and consist mainly of chalks. They give rise to a rounded, bare, white landscape, under dry-fed cultivations, particularly vineyards.
- Mesaoria plain. The central plain of Cyprus, often known as Mesaoria, lies between the two mountains and has a very low altitude which does not exceed 180 meters a.s.l. close to Nicosia. It consists of sediments which have been transported and deposited by steams in recent geological times from the Troodos and the Kerynia ranges.Explore Cyprus with our Cyprus Road Map Guide
- Coastal Plains. Almost around Cyprus appear narrow coastal plains which in fact are raised beaches. In the north is the coastal plain of Kerynia which is very narrow but with scenic laced beaches. To the south is the plain of Larnaka lying below 100 meters a.s.l. and composed of alluvium and terrace deposits of recent geological formation. The most important geomorphological feature is the Salt Lake separated from the sea by porous deposits. The coastal plain of Limassol, lying below 200m, occupies mainly the Akrotiri peninsula with extensions to Pissouri-Avdimou to the west and small areas east of Amathous. The most conspicuous geomorphological feature of the region is the Akrotiri Lake. The coastal plain of Chrysochou extends east and west of Polis and includes part of the narrow Chrysochou valley to the south.Nature lovers may also enjoy our Touring guide of Pafos with special chapters on the Akamas Peninsula
Interested in learning more about the geography of Cyprus?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five main physical regions of Cyprus?
Cyprus consists of the Kyrenia (Pentadaktylos) Mountain Range, the Troodos Mountains, the hills surrounding Troodos, the Mesaoria Plain and the Coastal Plains.
Why are the Troodos Mountains important?
The Troodos Mountains are one of the world’s best-preserved ophiolite complexes and provide valuable insight into the formation of the Earth’s oceanic crust.
What is the Mesaoria Plain?
The Mesaoria Plain is the large central plain of Cyprus located between the Troodos and Kyrenia mountain ranges. It is one of the island’s main agricultural regions.
