Cyprus is a wonderful destination for hiking, mountain biking and exploring the island’s natural landscapes. From the rugged coastline of the Akamas Peninsula to the forests and mountain trails of Troodos, the island offers routes for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Good navigation is an important part of exploring Cyprus safely and confidently. While GPS devices and mobile apps are useful, a detailed topographical map of Cyprus provides a clear view of the terrain, trails, roads, elevation and natural features before and during your journey.
For hikers and mountain bikers exploring less familiar areas, carrying a physical map can also provide a valuable backup when mobile connectivity is limited or a device runs out of battery.
Why Use a Topographical Map for Hiking in Cyprus?
Cyprus has a varied landscape, with mountains, forests, valleys, coastal areas and extensive networks of forestry roads and trails. Some routes are well signposted, while others pass through remote terrain or include multiple tracks and junctions.
A topographical map helps you understand the landscape around you. Contour lines show changes in elevation, while trails, roads, streams, forests and other geographical features help you identify your location and plan your route.
For longer hikes and mountain-bike trips, a map can be particularly useful for:
- Planning a route before setting out
- Understanding elevation changes and terrain
- Identifying hiking trails and forest roads
- Locating streams, forests and other natural features
- Recognising junctions and alternative routes
- Using coordinates together with a GPS device
- Having a reliable navigation backup when using digital maps
SELAS Topographical Maps of Cyprus
For more than 30 years, SELAS has been producing cartographic products for Cyprus, combining detailed geographical information with practical mapping for outdoor recreation and professional use.
The Topographical Maps of Cyprus collection contains 104 detailed maps at a scale of 1:25,000, divided into 12 regions. Each map covers an area of approximately 5 × 7 kilometres.
The second revised edition includes detailed mapping of areas such as:
- Akamas Peninsula
- Polis and Pafos Forest
- Ezousa Valley
- Wine Growing Region (Krasochoria)
- Troodos Forest
- Pitsilia
- Machairas Forest
- Stavrovouni Forest
- The hilly region west of Larnaka
- Xeros and Diarizos Valleys
- Tilliria
The collection also includes the Troodos Mountains and Akamas Peninsula and provides extensive information for hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and visitors interested in exploring Cyprus.
Explore the SELAS Topographical Maps of Cyprus here.
Why hikers trust SELAS maps
- Produced in Cyprus
- More than 30 years of cartographic experience
- 104 detailed topographical maps
- Updated editions
Even if you use apps, a paper map is the safest backup.
Best Regions for Hiking & Mountain Biking in Cyprus
Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula is one of Cyprus’s most distinctive areas for outdoor activities, combining rugged landscapes, coastal scenery, valleys and nature trails.
Popular hiking routes include:
- Aphrodite Trail
- Adonis Trail
- Smigies Trail
- Pissouromoutti Trail
The area’s combination of trails, tracks and natural terrain makes detailed mapping useful when planning a route.
A topographical map can help you identify trail connections, forest roads, elevation changes and surrounding geographical features before heading into the area.
Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains offer a very different hiking and cycling environment, with extensive forests, mountain valleys, streams and higher elevations.
The region is home to numerous nature trails and cycling routes, as well as sections of the European long-distance E4 trail.
A detailed topographical map can help you:
- Understand elevation changes
- Plan longer routes
- Identify forest roads and tracks
- Follow hiking trails
- Locate geographical and natural features
- Combine traditional map reading with GPS navigation
For visitors unfamiliar with the mountain terrain, understanding the relationship between trails, roads and elevation can make route planning considerably easier.
Pafos Forest and other hiking regions
Cyprus offers many hiking and mountain-biking opportunities beyond the best-known areas of Akamas and Troodos.
Pafos Forest, Machairas, Marathasa, the wine-growing regions and the valleys of western and southern Cyprus all offer opportunities to explore the island’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Depending on the area, routes may pass through:
- Forests and valleys
- Nature trails
- Forestry roads
- Viewpoints
- Villages and cultural sites
- Geological formations
- Historical monuments
A detailed map allows you to see these features in relation to one another and plan your journey accordingly.
What makes a good hiking map?
Drawing on more than 30 years of cartographic experience, SELAS hiking maps combine detailed topographic information, accurate contour lines, clearly marked trails and UTM/WGS84 coordinate grids to help hikers navigate Cyprus with confidence.
Not all maps provide the same level of information. For hiking and mountain biking, a useful topographical map should provide enough detail to understand the terrain and identify important navigation features.
1. A detailed scale
A scale of 1:25,000 offers a useful balance between geographical coverage and terrain detail.
At this scale, hikers can examine individual trails, roads, contour lines and other features while still viewing a substantial area around their planned route.
2. Contour lines and elevation information
Contour lines are particularly important when hiking in mountainous areas.
They allow you to see how the terrain rises and falls and can help you anticipate steep sections before starting your route.
Understanding contours can also help when comparing alternative routes and planning a hike according to your experience and fitness level.
3. Clearly marked trails and roads
A good hiking map should distinguish between different types of routes and roads.
The maps include classified road networks, tracks and trails, including sections of the European E4 trail.
This information can be particularly useful in forested areas where several roads or tracks may appear similar on the ground.
4. Natural and geographical features
Natural features provide important reference points when navigating.
The maps include information such as forests, vegetation, watercourses, geological landforms and other geographical feautures,
These features can help hikers understand the landscape and relate the map to what they see around them.
5. GPS compatibility
Traditional maps and modern navigation technology can work well together.
The topographical maps use the UTM grid and WGS84 coordinate system, making them compatible with GPS navigation,
This allows you to use a physical map alongside a GPS device or mobile navigation application.
For decades, SELAS has been producing detailed cartographic products for Cyprus, helping hikers, cyclists, professionals and visitors navigate the island with confidence.
Topographical Maps of Cyprus
If you’re looking for complete coverage, the official map collection available here:
https://www.selas.com.cy/product/topographical-maps-and-natural-trails-of-cyprus/
It includes:
- 104 detailed maps at 1:25,000 scale
- Coverage of key regions like Troodos and Akamas
- European E4 trail routes
- Geological and terrain information
- Full island coverage divided into 12 regions
These maps are designed for both recreational users and professionals who need precise navigation tools.
Paper Maps vs GPS Apps
Digital navigation has transformed the way people explore the outdoors. GPS apps make it easy to track your position, record routes and access mapping information while travelling.
However, digital navigation also has limitations.
GPS and Mobile Apps
Advantages:
- Real-time location information
- Easy route tracking
- Convenient for recording and sharing routes
- Useful for combining navigation with other digital information
Things to consider:
- Battery life
- Mobile connectivity
- Availability of downloaded offline maps
- Screen visibility in bright conditions
- Dependence on electronic devices
Paper Topographical Maps
Advantages:
- No battery required
- No mobile signal required
- Detailed overview of the surrounding terrain
- Useful as a backup to electronic navigation
- Allows you to plan the entire route at a glance
Things to consider:
- Basic map-reading skills are required
- The map needs to be carried and protected from the elements
For many hikers and mountain bikers, the most practical approach is to use both: a GPS device or mobile app for real-time positioning and a physical topographical map as a broader navigation and route-planning tool.
How to Use a Hiking Map in Cyprus
Before setting off on a hike or mountain-bike ride, take some time to study your route.
Plan your route
Identify your starting point, destination, major junctions and possible alternative routes.
Check the elevation
Look at the contour lines to understand where the route climbs and descends. This can help you choose a route appropriate to your experience and available time.
Identify landmarks
Note forests, streams, roads, settlements, viewpoints and other features that may help you recognise your surroundings.
Carry a physical map
Even if you normally rely on your smartphone, a physical map provides an additional navigation option if your device becomes unavailable.
Combine your map with GPS
Using a map together with GPS can provide both detailed terrain information and your current position.
Check conditions before you leave
Weather, trail conditions, seasonal changes and access restrictions can affect outdoor routes. Always check current local conditions and make sure your planned route is appropriate for the day.
Hiking Maps for Mountain Biking in Cyprus
Topographical maps aren’t only for hikers.
Mountain bikers can also benefit from detailed information about forest roads, tracks, trails, elevation and surrounding terrain. Understanding the landscape before starting a ride can help with route planning and identifying alternative routes.
The SELAS collection is designed for a range of outdoor users, including hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners, as well as people interested in exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Cyprus.
More Than Just Hiking Trails
The Topographical Maps of Cyprus provide information beyond trails and roads.
The accompanying material includes information about mapped areas, picnic sites, nature trails, hiking safety, wineries, religious heritage, UNESCO-painted churches, medieval bridges, watermills, monuments of nature, waterfalls and geological landforms.
This makes the collection useful not only for navigation, but also for discovering the landscapes and cultural heritage found across Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hiking map in Cyprus?
Not every short or well-marked walk requires a detailed topographical map. However, a physical map can be particularly useful for longer hikes, unfamiliar areas, mountain routes and remote forest terrain.
Are GPS apps reliable for hiking in Cyprus?
GPS and mobile navigation apps can be very useful, especially when maps are downloaded for offline use. However, electronic devices depend on battery power and can have other limitations. Carrying a physical map provides an additional navigation option.
What is the best map scale for hiking?
A 1:25,000 scale provides a good balance between terrain detail and geographical coverage and is well suited to many hiking and outdoor-navigation applications.
Can topographical maps be used for mountain biking?
Yes. Topographical maps can be useful for mountain bikers because they show trails, tracks, roads, elevation and geographical features that help with route planning.
Are the SELAS maps compatible with GPS?
Yes. The topographical maps use the UTM grid and WGS84 coordinate system, making them compatible with GPS navigation.
How many maps are included in the topographical collection?
The current revised edition contains 104 detailed topographical maps, divided into 12 regions of Cyprus.
Explore Cyprus with Confidence
Whether you’re planning a short nature walk or a full-day mountain adventure, having the right map makes all the difference. It improves safety, helps you navigate with confidence, and allows you to fully experience the natural beauty of Cyprus.
Whether you’re planning a walk in Troodos, Akamas or another part of Cyprus, a detailed topographical map helps you plan your route, understand the terrain and enjoy your hike with confidence.
Explore the complete collection of hiking maps and choose the area for your next adventure.
View the full collection of official hiking maps here:
https://www.selas.com.cy/product/topographical-maps-and-natural-trails-of-cyprus/
Related Articles
Cyprus Road Map Guide: Exploring the island with confidence
The Physical Geography of Cyprus: landscapes, mountains and geology
Flora and Fauna of Cyprus: Discover the island’s unique biodiversity
Troodos Mountains Hiking Guide: trails, nature & maps
The Solea Valley: villages, nature and excursions in the Troodos area
