Adult and Family Education Programmes
LEARN ABOUT THE LANDSCAPE AND WILDLIFE OF WESTERN CYPRUS
Day 1: Ecology and Landscape of the Akamas Peninsula
What is the Akamas? Just a small corner of Cyprus, but with such complexity and such extraordinary beauty. Learn about the ecology of the rocky seashores, the beaches where turtles breed, the elegant pine forests, the dwarf juniper and olive woodlands, and some little-known churches and monasteries. Experience the ancient beauty of these small-scale but breath-taking landscapes. What role do the many herds of goats play in the shaping of this intimate mosaic? What was, is, and may in future be, the human impact on this precious corner of the island?
This is an educational voyage of discovery, which starts in the Environmental Studies Centre of Kritou Terra where the expert teaching staff of the Centre will introduce you, through a lecture with slides, maps and leaflets, to the areas you are going to see. During the rest of the day you will explore some of the key natural habitats, by vehicle and on foot, to learn about the unique ecology and landscape of the peninsula, and the present-day and historical factors - both natural and human in origin - which have moulded these outstanding ecosystems into what we see today. The programme runs from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Participants will receive a certificate on completion of the course.
Don't
fancy the early start on Day 1? - Book an extra night in Kritou
Terra to get into the village atmosphere. (Tel. 26 332532)
Day 2: Villages and Landscape of the Laona Plateau
The visitor is always welcome in the ancient villages which are scattered around the Laona Plateau, a predominantly limestone area marking the entrance to the Akamas Peninsula. The tradition of hospitality is so long established that it is represented in a local architectural feature - the five-sided alcove next to the doorway of the house, in which would be kept a water jug or "stamna" to refresh the weary visitor.
To learn about the fast-disappearing world of the traditional village you could join us for a day experiencing the village life and the environment of the area. You will first attend an introductory lecture with slides at the Environmental Studies Centre to give you an overview of the places to visit, and then stroll around the village of Kritou Terra to take coffee in the Kafenio and to meet some of the local people. Theonitsa is one of the few villagers to still have - and use - an old wooden loom to make rugs and blankets. We hope also to see one of the villagers baking in a traditional oven.
Afterwards, we will visit some other local villages, including Pano Akourdaleia with its restful Herb Garden, taking lunch in a village tavern en route. After lunch we will take a walk in one of the more remote valleys to look at the wilder side of this little known area of Cyprus.
If you would
like to experience and learn about the ecological, scenic and
cultural richness of rural Cyprus, this is your opportunity! This programme
also runs from 9.30am to 5.00pm. All participants will receive a certificate
of attendance.
Low mobility? - Please ring us to discuss the options.
Both
of these educational courses can be followed on a day basis, or you
can stay overnight in the village. Houses and apartments are
self-catering for breakfast. An evening meal is available in the
village taverna "Kefalovriso" and all prices are
summarised in the table below:
| Prices |
Adult |
Child | Family (2+2) |
| Fee per day | 19.00 | 14.00 | 60.00 |
| Optional Packed Lunch (Day 1) | 3.00 | 3.00 | 10.00 |
| Taverna Lunch (Day 2) | 5.00 | 5.00 | 20.00 |
| Village Accommodation per night | 10.00 | 7.00 | 30.00 |
| Single Person supplement per night | 5.00 | - | - |
| Taverna Evening Meal and Wine | 7.00 | 5.00 | 20.00 |
| Proposed Dates | Theme | Language |
| Sat Sun |
Discover Akamas Dicover Laona Plateau |
Greek & English Greek & English |
Initial booking enquiries may be made by telephone to 26 332532.
Please note:
-
Special rates are available for corporate sponsored groups of more than 20 persons.
-
The minimum group is 6 persons and the maximum group is 25 persons.
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Individual membership of 'Friends of CCF' is available to adults and children and entitles you to a 10% discount on future visits to ESC as well as an Annual News Sheet giving details about other CCF activities. Please contact us for further information.
