Western north coast Cyprus hiking holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This programme actively reduces its carbon footprint through clearly defined measures rather than general intentions. The accommodations Eagle Eye Boutique Hotel in Nicosia and Almond Holiday Village in Alsancak both use renewable energy sources, directly reducing emissions during your stay. In addition, the programme is structured to avoid unnecessary transport: on Day 2 (Nicosia) and Day 4 (Kormakitis), no transfers and no luggage transport are required, as the walks begin and end directly at the accommodation.

Food and daily habits are also considered part of the overall footprint. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available on all days, providing a resource-efficient alternative while still reflecting local cuisine. A practical but effective aspect is the widespread use of built-in bidets in Northern Cyprus, which significantly reduces toilet paper consumption across accommodations. Together, these measures create a programme that lowers emissions without affecting comfort or the overall travel experience.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Environmental responsibility is integrated into everyday routines throughout the programme. All accommodations offer free water refill stations, allowing guests to refill reusable bottles instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles. This simple system plays an important role in reducing plastic waste, especially during multi-day hiking programmes where water consumption is high.

At Almond Holiday Village, sustainability becomes visible on a smaller scale. The property maintains bee hives and an organic vegetable garden, offering insight into traditional, low-impact food production. These elements are not presented as staged attractions but are part of daily life at the accommodation, creating a direct connection between guests and local ecosystems. The surrounding landscapes remain largely untouched, and the hiking routes are designed to respect these natural environments while allowing access to their diversity.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Supporting the local economy is a central component of this programme. All accommodations are locally owned and operated, most of them small, family-run businesses. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the region and directly support the people who live and work there, rather than external operators.

Guests are encouraged to engage with local products and traditions during their journey. In Nicosia, a visit to HASDER offers the opportunity to discover traditional crafts and handmade goods. At Almond Holiday Village, locally produced honey, jellies and marmalades are available, reflecting regional production methods and seasonal ingredients. These interactions go beyond simple consumption, creating a more direct and meaningful connection to the local economy.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

The programme is built on cooperation with local partners who operate under fair and transparent working conditions. Three out of four accommodations are owned or managed by women, reflecting a strong presence of female entrepreneurship in the region. All partners are locally based, contributing to stable employment structures within the community.

Operational aspects are also designed with this in mind. Transfers and luggage services are organised directly through the accommodations, reducing unnecessary driving distances while ensuring that income remains with local providers. All employees are paid at least the legal minimum wage and receive the required social insurance. At the same time, the programme promotes an inclusive travel environment: all accommodations have experience hosting international guests and are openly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. This creates a setting that is both socially responsible and comfortable for a wide range of visitors.