Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, features rugged mountains dominating its interior. The Troodos Massif rises to Mount Olympus at 1,952 m, the highest point, with pine forests covering 40% of its slopes and ancient copper mines dating back 6,000 years. Formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates 90 million years ago, it hosts 20 peaks over 1,500 m and endemic cedars. The Kyrenia Range in the north stretches 160 km, peaking at 1,024 m, with limestone karst formations and sea caves. These ranges cradle the fertile Mesaoria plain, while the Akamas Peninsula adds coastal cliffs up to 300 m. This diverse topography supports 2,000 plant species and 380 bird types in protected reserves.
