A treat for wildlife spotters, the 143-mile trail through the Kyrenia mountains of North Cyprus is still one of the Med’s best-kept secrets, writes Helen Ochyra It is the country that does not exist. It is officially recognised by only two other nations, and no airport in Europe has it displayed on its departure boards, yet more than 85,000 visitors from Britain travelled here last year. Described by the United Nations as “legally invalid” and sidelined by the EU, North Cyprus, established 34 years ago when the power struggle between Greek and Turkish Cypriots climaxed with the invasion of Turkish troops, remains Europe’s pariah state. And, as a result, it’s remarkably good value. It is also a hiker’s paradise, with a rugged coastline stretching for more than a hundred miles, unspoilt by the Med’s usual high-rise international hotels and sprawling tourist villas. Its walking credentials are still relatively unknown.

Original Source Heaven for hikers