Persian Cyclamen

After a delicious breakfast the group set off from the hotel in light rain, but within an hour this had cleared and the weather was perfect for walking - not too hot or sunny. We progressed very slowly along the road towards the Baths of Aphrodite, stopping for refreshments at the taverna that I last visited with my family back in 2015 - it hasn't changed!

After exploring the Baths of Aphrodite and the now rather sadly neglected botanic gardens that surrounds it, we walked on the coastal track towards the Fontana Amorosa, finding so many different plant species including plenty of Persian Cyclamen Cyclamen persicum as well as a stunning plant of Golden-drop Onosma fruticosa (see extra), which was new to me. 

We also saw five species of lizard, five Purple Herons coming in-off the sea and a whole range of interesting birds, including Eastern Bonnelli's Warbler - another new species for me. All-in-all a great start to the week...