Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
It’s that magical time of the year again, and if the scent of pine is what gets you into the Christmas spirit, Cyprus forests have you covered. From Wednesday, November 26 to Friday, December 19, the Department of Forests is opening its doors to the public, selling real Christmas trees at a price that won’t leave your wallet gasping for breath.
This is not a one-off event; the Forestry Department has been offering this service for years, a beloved tradition for families who want a touch of nature in their living rooms. And it’s not just about the holiday charm: the trees come from forest thinning operations, a crucial forestry practice that improves the growth of remaining trees, reduces competition, and keeps Cyprus’ plantations healthy and robust. By buying one, you’re essentially bringing home a piece of sustainable forestry.
The trees are available during weekdays, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at forest stations across the island, including Athalassa, Larnaca, Dhekelia, Fasouri, Limassol, Parekklisia, Paphos/Geroskipou, Gialias, Panagia, and Platania. And the best part? These trees are extremely affordable, making it a rare chance to grab a real tree without the hefty price tag you might expect from commercial vendors.
But before you rush out with a saw, the Forestry Department reminds everyone that cutting down or transporting a tree without permission is illegal, with fines up to €5,000 or even imprisonment. Make sure to get the proper logging and transport permits and check that the tree is sealed at the base with the Forestry Department mark; safety and legality first, holiday spirit second.
Buying a real tree comes with perks that go beyond legality: there’s the fresh pine scent filling your home, the eco-friendly reassurance that your tree came from sustainable forestry, and the joy of knowing you’re supporting forest management. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the fun of picking out a tree with your family, dragging it home, and seeing it magically transform into a glittering, ornament-laden centerpiece.
So, this Christmas, skip the plastic and head straight to the forests. With affordable, sustainable, and festive trees, the Department of Forests makes it easy to deck your halls while doing something good for the island’s greenery. After all, the holidays are about joy, tradition, and a little fresh pine magic, and Cyprus’ forests have plenty to give.
