Group encounters venomous viper near Emba chapel

A group of seven people visiting the chapel of Agios Charalambos in the village of Emba, Paphos, had an unexpected encounter with a venomous viper (Macrovipera lebetina), locally known as a "fina". The incident, which occurred around early November 2026, was reported by Stephanos Savva, a member of the group, who shared the experience on social media.

Savva noted that the group failed to notice the snake initially despite having fourteen eyes between them, as the reptile was exceptionally well-camouflaged in the natural environment. The snake was only detected when it raised its head, alerting the visitors to its presence. No injuries were reported during the encounter.

The viper is the only representative of its family in Cyprus and is characterized by a thick body, a triangular head, and a blunt tail. It is known for its effective camouflage, which often makes it difficult to spot in the wild. While the encounter was potentially dangerous, the group managed to avoid any physical contact with the animal.