A CALMING SPACE BY NATURE
There are several protected designated picnic areas situated across the island. Spanning the coast, as well as mountainous areas, and the plains of the island, each has its own unique appeal. Each site offers its own unique countryside views that include some stunning backdrops. These places are often sought after by people seeking a calming, simple experience that allows them to embrace nature.
Visited by several locals and travelling visitors each year, all designated picnic areas offer basic facilities that include shade, tables, and restrooms. All vistors are obliged to follow basic safety rules which govern them. These rules dictate common sense, so they should be respected at all times.
A GUIDE FOR GOOD PRACTICE
The current rules that govern designated picnic areas help to protect nature. They also ensure a safe environment for all picnic areas across Cyprus. With this in mind, the DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY constantly reminds everyone to follow these important guidelines.
- LEAVE NO TRACE: Leaving waste behind is strictly prohibited. Visitors are obligated to clean up after each picnic and dispose of all waste using the designated bins.
- NO OPEN FIRES: Lighting fires is strictly forbidden in all forests and rural areas except designated barbecue areas.
- PROTECT WILDLIFE: Picking wildflowers or damaging shrubs is strictly forbidden.
- AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS: Flying drones, kites, or any other aerial devices is strictly prohibited near Larnaca and Paphos airports.
- TOXIC CATERPILLARS: Toxic Caterpillars (Thaumetopoea Pityocampa) are active in some areas throughout the year. They often use pine trees for nesting, so these should be checked before settling in for a picnic.
SEVERAL PLACES FOR A PICNIC AVAILABLE ACROSS THE ISLAND
Tips for a great Cyprus picnic
Sun protection: The sun can also be strong during spring and autumn, and picnickers should always utilise shade. When shade is not available, then hats, a light shade tent or an umbrella for midday sun should be used. Sunscreen should also be used at all times.
Picnic essentials: Designated picnic areas should be used where possible. In any event, blankets, paper plates, cutlery, plenty of water, and a small trash bag to leave the spot clean and tidy should always accompany picnickers.
Food ideas: Meze-style nibbles, halloumi, fresh fruit, warm bread, olives, tzatziki, and some local cheeses. Fresh bread and pastries from a local bakery can also be collected if near a village.
Weather check: Summers are usually very hot, so picnics tend to be more popular during spring and autumn. In highland areas like Troodos, temperatures tend to drop in the evenings.
Cyprus has some fantastic places that are ideal for picnicking. They combine good scenery, easy access, and family-friendly facilities.Â
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Here is a mix of coastal and rural options that are available across the island
POPULAR PICNIC SPOTS IN THE PAPHOS DISTRICT
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Great for a relaxed lunch after a stroll, this area offers general public facilities, easy access, pleasant sea views, and nearby shade from trees.Â
Aphrodite’s RockÂ
Best in the cooler morning hours or late afternoon, this area offers iconic scenery, rocky shorelines.
Fyti VillageÂ
This area offers a traditional Cypriot village setting that uses stone walls for shade.
Asprokremmos ReservoirÂ
This area offers scenic water views, plenty of shade, and a tranquil atmosphere.Â
Kantra Reservoir (Kakopetria area)
Why: Cool breeze, gentle slopes, and a peaceful setting with nearby trails.
Family-friendly parks and urban greens
Municipal Park of Limassol (Parka Max)
Why: Well-maintained lawns, shaded benches, playground nearby, and amenities like restrooms and cafes.
POPULAR PICNIC SPOTS IN THE NICOSIA DISTRICT
Kantra Reservoir
This area offers family-friendly parks with gentle slopes and a peaceful setting that also offers some nearby nature trails.
POPULAR PICNIC SPOTS IN THE LIMASSOL DISTRICT
Governor’s Beach
This area offers easy access to the beach along with a family-friendly pebble sand shoreline with several dunes.
Troodos National Forest Park
This area offers several shaded picnic areas, pine forests, and several nature trails.
Municipal Gardens of Limassol
Situated by the beach in the heart of the city, THESE GARDENS offer some well-maintained lawns, shaded benches, a children’s playground and petting zoo, and several amenities that include restrooms and cafes.
POPULAR PICNIC SPOTS IN THE LARNACA DISTRICT
Athienou and the Avra Valley area
This area offers rolling countryside and several nearby traditional villages.
Larnaca Salt Lakes
These lakes offer several open spaces and easy access for picnicking after a stroll around the lakes.
DESIGNATED PICNIC AREAS
Several designated picnic areas offer a safe environment with good facilities for the general public to enjoy throughout the island
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TROODOS FOREST
- Platanias
- Kampos tou Livadi
- Mesa Potamos
- Trooditissa
- Fraktis tou Xyliatos
- Pasia Livadi
- Armyrolivado
- Kampi tou Kalogirou
- Agia Paraskevi
- Kakomallis
- Kapoura
- Fraktis tou Prodromos
- Marathos and Xerarkaka
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PAPHOS FOREST
- MavraliÂ
- Timi
- Komititzia
- Xystarouda
- Pykni
- Smigi
- MonasielakaÂ
- Agia
- Pera Vasa
- Randi
- Stavros Psokas
- Livadi
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF NICOSIA, LARNACA & FAMAGUSTA
- Mantra tou Kampios
- Delikipos
- Kornos
- Oroklini
- Rizoelia National Forest Park
- Achna Forest
- Agios Antonios
- Agioi Anargyroi
- Agios Nikandros
- Athalassa Park
