A CALMING SPACE BY NATURE
SEVERAL PLACES TO VISIT
There are several places located across the Republic of Cyprus that are ideal for a picnic. These include several coastal areas along with inland mountainous regions. Some of these spaces are designated picnic areas, offering basic facilities.
A UNIQUE APPEAL
Each designated picnic area offers its own unique appeal. All offer unique countryside views, which often include some stunning backdrops. These places are often sought after by people who want to combine the ambience of a picnic to create a calming, simple experience that allows them to embrace nature.
A RANGE OF BASIC FACILITIES
Visited by several locals and travelling visitors each year, all designated picnic areas offer basic facilities that include shade, tables, and restrooms. All visitors are obliged to follow basic safety rules which govern them. These rules dictate common sense and should be respected at all times.
GENERAL ADVICE BEFORE EMBARKING ON A CYPRUS PICNIC
Picnic essentials:
- High-factor sunscreen for protection.
- Insulated Coolers to keep beverages and perishable foods like dips and dairy fresh.
- Reusable containers for keeping food organised and protected.
- Reusable Water Bottles for staying hydrated.
- A waterproof picnic blanket for comfort.
- A sarong, which can be used as a multi-purpose cover-up, towel, or seat.
- Paper plates and cutlery.
- A trash bag to collect any extended rubbish.
- Easy-to-Pack Foods, such as sandwiches, salads, fruit, and local items like halloumi cheese.
- Preparation is key, so packing light and keeping gear to a minimum makes for easier transport.
Weather check: Summers are usually very hot, so picnics tend to be more popular during spring and autumn. Temperatures tend to drop in the evenings, however, in mountainous areas.
Consider Timing: Picnics are best enjoyed in the late afternoon or early morning to avoid the peak heat.
Sun protection: Cyprus also experiences strong sunshine during spring and autumn, and with this in mind, picnickers should always make sure that sunscreen is applied when and where necessary at all times. Shaded areas should also be utilised, but when shade is not available, hats, sunglasses, a light shade tent, or an umbrella can be used. A handheld battery-operated fan for hot summer days is also another option to help keep cool.
Bug Repellent: Essential for protecting against insects in parks or near water.
Location-Specific Gear: A waterproof blanket, swimwear, and shade items are recommended for beach picnics. Sturdy walking shoes for exploring may be a good idea for rural picnics in mountainous areas.
Food ideas: Meze-style nibbles, halloumi, fresh fruit, warm bread, olives, tzatziki, and some local cheeses are common. Fresh bread and pastries from a local bakery can also be collected if near a village. Home-cooked LOCAL DISHES, as well as barbecues, are also popular for all-day events.
POPULAR PICNIC AREAS
Several designated picnic areas offer a safe environment with good facilities for the general public to enjoy throughout the Republic of Cyprus. There are also several places that, although not designated, are ideal for picnicking. They often combine great scenery, easy access, and some family-friendly facilities.
HERE IS A MIX OF BOTH RURAL & COASTAL AREAS THAT ARE IDEAL FOR A DAY OUT PICNICKING
The Republic of Cyprus has several well-known designated picnic areas located throughout the island. All have various facilities, including tables, toilets, and fire pits, offering ample shade on hot summer days.
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TROODOS FOREST
Troodos National Forest Park: This area offers several shaded picnic areas, pine forests, and several nature trails.
Platanias: One of the largest sites on the island, situated under towering plane trees. It features full amenities, disabled access, and a small children’s playground.
Xyliatos Reservoir: Surrounded by pine forests, this peaceful setting features fishing options and a 4.5km nature trail that loops around the water directly from the site.
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PAPHOS FOREST
Stavros Tis Psokas: Deep inside the remote cedar valley, this site offers a high chance of spotting the rare, endemic CYPRIOT MOUFLON wild sheep.
Agios Georgios: A designated day-use picnic site within nature reserve zones.
Komititzia: This designated day-use picnic site offers great shaded areas that are set against a dense forest setting with a river nearby.
PAPHOS DISTRICT
Akamas Peninsula: Ideal for BIRDWATCHERS, this location near Lara Beach has designated day-use picnic sites within nature reserve zones. The nearby Avakas Gorge offers a stunning natural limestone landscape, which is ideal for a hike.
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park: Great for a relaxed lunch after a stroll, this city location is fully accessible when using public transport. This site also offers pleasant sea views, numerous facilities and nearby shade from trees.
Aphrodite’s Rock: Best in the cooler morning hours or late afternoon, this area offers iconic scenary, rocky shorelines, secluded beaches, and views of an iconic landmark.
Fyti Village: This area offers the convenience of a nearby typical traditional Cypriot village setting.
Asprokremmos Reservoir: Offers a tranquil atmosphere with some scenic water views and an option to fish.
NICOSIA DISTRICT
Athalassa National Forest Park: This location offers a designated day-use picnic site set in the park grounds.
Eleouthkia Traditional and Botanical Park: This location offers a designated day-use picnic site set in the park grounds.
The village of Kakopetria: This location in the Troodos Mountains offers a designated day-use picnic site.
Kantra Reservoir: With family-friendly parks with gentle slopes and a peaceful setting that also offers some nearby nature trails, as well as fishing options.
LIMASSOL DISTRICT
Governor’s Beach: Along with a family-friendly pebble sand shoreline, this area offers easy access to the beach, which has several sandy dunes. There are also several grassy areas with shade.
Municipal Gardens of Limassol: Situated by the beach in the heart of the city, THE LIMASSOL MUNICIPAL GARDENS offer some well-maintained lawns, shaded benches, a children’s playground and a petting zoo. There are also several amenities that include restrooms and cafes.
Akrotiri Salt Lake: Ideal for BIRDWATCHERS, this location offers a designated day-use picnic site within its nature reserve zones.
The village of Platres: This location in the Troodos Mountains offers a designated day-use picnic site.
Troodos Square: This location in the Troodos Mountains offers a designated day-use picnic site.
Prodromos Dam Picnic Site: This popular site offers a designated day-use picnic site with several elevated scenic viewpoints.
Finikaria: This designated day-use picnic site, located near the village of Germasogeia, uses the picturesque dam as its setting.
Limassol Old Port: This location has a row of designated day-use picnic terraces along its promenade.
Governor’s Beach: This location offers designated day-use picnic sites by the beach.
LARNACA DISTRICT
Avra Valley: This area offers rolling countryside and several nearby traditional Cypriot villages.
Larnaca Salt Lakes: Ideal for BIRDWATCHERS, these lakes offer several open spaces that are ideal for a stroll. Easy access to picnicking is available at the designated day-use picnic site.
FAMAGUSTA DISTRICT
Fig Tree Bay: Offering panoramic Mediterranean views, this location offers a designated day-use picnic site.
Konnos Bay: Ideal for coastal lovers, this location offers a designated day-use picnic site.
Cape Greco: Take in some lush sea breezes by dramatic scenary near the designated day-use picnic site.
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.
