THE POLIS CAMPSITE REGENERATION PROGRAM

CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

The management of the Polis Campsite has recently passed into the hands of the local municipality, who after a lengthy legal battle, have decided to close the site until further notice. This means that the campsite and the campsite bar will remain closed for the immediate future, but the blue flag beach will remain open to the publicy. Polis Chrysochous Municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry has begun a general clean-up operation of the immediate area and they have outlined a program of regeneration works to begin within the very near future. Private investors will also be involved and they are currently in talks the municipality with a view to running the ailing campsite as a new joint enterprise.

A POPULAR CHOICE

The campsite has been a popular destination attracting visitors from all over the world wanting to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Polis Chrysochous and Akamas areas. For years, it has provided simple, easy relaxing accommodation for nature lovers, backpackers, families and day-trippers who have returned to it year after year. These visitors have often been drawn to the relaxed atmosphere, freedom of choice, beautiful surroundings, and most importantly, the cost effective hospitality.

FRAGRANT EUCALYPTUS TREES

Nestled amongst fragrant eucalyptus trees by the sandy blue flag beach, the campsite has been a feature of the area for many years, and has provided a simple, easy retreat for holidaymakers on a budget. The campsite itself has been in operation for several decades and many have used it as a base for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The campsite had a simple, but full range of facilities that included tent pitches, caravan and motor home spaces, and basic amenities such as toilets and showers, but although staggered improvements were made over the years, the standards still fell well short according to the local municipality.

A LEGAL BATTLE

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation originally opened the campsite to the public in the early eighties, and ever since then a private manager has run the site. In 2011 however, the local municipality took ownership in collaboration with the Forestry Department and problems ensued when the new owners decided that the site needed upgrading. This ultimately led to a failed eviction of the long-term site manager and a legal battle, which began in 2017, ensued. This all resulted in an out-of-court settlement in late 2023 and with this, the municipality finally took full control of the campsite. Plans, which have gathered dust since 2008, have now been brought forward and the projected cost of the regeneration program has been set at €2.5 million.

REGENERATION

The municipality has stated that the project to renovate the campsite will include a number of new on-site facilities. These facilities will include a number of new local amenities, such as restaurant on the beach, a new mini market, a dedicated play area for children, a recreation centre, and proper sanitary facilities including new public changing areas and public toilets and showers, as well as a new paved road. A clearly designated zone for up to 20 caravans with electricity and fresh clean water will also be installed and a secure zone for tents will be allocated closer to the coast with footpaths guiding visitors down to the beach. A small artificial pond has also been proposed for the area where a natural spring pools. The municipality, along with other interested parties have stated that the new plan will preserve the site and will ensure that none of the charm or magic will be lost. It has also been noted that the plans include for the protection of the campsite’s iconic eucalyptus trees, which will be reduced in size, but will still exist along with the planned introduction of new carob trees.

BARBEQUE & BACKGAMMON

The campsite has always been a perfect place to relax with its air of tranquillity, idyllic scenes and rustic charm, and to some, the campsite has always represented a certain freedom that most agree, is being slowly and gradually eroded on the island. Many have spent their days at the beach bar enjoying a lovely laid-back affair and their evenings in front of an open fire after their barbeque, playing backgammon until the early hours. Many of these people have voiced concerns that this is yet another classic example of modernisation and development with business in mind, under the guise of health and safety and are anticipating that when the resulting regeneration works are complete, It will spoil the place forever. It does remain to be seen!