The end of February to the end of November is the most popular picnic season in Cyprus. However, in the middle of summer it is better to picnic in the highlands as it is not so hot. The rest of the time you can picnic anywhere... Or not?
Where to picnic in Cyprus and why you should not roast meat and vegetables in places that are not equipped for it - read our article. Enjoy reading and have a great holiday!
Ethical concepts and laws in Cyprus
Several environmental problems are quite acute on the island. These include:
- Lack of natural freshwater;
- Household waste pollution (we are talking about the rubbish that people throw away, there is almost no production on the island);
- Fires during the hot and dry seasons;
- Poaching and illegal hunting of birds and animals.
It is necessary to understand that a person who goes on holiday in nature must keep it clean and unspoilt. Therefore, all picnic areas have warnings about putting out fires, picking up litter, not touching plants/berries/birds etc.
Important: In Cyprus you are not allowed to collect branches or cut down trees to light a fire. Only use charcoal you have brought with you.
Picnic areas and campsites have been developed to ensure that people feel comfortable and that nature is not harmed. Picnic sites usually have parking, fireplaces (but usually no braziers), benches and tables (often with parasols), toilets, drinking water sources and rubbish bins. In this way, people can enjoy fresh recreation, beautiful views and tasty food - while helping to preserve the environment.
Important: fires are only allowed in designated areas - specifically at picnic sites. In all other places it is illegal and can result in a hefty fine. It is also worth noting that in nature reserves (e.g. the Akamas peninsula) it is not allowed to light a fire, even in the picnic area. Bring thermos drinks and food that does not require cooking or heating.
Neighbourhoods in Limassol
It's easiest to give a brief overview of the best and most popular picnic spots for each area of Cyprus and include a list of all the other picnic spots below. This way you can familiarise yourself with most of them and still make a choice.
Finikaria Picnic Site, Germasoya Dam
Germasoya Dam is a very popular picnic spot in the countryside. It's all about the proximity to the city, the incredible beauty and the abundance of interesting ways to spend your time. For example, around the dam you will find Akrunda Park, a picturesque garden, an authorised fishing site, a water sports club, the village of Finikaria with its ancient monuments, several trekking routes... and, of course, incredible viewpoints. The Finikaria picnic site is located on one of these. It's a small but well-equipped site where you can light a fire or just sit down and have a snack. There is a small children's playground and a more or less comfortable descent to the water.
Finikaria picnic site on the map
Agia Paraskevi picnic site, foothills
This is the closest picnic site to the coniferous forest - all the others are higher up in the mountains. The Agia Paraskevi picnic area can be reached just before Kalo Chorio. It is a very popular place with the locals, so it can be quite busy during the season.
The Agia Paraskevi picnic area is well equipped: trees and gazebos shelter visitors from the scorching sun, there are several fireplaces (stone "hearths"), you can bring your own barbecue. There is also a small playground for children. There are a number of walking trails nearby and in season you can find mushrooms in the area.
Agia Paraskevi picnic site on the map
Trooditissa picnic site, Highlands
One of the most beautiful sites near the monastery of the same name. Kantara waterfall, Caledonia waterfall and several walks leading to them are also within walking distance. In short, it can be a long and very rewarding walk.
The picnic site itself is very well located: on the banks of a river that never dries up and on the edge of a rocky outcrop with a great view of the mountains. It is very cosy and, even in the high season, not very crowded because of its distance from the town.
Picnic site Trooditissa on the map
Other picnic sites in Limassol:
- Kampos tou Livadiou picnic site;
- Armyroleivadon picnic site;
- Argolachania picnic site (Mesa Potamos);
- Kakomallis picnic site.
Larnaca area
As Larnaca is mostly flat with little forest, picnic sites are rare in the area. However, it is possible to find a small and cosy spot.
Oroklini Park and viewpoint, Oroklini
Just outside the village of Oroklini is this pleasant picnic spot on a hill. It's quite quiet and out of the woods, but it has one big advantage - it offers great views of the town and even the sea.
The Oroklini Park and viewpoint can be reached on foot, by car or by bicycle. This place will appeal to those who don't like to walk far or don't have the time.
Oroklini Park and viewpoint on the map
Kornos Picnic Area, Kornos
Don't be put off by the fact that the picnic area is close to the road - it's actually quite far away from it. This gives you peace and quiet, pleasant coolness under the canopy of trees and beautiful views.
From here you can walk to a place where you can see the famous monastery of Stavrovouni. If you come by car, you can combine a visit to the holy place with a picnic.
Important: Stavrovouni Monastery is an active monastery and women are not allowed inside. However, they have access to the viewing platform, which offers an incomparable view.
Kornos picnic area on the map
Other picnic areas in Larnaca:
- Rizodelia picnic area.
Surroundings of Nicosia
The capital itself is flat and rather 'dry', but the mountainous areas of Nicosia are breathtakingly beautiful. This is where the main picnic areas are located.
Kambos tou Livadiou picnic site, highlands
A great place for those who appreciate silence, beautiful mountain scenery and unspoilt nature. Even in August, it's not as hot as the coast - and that's worth it!
The Kambos tou Livadiou picnic site is also notable for its rather atypical landscape for summer Cyprus - lots of greenery. In spring there are lots of flowers in bloom and you don't want to leave. You don't have to leave: there is a fully equipped campsite nearby.
If you stay overnight, you can spend a few days walking the local trails - there are many, and each one is more beautiful than the last.
Kambos tou Livadiou picnic site on the map
Athalassa picnic site, city limits
Athalassa Park can be described as 'a forest in the city': there are a lot of trees here, it is picturesque and the Nicosia authorities have been actively improving it recently. The main advantage of this place is undoubtedly its accessibility. You don't have to go anywhere and that's why it's so popular.
You can just walk around the park, children can play in the equipped playgrounds, adults can do sports. The reservoir is a little far from the picnic site, but this is not a big problem: you can get there quite quickly on good paths.
Athalassa picnic site on the map
Prodromos picnic site, highlands
A very picturesque place for those who want to experience the mountains of Cyprus. In winter there is snow, but in spring and summer, everything is green and smells of pine needles warmed by the sun... A sheltered beauty!
A picnic in such a place is not only an opportunity to have a snack with a beautiful view of the reservoir. There are many hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, and it's a pleasure to walk among them.
Prodromos picnic area on the map
Other picnic areas in Nicosia:
- Xerargaka;
- Marathos picnic site;
- Platania camping site;
- Πάρκο Μαδρί, or Mandra tou Kampiou;
- Panagias picnic area;
- Xyliatos dam picnic site;
- Asinou Park.
Paphos district
Paphos is perhaps the most fertile area for spending time in nature. It is the greenest, coolest (the temperature difference with Limassol can be 1-2 degrees) and best preserved. Most of the picnic spots are in the highlands, but there are also places not far from the towns.
Stavros tis Psokas, Highlands
One of the most picturesque and protected places not only in Paphos but in the whole of Cyprus. The scent of the pine trees, the coolness even in the hot summer months and the silence... There is no big influx of tourists here - probably because it is more than 40 kilometres away from any town. It is a day trip for Cypriots, but you can also camp here.
Stavros tis Psokas is not only worth a visit for its natural beauty: there is a mouflon reserve nearby. If you are lucky, you can see these beautiful and proud animals in their natural habitat.
Stavros tis Psokas on the map
Picnic spot in Peyia, Peyia
A nice and lively picnic site is located in the Pikni forest, adjacent to Peyia. As well as having facilities for barbecue and kebab cooking, the Picnic Site in Peyia also has space for walking with children and great views of the town and the sea. It's a great location for those who don't want to travel far.
Picnic site in Peyia on the map
Smigies picnic site, Neo Chorio
This is a protected area on the Akamas peninsula. You can walk around the area and there are so many beautiful things to see! But it's important to remember that you're in a protected area, so you can't pick any plants or step on them.
Tents are not allowed here, but some people take the risk. The problem is not that you can't spend the night in the smigies, but that you can't light a fire. So it's better to limit yourself to a day's walk and a portion of soup.
Smigies picnic site on the map
Other picnic sites in Paphos:
- Timi picnic site;
- Mauralis beach;
- Agios Merkourios picnic site;
- Monashilaka;
- Kannaviou picnic area.
Famagusta area
There are not many picnic areas in this area, but the most famous one is almost a trademark of Cyprus.
Agioi Anargyroi, Cape Kavo Greco
This picnic spot is in a picturesque and rather overlooked location. It overlooks the turquoise sea, sea caves and the famous Greek-style church with whitewashed walls and a bright blue roof. In the summer it's quite hot here and it's hard to escape the sun. But in the off-season, Kavo Greco is a great place to go for a walk, take some great photos and have a great holiday!
Agioi Anargyri picnic site on the map
Other picnic sites near Ayia Napa:
- Agios Antonios Picnic Site;
- Ayios Nikandros picnic site.
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