The heat in Cyprus has finally retreated.
Now you can explore the island with redoubled energy without drenching yourself in sweat.
And since many people have already finished the beach season, let's turn our eyes back from the sea to the interior of the island. There are hiking trails that are suitable for this time of year, as well as several theme parks where you can spend the day with the whole family.
Camel Park in Mazotos
Not far from Larnaca, in the village of Mazotos, there is a wonderful camel park that is known to almost all the young people on the island. On its territory, there is a large camel farm (about 50 individuals). The camels are in excellent condition and it is noticeable that they are well cared for. They graze in spacious paddocks, give milk, and breed. In a small souvenir store at the entrance, you can buy not only camel milk and cheese but also carob beans, a favorite treat for camels.
The animals are so clever that once they see the cherished white bag in your hands they will follow you like cats after valerian. Despite their huge scary teeth, camels take treats carefully, with soft thick lips. These giants are well-mannered, so no children's fingers have been seen bitten off. For curious visitors, there is a camel riding service. In this case, the camels, guided by assistants, go outside the park.
Besides camels, you will find a lot of interesting wildlife on the farm. In neighboring open (without a roof) enclosures - there are ostriches, goats, ponies, small deer and some other, not identified by me, a la over-fed guinea pigs (capybaras?). In a small artificial lake, green turtles peacefully inhabit, and in the bushes in an inconspicuous enclosure lurks a green parrot, which, in a good mood, can even say “hello" in Greek.
A peculiar highlight of the camel park is pet therapy. It looks like this: for 15 minutes you are closed in a cage with lemurs, where you feed and play with them for a small fee. I don't know if there is a fundamental difference compared to therapy with ordinary domestic cats, but the service is in demand. The park has recently undergone renovation and new swings and a trampoline have been installed in the playground.
Sparti in Platres
The Sparti Rope Park is still as much a favorite with kids and adults alike. It is located in the mountains, on a picturesque site surrounded by tall pine trees, not far from the equally picturesque village of Platres. There are several trails in the park, ranging from a beginner's trail one meter off the ground to a challenging high-level trail, which is interesting even for adults who crave adrenaline in their lives.
For the daredevils, there is the fastest zipline in Europe. Special instructors are watching your heroic passage and can climb to your aid if needed. The purest mountain air and physical activity will make your vacation in the park as ecological and useful as possible, and challenging and interesting tasks will strengthen children's self-confidence.
Riverland Bio Farm in Nicosia
You'll have a great day out if you head to Riverland, a farm near Nicosia. It is a clean and well-maintained eco-farm with a variety of domestic animals. You can feed the sheep and goats and see how milk and cheese are made. There is a small playground for older kids, as well as different activities for kids like archery and kayaking on the river. To get there, you need to turn off from Kampia village and follow the sign for Riverland. Further along the way there will also be homemade signs on wooden plaques. The road will loop around Tamasos Dam along the south bank.
The farm prides itself in producing the highest quality milk and organic eggs, free of chemicals, and antibiotics, and using no substances that have a negative impact on our health. Riverland Biological Farm produces eggs from free-range hens, goat milk, goat cheese, halloumi, kefir, ayran, and other related products. A visit to the farm is an educational excursion for children who are used to milk and eggs coming from the supermarket.
Green Land in Limassol
About 20 minutes from the village of Parekklisia near Limassol, a new family recreation park called Green Land has recently opened. The park is located on the bank of a small pond where you can fish. There are cozy gazebos that can be rented for company and a barbecue area. There is a cafe, and next to it, new brightly colored slides and trampolines have been installed for children.
The park is located in a picturesque place, where it is good to relax after a busy week in the office. The park's website lists Russian baths and hamam in the list of services and also mentions SPA procedures. It is a great place for a party, a corporate event or a children's party. Green Land Park is a relaxing vacation from the stresses of everyday life surrounded by serene countryside and natural beauty.
Whatever you choose, we wish your family to be active this winter season and avoid viruses as much as possible during this period. Stay healthy and cheerful.
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