Author: Antony Antoniou

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Cyprus life – The Ciao Stelio deluxe hotel

Across the street from the closest beach along Larnaca Bay, this sleek adults-only hotel is 3 km from Larnaca Castle and 5 km from Larnaca International Airport.
Airy rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minifridges, as well as marble bathrooms, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. Upgraded rooms and suites add sitting areas, as well as balconies with city or sea views; some have en suite spa-style facilities. A 1-bedroom suite offers separate living rooms. In-room dining is available 24/7.
Parking and access to an adjacent gym, indoor pool and sauna are free.
The jewel in the crown of this stunning hotel must be Enigma restaurant, this has to be experienced to be believed. This is not a mainstream restaurant, like so many others, this is a world class restaurant with every single it on the menu vying for first place.
This is definitely worth a visit if you are in Larnaca.

Visit their website HERE

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Cyprus life – Souvlaki GR Larnaca

Souvlaki.gr

Nestled within a few other casual eating establishments, just of the main Finnikoudes seafront is a little gem, a place where you can get restaurant quality food at fast food prices.

Souvlaki.gr has

become very popular in Larnaca and that is no surprise, the food is absolutely amazing, possible the finest Greek salad you can find, (Greek Salad is basically Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Black Olives with Olive Oil and Oregano)

The salad is to die for!

There is a very comprehensive menu, with everything from a small portion of Souvlaki (grilled diced Pork or Chicken) in a Greek Pitta, which is round, to large platters and everything in between which allows you to customise your meal to suit your own tastes.

Personally, as I like to eat healthy, I normally order a Salad and then two or three skewers of Souvlaki, normally I might have one Chicken and one Pork and there I have a really healthy meal for no more than a price of a Burger in a fast food take away.

The service is always good and everything is cooked to order as you would expect.

They have also recently opened a branch near the village of Kiti, near Larnaca airport, it is on the main road as you drive in to Kiti. This has opened recently and it is a larger premises than the one in town, with a large smart covered seating area. The service is exactly as you would expect and the food is at the same high standard.

Larnaca

Kiti

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Cyprus Life – Peroutsios Larnaca

Peroutsios was founded in 1948 by Antonis Peroutsios who worked here night and day until he passed away in 1995.

This is little more than a shack with a Charcoal BBQ, but it is one the best known and highly regarded destination for a casual sit down Souvlaki(diced Pork grilled on a skewer and served in Pitta bread with salad) in Larnaca.

So what makes this place so special?

First and foremost, everything is ALWAYS fresh. The salad never feels as though it is past its sell-by date, but served anyway….no, it is always crunchy and indicates a  early morning trip to the market, something that really demands dedication.

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Cyprus life – To Kazani Aradipou

Do you miss the REAL CYPRUS? Do you miss the days before the seafronts were hijacked by franchises and soul-less commercialised tourist traps?

To Kazani is located in the heart of Aradippou, just on the northern edge of Larnaca is one of Larnaca’s best kept secret. A family run restaurant, with a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful food and pleasant live music.

Unlike many other places with live music, that seem to be so loud that it is painful, the music is set at a perfect volume, loud enough to dance, loud enough to enjoy, yet subtle enough to allow conversation, for me, loud music is the greatest factor to spoiling my night, I like to enjoy music, not hold my ears in pain and in that regard, this place has the music down to perfection.

The restaurant is run by a family, with all the children taking part, from chef to waitress, to host. They treat customers as friends and invariably, by the time people leave, they are your friends.

The restaurant is a traditional two storey building, with both floors set aside for dining and live music downstairs. The outside has a beautiful terrace with a traditional feel, which is used during the summer months, but during the winter, everything is indoors (apart from the smoking, which this restaurant does enforce strictly, unlike some other places that give in to smokers, albeit illegally)

The food is to a very high standard, traditional and not pretentious and overpriced, local food, for local people at local prices.

We had Meze, which is often the first choice as it turns simple dining in to a slow paced and social occasion. I have been to other places for Meze and found that everything is hurled at you far too quickly, making you feel rushed, pressured and doesn’t help with indigestion. The key to enjoying a Meze is SLOW….very slow, it is supposed to be nibbled as part of the evening, not thrust at you in a hurry and sadly many places are guilty of this, those I would never recommend or return to, but happily that is not the case here. The food arrived at a comfortable steady pace, which was a pleasure.

After our meal, we were brought some fruit and a piece of Paklava for each of us, not just a token small piece but a full sized piece that was actually fresh and perfect.

If you are spending any time in Larnaca, then you would be very well advised to pay this place a visit, but book well in advance, they are very busy and deservedly so.

Visit them on Facebook HERE

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Michael Kyprianou Solicitors

Focus on Michael Kyprianou Solicitors

Michael Kyprianou & Co. LLC is praised for its ‘outstanding reputation in the international disputes market that is supported by strong credentials. The gender diversity of the practice is refreshing’ too. The ‘highly intelligent’ Marina Hadjisoteriou and the ‘very reliable and experienced’ Menelaos Kyprianou co-lead the team. The group is trusted by key insurance and banking institutions in Cyprus and abroad and by leading international law firms. In addition the group has considerable expertise in disputes relating to crypto-currency trading and all aspects of shareholder disputes, breach of fiduciary duties and professional negligence. It also has a growing practice supporting the health care sector and the transportation sector. It has been described as a team that is ‘a collage of brilliant minds and legal expertise’.

.Michael Kyprianou & Co. LLC has an able team that advises employees and employers on issues as diverse as employment agreements, settlement agreements through to the termination of employment and unfair dismissals. The department acts for a number of high profile clients on a variety of high-value and complicated cases too. The department, that is led by Lambros Soteriou, Savvas Savvides and Ioanna Solomou, has also been busy advising on diverse issues such as constructive dismissals, disciplinary proceedings and continues to work alongside some international law firms on a myriad of complex employment law matters. Recently it has been advising various organisations on employment law matters arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Practice head(s):

Lambros Soteriou; Savvas Savvides; Ioanna Solomou

 firm and particularly Savvas Savvides brings deep expertise and relationships in the area of private education. The firm’s tailored approach to our special sector is such an advantage, saving time and getting straight to the solution. Savvas Savvides brings unique expertise and relationships in the area of private schools in Cyprus, and because of that gets results’.

‘This law office commands a high reputation in legal and business circles in Cyprus. It comprises of high calibre staff with in-depth knowledge of legal matters in different categories who know exactly how to apply them in order to have best chance of success in court. The M. Kyprianou practice offers dependability, transparency and high efficiency in delivering the legal product. The team inspires confidence’. 

‘We have worked with the firm on various employment legal matters. The lawyers know this field very well, they are very professional and efficient. They have won our trust and it is now the firm of our choice in any upcoming legal matter in Cyprus’.

‘I  have worked with Mr. Savvas Savvides on several cases and he was always prompt, timely and open for calls and quick updates. Most of the time we had to work to tight deadlines, however Mr. Savvides and his team worked through all of the questions and concerns in a very polite and smart way’.

For further information contace Michael Kyprianou:

info@kyprianou.com

https://www.kyprianou.com

Nicosia

T: +357 22 447777
F: +357 22 767880
E: info@kyprianou.com

Limassol

T: +357 25 363685
F: +357 25 363698
E: limassol@kyprianou.com

Paphos

T: +357 26 930800
F: +357 26 930808
E: paphos@kyprianou.com

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Polemi concentration camp Pafos

A concentration camp in Polemi once housed 400 Eoka suspects in the final days of their campaign

As one of Europe’s foremost tourist destinations, Cyprus prefers to focus on its beaches, archaeological sites and traditional villages, but it is also home to several non-clichéd places that are of special interest to dark tourists.

For those unfamiliar with the term, “dark tourism” refers to visiting places associated with death and suffering. The increasing popularity of visiting morbid landmarks around the world associated with assassination, incarcerations, genocide, ethnic cleansing, war, disaster, ghost stories and scares, has a long tradition that goes back to the battle that marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. According to J. John Lennon, a professor of tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, who coined the term with a colleague in 1996, “People would watch from their carriages as the Battle of Waterloo took place.”

Nowadays, dark tourism sites act as vehicles of historical exposition, educating subsequent generations about the ‘lessons’ of the past. With an appetite for such destinations growing, Cyprus could easily call that growth in dark tourism.Apart from the obvious sites, such as the ghost town of Varosha, abandoned Nicosia airport (for those who can enter), eerie scenes of empty buildings and streets – criss-crossed with barbed wire – along Nicosia’s green line, ghostly rumours that swirl around the once-famous Berengaria hotel, a deserted village in Paphos that once belonged to the Knights Templar, Jewish Holocaust Museum of Cyprus, and the imprisoned graves and gallows in the Central Jail of Nicosia, dark tourists can venture out to another morbid site located just outside Paphos.

Polemi becomes a carpet of wild tulips every year as locals and holidaymakers visit the ever-popular flower festival to experience the springtime phenomenon. But, if on the surface, Polemi’s countryside appears to be peaceful and idyllic, the village was also once home to a gruesome concentration camp, notorious for the horrific and inhumane conditions suffered by some 400 Cypriot detainees. A reminder of the brutal effects of colonialism, the Polemi Concentration Camp was one of eight operated by the British to house and interrogate Eoka prisoners during the Greek-Cypriot fight to end British rule in Cyprus, from 1955-1959.

The concentration camp, or detention centre, opened towards the end of the conflict in August 1958, and operated for just over 100 days. Surrounded by barbed wire, Polemi’s prison camp was known for its violence, cruelty and torture to which the prisoners were subjected.

Today, little remains of the original camp, apart from the imposing guard tower, two old army vehicles, and a small tin Nissen hut housing important artefacts, including a miniature model of the camp in its original state.

Inside, an uncanny silence migrates between the rural present and Cyprus’ turbulent past. A memorial wall features a display of registration photographs, as prisoners were marched in front of a camera, and forced to stand as they were processed into the camp and given a number. Often held without trial, prisoners were compelled to live in tents, and permitted to move around the small yard for limited hours during the day. According to written testimonies and eyewitness accounts, available at the museum, members of the British army would often enter the tents at night and mercilessly beat up prisoners, keeping them awake by firing shots and throwing stones.

A military handbook given to sentries upon their arrival to the camp, on display at the museum, made it permissible to open fire if a detainee had crossed the six-yard wire, caused destruction to government property, or attempted an escape. The camp at Polemi was mainly populated by Greek-Cypriot males, although occasionally women were also interned, including youths and minors under the age of 16.

In 2004, the site was converted into a war museum, serving as a reminder of the horrors perpetrated under British rule.

In the last few years, tourists and their demands have frequently been changing, however there are those who are fascinated with places that are synonymous with the darkest periods of human history.

Dark tourism has become an important branch of Cyprus’ tourism industry, having a positive impact on both tourists and locals. From a social perspective, it provides psychological and emotional benefits to local communities and can be used for learning and reflection on issues that contributed to tragedy, especially for future generations.

Polemi Concentration Camp is open to the public all year round, Monday – Sunday (8am – 5pm), and entrance is free.

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Pomos – Portrait of a Cypriot Village

Pomos is one of the remaining unspoiled and undisturbed areas of Paphos. An ideal location to get away from it all.

Pomos village, hanging on the cliffs of west coast Cyprus, lies about 20 km afar from Polis Chrysochous, on the way to Akamas nature reserve. It is a laid back village very peaceful and quiet. It is ideal for those wanting to live the authentic Cyprus way of life, away from the hassle and bustle of tourist’s resorts. This tranquil and calm area prides itself with amazing views of the coastline and sandy beaches, making it the ideal place for rest and relaxation.

https://youtu.be/yPvQ0nQt9V0

BEACH

The beach that shows up in front of you is not only virgin but it has expansion of one kilometre. The beach of Pomos has something special. It has enough width and it is constituted from a fine but also coarse-grained sand, mixed with few colourful pebbles. Until the Akrotiri it is probably one from the most picturesque seaside water side of Cyprus. The mountain falls almost vertically to the sea while the chutes are covered with pines and fruit-bearing trees. Besides the lacy water sides with the numerous coves and the pointy small capes, give the scenery a unique picturesqueness.

Just now, some tourist apartments appeared in this remote silent place. This tourist units are the most impressive sight in the sand. The sand between the navy blue color of the sea and that of the pines, solitary and almost unknown in the wide public, is attractive to those who are interested in relaxation peace and quietness. You can only hear the noise of the waves. You feel your body to be penetrated by a soft cool breeze. You enjoy a limpid clear sky ,with stars that send you their bright or blurred light.

This incomparable beauty and peace, this sublime harmony in light and colour that you meet here in the sand of Pomos is something rare. It is probably, this moment, the most quiet tourist place of the island. So few visitors, local and foreigners to enjoy this expanded virgin sand! It is not sure though how long this peace and lonely life of this place will last.

PORT

The littoral place of the village contributed to the development of fishery. In the offshore area next to the Akron Pomos, there is a fishery shelter which in 1984 took in four fish boats that kept busy seven residents of the area. With state expenses since 1983 the port of the area developed significantly.

The professional fishermen but the amateurs too have enclosed the area all over enjoying the fresh alluring fish.

Today, the development is enough bigger, in an extent that fresh fish does not only serve the people who are there to enjoy the marvellous sight but also the restaurants of the area.

CAPE

The cape of Pomos or the Akron Pomos as it is more known , is in the area of Tilirias about two kilometres north of the village in which he took its name . Its formation took place because of the hard rock that is around it and which resisted the mordant energy of the waves. The route from the nearby village Nea Dimmata until the Akro Pomo is perhaps one of the most picturesque offshore routes in Cyprus. The mountain falls almost vertically to the sea while the steep slopes are covered with pines and fruit bearing trees. Besides the lacy seaside with the numerous coves and the sharp small capes give the scenery a unique picturesqueness.

DRAGON’S CAVE

In the past tradition said that ships arrived in the area and made burglaries. In this cave there was the famous Dragon who protected the area from all the evil things that happened then. It is a rocky cave, with an opening to the sea some kilometres further from the port, to the cape. The cave has lots of depth and sweet water comes from there.

SUNSET

While the sunset begins, the few scattered clouds take a soft golden colour and create a marvellous view. The Sunset here is Bucolic and blissful, wonderful and wild, head along this far north western coast of the island. The location of Pomos is the ideal place to watch the sunset. The scenery and nature are unique. Even in the same place every sunset is different from day to day. Pomos is one of the best sunset view points not only in Cyprus but all over Europe.

PACHYAMMOS

The small village of Pachyammos, just 3,5 km from Pomos is majestically beautiful and the mountains lead straight into the sea. The main point of interest is the impressive church of Agios Rafael, an important pilgrimage site for the faithful due to the belief in the miraculous curing powers of the saint.

The narrow sandy Blue Flag beach of Pachyammos makes for a nice stop Pachyammos Village Beach is an idyllic refuge for those seeking a remote and private stretch of bay to enjoy their day in tranquillity. The scenery and the views ascending the hill are simply amazing. Drive through the serpentine mountain road and enjoy the beautiful contrast of the wild green of Tiliria on your left and the dramatic coastline of hill girt bays and seaweed-covered rocky shores in the deep blue colours of the Mediterranean on your right. .

WHERE TO STAY?

Stunning natural environment, friendly, laid back people, great apartments and villas for your accommodation, wonderful beaches, stunning sunset, Pomos is the ideal place for those seeking active holidays in the nature.

Pomos is built next to the sea , in a medium height of 10 metres. The scenery of the village has an obvious leaning to the sea. The creation of tourist units in the enchanting beach of the village, offered the opportunity to the foreigners but to the local people to enjoy the magic of the scenery and their calm. Located on the north – west part of Cyprus, Pomos is an area of natural beauties, excellent sea and beaches. The National Park of Akamas Peninsula is just a few kilometres away. Akamas peninsula: The national park of Akamas is just next to Polis Chrysochous. From Polis you are able to explore this unique unspoilt area.

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Is the Lionfish a threat to the Cypriot Ecosystem?

“The increasing numbers of lionfish around Cyprus created the need to create a platform that allows scientists to monitor their abundance and distribution in the area so that we can control their populations and their negative effects,”

According to the researchers working on the project, the lionfish is reproducing rapidly and in the Mediterranean no predator has yet been identified. It consumes mainly native fish and invertebrates found in the marine area of Cyprus, including species of commercial value, having the potential result of disruption of local biodiversity and fishing stocks.

As numbers proliferate, so have fears of the flamboyantly coloured fish posing the biggest ecological setback to ecosystems in the Mediterranean – which is already under pressure from pollution, tourism and over-exploitation. In the EU, Cyprus has become “the first line of defence” against the lionfish invasion.

With mounting evidence of the species’ capacity to outcompete other fish, the Cypriot government has increasingly come round to the idea of organised culls – acknowledging that if the pest is not brought under control lionfish will have an effect on commercial fishing.

A government spokesman said:

“If culls prove to be an effective tool in managing this problem we will apply it for sure. It is illegal in Cyprus to hunt using scuba diving equipment but in this case we are permitting it. We can’t say we’re not worried.”

On an island dependent on tourism, the department is taking measures to inform the public ahead of summer. Although there have been no known fatalities caused by lionfish stings, human contact with the venom is horribly painful as fishermen have discovered pulling catches from nets.

The first cull was held in a marine protected area off Cape Greco, with prizes handed out for harpooning the smallest and largest fish. The government is keen to encourage local fishermen and divers to get involved in the hunt.”

Lionfish, have no natural enemies, laboratory dissections had proved they were also furnished with ferocious appetites. “They eat everything. Culling this invasive species is the only effective way to reduce their numbers and ensure marine-protected areas continue to regenerate.”

In addition to removal action teams, surveillance platforms to monitor lionfish were being developed as part of the EU-funded programme.

 “This is a regional problem and our insights and knowledge will be transferred and replicated in surrounding countries.”

Global warming and the rise in sea temperatures have encouraged the invasion.

Scientists believe expansion works to the Suez Canal have also played a role, by enabling the toxic fish to migrate from native habitats in the Red Sea. The canal, which is one of the world’s most important waterways, was widened and deepened to cater for ever-bigger container ships only three years ago.

“That may have saved time and money but to do it without any biosecurity measures in place was mad,”

 “The oceans are bleeding invasive and damaging species into the Mediterranean like a cut artery.”

Lionfish were by far the greatest offenders with the highest impact on marine ecology because they are such voracious and adept predators. Environmental watchdogs have said invasive species are now among the top five leading causes of biodiversity loss globally. In the western Atlantic lionfish have been linked to the reduction of coral reef fish by about 65%.

Culls have proved highly effective in the Caribbean where the species has been blamed for destruction of coral reefs, diminishing populations of other fish and vast ecological damage.

“In these waters I think we may have missed the chance to eradicate them completely because they will spread as the seas warm,”

There is still time to control the population especially in marine-protected areas. And even better lionfish could be good business. In all of this there is a silver lining, as firm-fleshed fish they taste absolutely wonderful. There’s definitely a niche market to be had putting lionfish on dinner tables.

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Cyprus Property sales improve in all market segments

All market segments saw an improved number of property sales in September compared to the same period last year according to figures published by the Department of Lands and Surveys.

Domestic sales
Property sales to the domestic market, which accounted for 63% of all sales in September rose by 9% compared to September 2021 and by 41% compared to September 2019.

With the exception of Famagusta, where sales were down 7% compared to last year, they rose in the remaining four districts.

Sales in Limassol rose 21%, followed by Larnaca (9%), Nicosia (3%) and Paphos (1%)

On an annual basis, sales have risen in all districts. Sales in Paphos (59%), Famagusta (54%), Limassol (47%) and Larnaca (34%).

Sales to the domestic market have been encouraged by the government’s interest rate subsidy scheme, which will continue until the end of 2021. The ceiling for loans for house purchases was raised from €300,000 to €400,000 in February and the scheme provides an interest rate subsidy of 1.5% for a period of four years.

However, bear in mind that the figures include an unreported number of ‘non-sale’ agreements such as loan restructurings, recoveries and debt-to-asset swaps agreed between the banks and defaulting borrowers in efforts by the banks to reduce their non-performing loan portfolios.

Foreign sales
Property sales to the overseas market, which accounted for 37% of all sales in September, rose by 30% compared to September 2021 and by 19% compared to pre-COVID September 2019.

With the exception of Paphos, where sales were down 2%, they rose in the remaining four districts.

Sales in Larnaca rose 86%, followed by Limassol (38%), Famagusta (31%) and Nicosia (29%).

On an annual basis, although sales in Paphos were down 7% and sales in Famagusta remained almost unchanged, sales in Nicosia rose 63%, followed by Larnaca (29%) and Limassol (15%).

Sales to EU citizens
Sales to the EU segment of the overseas market, which accounted for 17% of all sales in September, rose by 30% compared to September 2021 and by 45% compared to pre-COVID September 2019.

Sales rose in all districts. In percentage terms, Famagusta led the way with sales up 267%, followed by Larnaca (86%), Nicosia (36%), Limassol (8%) and Paphos (2%).

On an annual basis, the number of properties sold to EU citizens has risen in all districts. Larnaca (81%), Nicosia (73%), Limassol (43%). Famagusta (31%) and Paphos (30%).

Sales to non-EU citizens
Sales to the non-EU segment of the overseas market, which accounted for 20% of all sales in September, rose by 30% compared to September 2021 and by 3% compared to pre-COVID September 2019.

Although sales in Famagusta and Paphos fell by 30% and 8%, they rose 86% in Larnaca, 66% in Limassol and 14% in Nicosia.

On an annual basis, sales in Paphos and Larnaca are down 37% and 22% respectively. However, sales in Nicosia have risen 49% and sales in Larnaca and Limassol have risen 10% and 2% respectively.

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Athalassa National Park

Located on the south-eastern edge of the city of Lefkosia (Nicosia), Athalassa National Forest Park has a total area of 840 hectares and is an oasis of greenery with many endemic, indigenous trees, shrubs and herbs. Athalassa was declared a National Forest Park in 1990, based on the provisions of the Forestry Legislation. It is located in the southeast of Nicosia and is surrounded, in the north by Aglantzia, in the south west by Strovolos, and Latsia and in the southeast by Geri.

In addition to its primary function as space and green lungs, the Park is offered for outdoor recreation activitied, physical exercise and environmental education and training. The Park is becoming increasingly important for the capital, mainly because of its geographical position – as it is easily accessible to the public- , but also because it is the largest free area of green areas in the wider region.

Geological samples, fossils and related objects are exhibited in a separate room, and visual material is used to present the local fauna and flora.

Its network of trails – covering 20 kilometres – makes it a popular place for cycling, walking and dog walking (on a designated pathway).

A park to walk, run or cycle. The best place for training in Nicosia. One gets the impression that they are in a forest. There is also a lake in the park something that makes Athalassa a very friendly destination for families with children.

The Botanical Gardens are open daily and are free of charge to visit, whilst the grounds of the park also incorporate a Visitor’s Centre that provides information about the environmental features of the park. A scale model replica of the park shows its basic natural features, vegetation and recreational facilities, whilst dioramas give three-dimensional representations of the area’s vegetation, birds, mammals and reptiles.

WHY LOCALS LOVE IT
It is the biggest green area in the capital and locals love to go there for a walk to cycle or simply to relax and appreciate all the wildlife that finds refuge there. There are also picnic facilities, which locals like to use on the weekends.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT IT
There are picnic facilities on the park, as well as sports ground and cycling paths, which makes the park a nice alternative for tourists. In addition, there is also a bird observation point, where people can learn more about the birds that live or visit the island.

SPECIAL TIP
Going there early in the morning is a unique experience!
THE VISITOR CENTRE
The Visitor Centre of the Athalassa National Forest Park is situated on the northeastern edge of the Agios Georgios Park, by the corner of the Kyreneia and Athalassa avenues, in Aglantzia. It is administered by the Department of Forests and was opened to the public in May, 2004. The buildings of the Centre are old government buildings restored by the Department of Forests in collaboration with other authorities.


Objectives of the Centre

The Visitor Centre’s general objective is to present the environmental features of the Athalassa Park and to provide information about the Park’s values and recreational opportunities offered. It also provides information on selected aspects of the general environment of the broader area of Mesaoria Plain, Larnaka Salt Lake and Kavo Gkreko National Forest Park. Within this context, an important function of the Centre is the promotion of environmental education and awareness especially of schoolchildren but also of the general public.

Facilities

The Centre is made up of a number of rather small spaces which include: a room with a scale model of the Athalassa Park, a laboratory, an office, four rooms with dioramas, a film/lecture theatre and exhibitions of geology, fauna and flora. A car park and toilets are also provided.

Exhibits

A scale model of the Park presents the major natural features, vegetation components and facilities of the Park. The dioramas are three-dimensional representations of selected, typical ecosystems of the general area showing the vegetation, birds, mammals and reptiles. Geological samples, fossils and related objects are exhibited in a separate room. Finally, the fauna and flora are presented through photographs, posters, samples and various other representations. Detailed information on flora and fauna can be obtained on properly designed computer screens.

Film Theatre

In this room a 20-minute film is shown to visitors, about the general environment of the Athalassa Park, Mesaoria Plain, Larnaka Salt Lake and Kavo Gkreko area

Office / Shop

From here, visitors can obtain information including various leaflets of interest. Books and souvenirs related to the Park can also be purchased

Laboratory

A number of microscopes and stereoscopes are available enabling visitors, especially schoolchildren, to explore the microscopic world of selected plant and animal samples

The Garden

A garden has been established just outside the center, where many plants, mostly indigenous of the area, can be seen together with geological samples.

The Agios Georgios Park

The Centre is within walking distance from the Agios Georgios Park offering a variety of recreational facilities and a pleasant environment.

Entrance Fee

Visitor Centre: Adults / children over 6, €1,00 / Children under 6, free

Working Hours

The Visitor Centre is open during working days.

Working Hours are:

Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 15:30
Closed on weekends and Public Holidays

Cycling Route National Forest Park Athalassa

Difficulty rate: An easy route for all types of bicycle.

Road condition: Paved road throughout.

Route description: National Forest Park Athalassa was given a 16km long bicycle path on the initiative of the Forestry Department. It is a popular area for the inhabitants of the capital, who go there to exercise or just for fun.

National Forest Park Athalassa is located south of Nicosia (Lefkosia) and to the east of the Nicosia – Limassol motorway.