6 Places to Get Quality Green Time Within Cities
During your stay in Cyprus, you might want a break from the urban landscape to seek out some green spaces – but that doesn’t mean you have to venture out of the city. Head to these locations which include public parks and green spaces for some nature time, a relaxing walk or a fun afternoon out with the family.
Acropolis Park
A popular park to take your children to is the Acropolis Park in the neighbourhood of the same name. The park includes a grassy area for relaxation as well as a café/restaurant and a playground with a small basketball court. The park includes a grassy area for relaxation as well as a café/restaurant and a playground with a small basketball court, which makes it a popular setting for kids’ birthday parties. Numerous events and festivals attracting large crowds take place annually here.Explore the area underneath the bridge, which hosts seven caves and a large fountain. Find a shaded walking path around the park, perfect for a calm stroll.
Address: Pentelis Street, Strovolos, Acropolis Park
A big, tidy grass area for games or relaxation | Photo by Eleni Philippou
Athalassa Park
Top of the list of parks in Nicosia is definitely the Athalassa National Park with its evergreen oasis stretching across 840 hectares. The park, on the south-east edge of the capital, houses endemic and indigenous trees and plants, with a beautiful large lake, home to ducks, fish and frogs, acting as the focal point of the park. Popular for those who enjoy going on walks, cycling and picnics, Athalassa offers ample space for these activities with trails covering 20 kilometres. This park is an ideal escape into nature, a stone’s throw away from the bustling centre of the capital. Dog walkers won’t be disappointed either, as there is a designated walking path around the park with stunning city views. Activities such as yoga often take place at the park, and visitors are welcome to use the park grounds recreationally and respectfully.
Address: Leoforos Keryneias, 1, Aglantzia
The park’s beautiful lake, home to ducks, swans and fish | Photo by Eleni Philippou
Nicosia Municipal Gardens
These gardens – the largest municipal gardens in Nicosia – are located just outside the Old Town. The lines of palm trees form a beautiful pathway, and the grassy area welcomes fun activities as numerous events happen there. These can be jamming, painting, yoga or even organized events. The biggest annual event that invites hundreds of people to the Municipal Gardens is the PRIDE parade, usually occurring in May/June. Besides a quiet green space, the park has a playground with a small café and also houses some birds, like peacocks, which you can spot. It’s a great location to relax and hang out with some friends or family.
Address: Nicosia Municipal Gardens, Nicosia. Just behind the Parliament House of Representatives
The many palm trees that beautify the gardens
Alsos Forest
Another municipal park of Nicosia, Alsos Forest covers a large green area between the regions of Pallouriotissa and Aglanjia. It houses a playground engulfed by a rich tree plantation and many shaded walking paths to get your exercise while in Cyprus or simply to stroll among eucalyptus and pine trees. Before the forest area was developed, it was a large wetland with shallow bodies of water, so eucalyptus trees were brought in to absorb the water. Head here to get a sense of a forest in the city, a serene morning walk or some quality time with your family. There are many ways to access the forest; the easiest way is via Kallipoleos street and through the parking lot of the University of Cyprus. At the end of the University’s lot, turn right and you’ll find the parking lot for the park on your left.
Address: Between Angladjia and Pallouriotissa
The cafe, found next to the playground | Photo by Eleni Philippou
Limassol Municipal Park
Walking past Limassol’s main coastal road, you’ll find the Municipal Park which hosts a variety of facilities befitting all interests. Apart from walking along the tall eucalyptus, pine and cypress trees that are widely found around Cyprus (as they easily withstand the warm, dry climate), find the amphitheatre where many cultural events are held during spring and summer. Also included in the park is Limassol’s zoo which hosts mammals, birds and reptiles, a natural history museum and an educational centre which screens films on wildlife and nature. The playground and the garden is well-kept, making anyone’s visit visually pleasing. A visit to the Municipal Park offers you a chance to see exotic animals and spend some quality green time in the heart of city.
Address: 28th October Str. & Lordou Vyrona & Olymbion, 3105, Limassol, Cyprus
Just off the seaside main road, unwind in this green park | Photo by Eleni Philippou
Patticheion Park
Just next to the Pattichion Municipal Amphitheatre, which hosts a number of cultural events, you’ll find a large nature area with many walking paths to explore. The Patticheion Park offers many walking routes and also has some fantastic views of Larnaca’s famous salt lake. Situated slightly higher than the lake, while on location you can see the stretch of the lake and can walk alongside it. The park is perfect for those wanting to stroll through nature without leaving the comfort of the town. Do take a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle though, as the area isn’t covered by many trees and you will be exposed to the sun.
Address: Nikolaou G. Dimitriou Street, Larnaca
Spot the Salt Lake whilst on Patticheion’s walking paths | Photo by Eleni Philippou
