Picnic Sites in Cyprus: Forest Barbecue Areas by Region and the Rules (2026)

Cyprus has dozens of forest picnic sites, and they are free, shaded and often well equipped with tables, water, toilets, playgrounds and barbecue spots. The biggest are in the Troodos mountains, with more in the Paphos Forest, the Machairas forest and the national forest parks of Athalassa (Nicosia), Rizoelia (Larnaca) and Cape Greco (Famagusta district). They are also the only places in or near a state forest where you may light a fire.

This guide lists the sites by area, explains what you will find there and sets out the fire rules, which matter a great deal on an island with a long wildfire season.

How do picnic sites work in Cyprus?

The forest picnic sites, also called excursion sites, are run under the Department of Forests. You simply turn up: we found no booking system or charge for day use, and families usually arrive early to claim a table under the pines. Facilities vary, but the Troodos sites typically have benches and tables, barbecue spots, drinking water, toilets, children's playgrounds and car parks. Some of the larger sites also have toilets for people with reduced mobility.

Picnicking is a big part of Cypriot family life, especially at weekends, on public holidays and in the hot months, when people head up to the mountains to escape the heat. On 15 August 2024 the Forestry Department reported that Platania, Kambos tou Livadiou and Gefiri Panagias in the Troodos, and Timi, Smigies and several others in Paphos, were full by the middle of the day. If you want a table on a holiday weekend, arrive in the morning.

Camping is a separate matter: you need a permit and may only camp at designated campsites. See our guide to camping in Cyprus for the rules and which campsites were open in 2026.

What are the fire rules at Cyprus picnic sites?

The rules are strict, and the Department of Forests repeats them every summer:

1. Fires only in designated places. Lighting a fire is allowed only at designated picnic and excursion sites. Lighting a fire anywhere else in or near a forest is an offence under forestry law and can bring severe penalties.
2. Charcoal, not wood. Light charcoal only in the designated fireplaces; do not burn wood.
3. Put it out properly. Make sure every fire is completely out before you leave.
4. Summer restrictions. From 1 June to 30 September, using any tool or machine that produces heat, flames or sparks inside a state forest or within 2 km of one needs the written permission of the Director of the Department of Forests.
5. No cigarette ends. Throwing away a lit cigarette in a forest or farmland is strictly forbidden.
6. Take your rubbish home. Dumping rubbish in forests is banned, and bins at busy sites can overflow on holidays.

Some sites allow no fire at all. Polemidia National Forest Park, just outside Limassol, is one of them: only food that has already been cooked is allowed. If you see smoke or fire, call the Forestry Department on 1407 or the emergency number 112.

Which picnic sites are in the Troodos mountains?

The Troodos has the largest and best-equipped sites, most of them in cool pine forest between 1,300 and 1,650 metres. The Limassol Tourism Board publishes directions and capacities for the sites in Limassol district:

Livadi tou Pashia is one of the largest picnic areas on the island, with wooden tables and benches (some covered), fireplaces, toilets including accessible ones, a playground in the middle and a paved road through the site that suits wheelchairs and pushchairs. Trooditissa has fireplaces, a playground and spring-water fountains, and sits next to the monastery of the same name. Kampi tou Kalogirou covers about three hectares, with a covered barbecue area and a playground; the campsite next door was closed for upgrades in 2026.

Other Troodos sites named in the Forestry Department's holiday reports include Platania near Kakopetria, Gefiri Panagias, Xyliatos Dam, Marathos, Xerarkaka, Kapouras and Asinou. They are quieter and good for combining with a walk; see our guides to Troodos in autumn and the best hiking trails in Cyprus.

Where can you picnic in the Paphos Forest and Akamas?

Stavros tis Psokas, deep in the Paphos Forest at about 900 metres, is the classic Paphos picnic and camping spot. It has toilets, drinking water and cooking areas, with nature trails and a mouflon enclosure nearby. It is a long, winding drive from Paphos, so fill up with fuel and bring supplies.

Smigies is a picnic site in pine forest about 2.5 km from Neo Chorio in the Akamas. It is the starting point of the circular Smigies nature trail (2.5 km or 6 km), so it works well for a walk followed by lunch with views over the Akamas hills. Check the signs on arrival, as fire use in the Akamas is tightly controlled.

The Forestry Department's reports also name sites at Timi, Komititzis, Xystaroudas, Mavralis, Pikni, Monasilaka, Agia, Livadi, Agios Merkourios, Randi and Pera Vasa. Kannaviou picnic site, near the village and reservoir of the same name, has drinking water and a small playground.

Which picnic sites are near Nicosia and Larnaca?

Athalassa National Forest Park is Nicosia's green lung: 840 hectares with about 20 km of trails for walking, cycling and dog walking. The Forestry Department lists two picnic sites there, Athalassa and Agios Georgios Athalassas, which are handy for an after-work barbecue without leaving the city. The park's visitor centre has exhibits on local plants, wildlife and geology.

Machairas forest, south-west of Nicosia, has three picnic areas with tables, drinking water, parking, toilets and children's playgrounds. Mantra tou Kampiou, Kionia and Agioi Anargyroi are among the forest sites near Nicosia and Larnaca that fill up first on holidays.

Rizoelia National Forest Park sits on the edge of Larnaca, in Aradippou municipality. It covers 97 hectares, is part of the Natura 2000 network and has covered wooden picnic benches, food preparation areas and a children's play area. Other sites in the Nicosia and Larnaca districts include Kornos, Delikipos, Agios Antonios, Agios Nikandros and Oroklini.

Is there a picnic site at Cape Greco?

Yes. Cape Greco National Forest Park, between Ayia Napa and Protaras, has a picnic site, and the Department of Forests built the Kavo Gkreko Visitor Centre in the park. Combine a picnic with the 2 km Aphrodite nature trail along the coast or a visit to the little church of Agioi Anargyroi above the sea caves. Further inland, Dasaki Achnas is another Forestry Department site in Famagusta district. Our Cape Greco guide covers parking, trails and swimming spots.

What should you bring for a forest picnic?

• Charcoal, matches and a bag for the ash. Fireplaces vary from site to site, so bring your own grill rack and tongs.
• WaterEven where there is a tap, plus a large bottle in case you need to douse the fire.
• Layers. At 1,600 metres it is much cooler than the coast, and the mountains are cold outside summer.
• Rubbish bagsTo take everything home.
• Food and drink. Mountain sites are often far from shops; on summer weekends some have a canteen nearby, but don't count on it.
• A tablecloth and cushions. The wooden benches get hard after a long Sunday lunch.

The best seasons are spring and autumn, when the lowland parks are green and the mountains are mild. In July and August the Troodos sites are the coolest places to eat outdoors, but they are also at their busiest, and wildfire risk is at its peak.

Related guides

• Camping in Cyprus: campsites and rules
• The best hiking trails in Cyprus
• Cape Greco National Forest Park
• Things to do with kids in Cyprus