Finding a legal place to camp has become increasingly difficult for outdoor enthusiasts in Cyprus this summer. With the closure of popular campsites, many are left searching for alternatives to pitch their tents beneath the island’s summer skies.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Challenges in Finding Campsites
The Polis Chrysochous campsite, a beloved spot for generations, is now closed, while Platania is undergoing upgrades. Uncertainty surrounds the campsite near Troodos square, leaving campers questioning the availability of organised camping facilities on the island.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
“I have been trying for several weekends with friends to organise a camping trip, but every time we check the options, we realise there is almost nowhere to go,” said Anton Fedorov, a resident of Cyprus for around 12 years. Fedorov, who has camped at various sites, notes that these locations offered an affordable escape from the summer heat.
The Loss of a Beloved Campsite
The closure of the Polis Chrysochous campsite has hit hard for many. Once surrounded by eucalyptus trees and located near the Akamas peninsula, it provided not just a place to camp but a community gathering spot for families and friends. Former visitor Alex Kalimeri fondly remembers it as a place where one could relax and enjoy nature without incurring hotel costs.
Local authorities assure that the redevelopment aims to improve safety and modernise facilities while retaining the site’s character. Investor Costas Myrianthous emphasised the intent to preserve the identity of the campsite during upgrades. However, some regular visitors remain sceptical, fearing that modernisation may alter the simplicity that attracted them in the first place.
Current Status of Other Campsites
According to the forestry department, some campsites like Stavros tis Psokas remain open. Meanwhile, Kampi Kalogirou is awaiting necessary approvals for reopening after upgrades. Platania has been closed since November 2022, with improvements expected to take about one and a half years.
Campers have reported that the campsite near Troodos square is unavailable this summer, although officials have not provided clarity on its status. Press officer Glaukos Kyriakou stated that the closures are part of a programme designed to enhance public camping facilities rather than limit access to nature. He noted that stricter fire safety requirements have rendered many campsites non-compliant with modern standards.
Concerns Over Future Camping Options
Environmental groups have raised concerns that the reduction in legal camping sites could push campers towards unmanaged areas, which may inadvertently heighten the risk of wildfires and littering. The Cyprus Greens expressed alarm over the dwindling number of legal campsites, warning that without alternatives, people will resort to illegal camping.
Friends of the Earth Cyprus echoed these sentiments, arguing that uncontrolled camping could disturb wildlife and increase environmental risks. They emphasised that the state has a duty to maintain a sufficient number of legal, well-managed campsites to ensure public access to nature.
The Glamping Debate
The conversation around camping in Cyprus also touches on the rise of glamping. While luxury camping experiences are becoming popular across Europe, legislation to regulate glamping in Cyprus has faced rejection. For many campers, however, the focus remains on traditional camping experiences.
Fedorov articulated the sentiment shared by many when he said, “Most people do not need beautiful bathrooms, perfect showers or hotel-level comfort. They would be happy with a legal place to put a tent, basic toilets, bins, water and clear fire safety rules.” He fears that as legal options diminish, more people will start camping in secluded areas beyond the reach of organised management.
Waiting for Change
As Cyprus navigates the balance between upgrading facilities and ensuring accessibility to nature, campers continue to wait. They are waiting for campsites to reopen, for clearer communication from authorities, and for a return to the simplicity that traditional camping offers. The future of camping in Cyprus remains uncertain, but the desire for a legal place to pitch a tent beneath the island’s skies persists.
