Well-known for its stunning Blue Flag beaches and cultural experiences, the idyllic Mediterranean island of Cyprus is home to an unusually diverse spread of wild and wonderful nature-themed family festivals running all through the summer – and they’re readymade for wanderlust travellers from the GCC.
“Cyprus boasts a wealth of unique fauna, flora and agricultural practises that shape the island’s distinct cuisine. From fresh fruit and vegetables, to halloumi and fish, visitors to Cyprus are hard pressed to find a restaurant that won’t tickle their taste buds,” said Christos Demetriou, Regional Office Director – GCC & Middle East, Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Cyprus, which is responsible for organising and promoting tourism within the Republic of Cyprus.
“To celebrate these ingredients and how they influence iconic final dishes in Cyprus’ world-famous cuisine, our wonderful spread of summer festivals pay homage to nature and all that it provides.”
Here are the top 10 wild and wonderful nature-themed summer festivals:
Flower Festival:
Held in May, the Flower Festival takes place across Limassol, Larnaka and Pafos. Visitors can expect huge and colourful flower shows and parades through markets and districts – they’re great for green-fingered members of the family.
Rose Festival:
May’s Rose Festival in Limassol’s Agros Village includes guided rose-picking tours in the early morning hours – the best way to experience the beautiful Cyprus sunrise. Visitors can also learn about the production of rose water and other petal-based products.
Lavender Festival:
Held in July, the Lavender Festival unfolds in the beautifully quaint village of Platres, up in mountains above Limassol. Visitors can learn the scientific ins and outs of lavender and pick-up an array of lavender products from specialist vendors.
Pancyprian Cultural Watermelon Festival:
July’s Pancyprian Cultural Watermelon Festival is held in Frenaros Village in the Famagusta District. Aside from a dedicated celebration of all-things watermelon, there are singing, dancing, and cultural events for all ages, including specific events for children.
Pancyprian Potato Festival:
Potato lovers unite every July for the Pancyprian Potato Festival in Aygorou village. With culinary uses of the potato – including alternative cooking methods – a key focus, the festival also introduces guests to innovative products where potato is the main ingredient, such as face masks and soaps.
Hazel Festival:
Held in August, the Hazel Festival in the charming village of Platanistasa in the footfalls of the Troodos Mountains features exciting tours of the surrounding hazel tree forest, along with music, dancing and dinner in the beautiful village square.
Pastry and Baking Goods Festival:
A celebration of the long history of mills in the nearby area, the village of Galata is home to September’s Pastry and Baking Goods Festival. Highlights include sumptuous snacks, a site-seeing tour of the village and a traditional cultural programme of events.
Orange Festival:
Held in September in the village of Miliou, part of the district of Pafos, the Orange Festival sees specialist venders fill the village with kiosks selling food and drinks inspired by the natural, locally-produced oranges – all while traditional music fills the air.
Pomegranate Festival:
September’s Pomegranate Festival in the Larnakan village of Ormideia is a celebration of traditional pomegranate food products including jams and juices. The festival also features live performances by local popular musicians and dancers.
Pastelli Festival:
Marking its 31st season this year, the Pastelli Festival in the village of Anogyra has become an institution in Cyprus. Traditional pastelli (carob pods of the pea family) food offerings are the focus of activities and tastings, with live local music from Cypriot bands providing a truly local soundtrack.
Palouze Festival:
Held in Limassol’s Arsos and Lofou villages, the Palouze Festival takes visitors on cultural tours to an array of locations including traditional houses, the Folk-Art Museum and numerous historical churches. There are also ample opportunities to sample palouze – a pudding made with either fresh grape juice or concentrated grape juice – throughout the festival.
Travellers from across the GCC can reach Cyprus in three-four hours, with direct flights operated by Emirates, Gulf Air and Qatar Airways.