There are several noteworthy and interesting places to visit in
the region of Peyia. Much effort has been made not only to
protect the area which is a World Heritage Site, but also to creatively develop the environment..
Parks
In Pegeia there is a Bird Park. The Bird
Park can also be classified as a small zoo, as it not only
houses birds but is also home to other animals such as gazelles,
camels and iguanas, among others. There is also an amphitheatre
that can hold 350 people, where seminars are held, documentaries
are screened and parrot shows are held. The park attracts
attention from locals and foreigners as it is the only park of
its kind in Cyprus.
Another attraction in the area is Peyia's Municipal park. This
Park has a shop, cafeteria, gallery, storerooms and hygiene
areas. The pavements, man-made lakes, children’s play area, wine
cellar and greenhouse for vegetables complete the Municipal
Park.
The Botanical Gardens cultivate produce that is traditional
in the area – olive groves, vineyards, bananas and herbs (such
as basil, cloves, aniseed, bay leaves, mint, coriander, oregano,
mountain tea, camomile).
The shop sells products cultivated on site, as well as
others which are difficult to produce there (honey, fruit
preserves, olive oil, wine, Cypriot cheeses such as haloumi and
mizithra, traditional food and sweets etc). Of course, attention
is paid to the quality and authenticity of these products,
in order to ensure they adhere to the local traditional values.
Income from visitors is ploughed back into further improving the
region.
Picnic area of Pikni
Visiting the picnic area in the forest of Pikni, with its
breath-taking sweeping views of the coast, is an unforgetable
experience. This picnic area was created in
2005, by the National Forestry Department. Among other things,
it has barbecues for grilling meats in the traditional style,
wooden tables and benches, a playground, toilets and car park.
Visitors can enjoy a meal in the shade of the pine trees,
surrounded by the lush vegetation of the forest with native
trees, including juniper, terebinths, and many other.
European footpath E4
Peyia is now part of the programme for the development of
sighteeing tourism. The European footpath E4
cuts across, among other regions, the Pikni forest and the
well-known Avakas Gorge. Informative placards have been placed
in the Avakas Gorge, to provide information about the various
plants, trees and shrubs. Sightseers can therefore stroll along
the footpath, observe the area's diverse vegetation and immerse
themselves in the sweet sound of the birdsong.
Akamas Peninsula
Peyia is located near the Akamas peninsula. Akamas is a
unique region with a noteworthy range of vegetation, wildlife
and geology sights, and with beautiful seashores. Several
sightseers visit Akamas solely to see the two rare and protected
types of turtle; the Green Turtle and the Caretta Caretta
Turtle, which are born and reproduce on the Akamas beaches.