Cyprus has reduced planned visitor infrastructure in Akamas National Forest Park, cutting the number of recreation and visitor hubs from 14 to eight.
The revised plan focuses on managing visitor access while limiting environmental and visual impacts in one of the island’s most sensitive natural areas. Six locations are covered by the latest competition: Aspros Potamos, Avakas, South Lara Bay, Aphrodite’s Baths, Smigies and Fontana Amorosa.
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EU-Backed Project Has €3 Million Construction Budget
The Department of Forests has launched an open tender for consultancy services covering the visitor management infrastructure system, with submissions due Sept. 25, 2026.
Consultancy services are valued at €180,000 excluding VAT, while construction is estimated at €3 million and will be co-financed by the EU through the Thaleia 2021-2027 program. Work will include designs, technical specifications, tender documents and construction supervision.
The 160-week assignment will require architects, engineers, surveyors, quantity surveyors and landscape architects.
Infrastructure Designed To Limit Environmental Impact
Visitor facilities will organize access, improve safety and reduce pressure on the environment rather than expand development. Designs must use the minimum necessary number, scale and footprint while blending into the surrounding landscape.
Prefabricated, modular and, where possible, reversible structures will be preferred. Shuttle bus stops and bicycle parking will also encourage alternatives to private vehicles.
Facilities Vary By Location
Aspros Potamos will receive the most extensive upgrades, including new parking, toilets, an information point, bicycle parking for 20 bikes, a refreshment point and souvenir shop, shaded areas, shelters, a viewpoint and office facilities.
At Avakas, planned additions include a shaded area, benches, space for a mobile canteen and parking for 10 bicycles. Existing toilets, parking and information signs will remain.
Aphrodite’s Baths will see an assessment of its existing parking area, while the nearby café-restaurant will not be affected. The site also provides access to Aphrodite’s Baths, Blue Lagoon and Fontana Amorosa.
At South Lara Bay, facilities will include toilets, an information point, bicycle parking, a refreshment point and souvenir shop, a viewpoint and weather shelters. Smigies will receive upgrades to existing parking and its shuttle stop, alongside an information point and bicycle parking.
Fontana Amorosa will have the lightest intervention, with parking for up to five vehicles, a shuttle stop, information point, bicycle parking and a rain shelter.
Akamas Development Shifts Toward Controlled Access
The revised plan replaces a larger infrastructure network with more limited facilities designed around controlled access and environmental protection. Its aim is to improve visitor management without adding unnecessary pressure to the park’s fragile ecosystem.
For broader coverage, see Akamas coverage and the Department of Forests.
