Simila Cyprus

DOG FRIENDLY PLACES TO VISIT IN CYPRUS

Ever wondered where to take your dog for a day out, or even, just a few hours outside the confines of your home or garden? Here in Cyprus, things are slowly progressing when it comes to pet friendly spots, but the few places that do wave the ‘Dog Friendly’ flag, often instil strict limitations on dog owners according to the size, age, breed or behaviour. But as the Cypriots say “Siga Siga” (slowly, slowly), and in the meantime, here are My Cyprus Insider’s seven favourite beacons of warm welcoming dog friendliness!

1. National Forest Park of Athalassa for Dogs, Nicosia
If your dog is a social creature who loves to romp around the great outdoors with his or her four-legged friends, then the National Forest Park of Athalassa for Dogs is a great option. Located in the lush green car-free Athalassa Park, the designated canine section of the park is perfect for long off-leash walks. However, there are no bins or water dispensers so bring your own poo bags and water bowls for post-walk refreshment.

dog and owner playing with ball toy or disc outdoors dog is waiting and ready to play

Where? Athalassa Park, Nicosia

2. Moondog’s Bar and Grill
With some of the tastiest burgers in Nicosia, it will come as a pleasant surprise that the aptly named Moondog’s Bar and Grill has a very friendly policy when it comes to dogs. Although it is advised that dog owners book in advance in order to ensure they are seated in a convenient spot outside the bar, the friendly staff at Moondog’s have been known to bring four-legged clientele their own bowl of water to sip on as they enjoy the cool surroundings. Moondog’s is also a sports bar, and rather sensibly, they don’t encourage guests to bring dogs on busy match nights.

Where? Mykinon 7, 1065 Nicosia. Tel: 70006300

3. Famagusta Gate Moat
With all the traffic, combined with cars thinking the pavement is their personal parking space, Nicosia is not the easiest city to find a spot to let your dog off the lead to run around and make friends with others. The central location of Famagusta Gate Moat makes this grassy little patch of urban green space a great place to let your dog stretch his or her legs safely. More of a large-ish lawn, than an actual park, Famagusta Gate Moat is popular amongst city dwellers with pet pooches, so you’re bound to find other dog walkers with animals for your pup to socialise with. Just remember to bring your dog waste disposal bags with you.

Famous historical building landmark of Famagusta Gate in the city of Nicosia in Cyprus. The gate is used to be the most important gate of the city within the Venetian wall that protected Nicosia.

Where? Famagusta Gate, the Old Town walls, Nicosia

4. Vouni Lodge, Vouni village, Limassol district
Comprising three charmingly quaint Cypriot village apartments, Vouni Lodge is a wonderful place to enjoy a quiet rural weekend with your furry friends. The downstairs apartment (where lovely owner Helen hosts guests with dogs) has a large courtyard and private garden which provides the perfect place for dogs to stretch their legs and have a good sniff of their new territory. And for two-legged guests, the apartment also has a gorgeous traditional-style master bedroom, a cosy sitting and dining area with a fireplace, a kitchenette and a shower room.

Where? Vouni village, Troodos mountain range. Tel: (+357) 96-746040; (+357) 99-685395

5. Spyros Beach, Larnaca
As an island with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, there are few good places that you can let your dog swim in the sea. Unfortunately those that do allow your precious pooches get their paws wet, are usually a little unpleasant, rocky and entrance into the sea is restricted. One of the few that are actually somewhat decent is Spyros Beach near Larnaca Airport. The water is clean and shallow and the beach is clean and pleasant enough for humans to enjoy as well.

Where? South of Larnaca airport

6. Natura Beach Hotel
As the name suggests, Natura Beach Hotel in a lovely quiet corner of Polis, is an eco-friendly, animal loving haven. Although dogs are unfortunately not allowed around the restaurant, pool or on the beach at the hotel, there are plenty of wild beaches in the vicinity as well as some stunning nature to explore with Fido in tow. The hotel has designated a set of downstairs rooms especially for pups, so they can be near the garden and away from irritable neighbours, but the owners do advice that you keep your pet on a leash at all times and tell them in advance if you are planning to bring the dog.

Where? Chr. Papanikopoulos Street, Polis. Tel: (+357) 26-323111

7. Linos Inn
Fancy a wonderful wintery weekend up in the Troodos Mountains with your favourite four-legged furry companion? The delightfully cosy Linos Inn, in the quaint little village of Kakopetria, has a handful of rooms that have been specifically designed and decorated with your dogs in mind. Slightly separate from the main part of the hotel and the fantastic restaurant, the dog-friendly rooms are more minimal than some of the more traditionally decked out rooms, with no rugs or carpets and large outdoor balconies and private courtyards. The village itself is great for a leisurely stroll, but to make sure your pup is well worn out, the surrounding mountains have plenty of hikes, trails and adventures for canines and their human friends.