Camping in Cyprus offers a different way to experience the island, away from hotels and busy resorts. In the mountains, campsites around Troodos and Platres give visitors cooler temperatures, forest scenery and easy access to hiking trails. Along the coast, areas such as Polis, Latchi and Governor’s Beach are more about the sea, with beaches, swimming spots and taverns nearby.

The island’s organised campsites are not many, and facilities can differ from one place to another. Some operate seasonally or depend on local authority management, so it is always worth checking before travelling. Still, for those who want a simple outdoor break, Cyprus has a useful mix of mountain and seaside options.

Where to Camp in Cyprus

Cyprus has only a small number of organised campsites, but they cover very different parts of the island. Some are set high in the Troodos mountains, close to forest trails and cooler summer temperatures, while others are by the coast, within easy reach of beaches, swimming spots and taverns.

The main options are Troodos Camping Site, Platania, Kambi tou Kalogyrou near the Platres–Prodromos road, Stavros tis Psokas in Paphos Forest, Governor’s Beach/Kalymnos near Limassol, and the Polis/Latchi area. Facilities vary from basic Forestry Department sites with drinking water, toilets, tables and barbecue areas to larger coastal campsites with more services. Visitors should always check opening dates and availability before travelling, as some sites operate seasonally or may be affected by renovation and local authority management changes.

Troodos Camping Site

For many campers, Troodos is the first place that comes to mind. Set in the mountains near Troodos Square, the campsite is a practical choice for those who want cooler temperatures, forest surroundings and quick access to some of the island’s best-known nature trails.

The site is fairly simple, with basic facilities such as toilets, showers, drinking water, cooking areas and picnic tables. Its main advantage is the location. Campers can use it as a base for walks in the Troodos National Forest Park, visits to nearby villages, or short trips to viewpoints, waterfalls and picnic areas.

It is best suited to visitors who want a quiet mountain stay rather than a fully serviced holiday park. As with most campsites in Cyprus, opening periods and facilities should be checked in advance, especially outside the main summer season.

Kambi tou Kalogyrou

Kambi tou Kalogyrou is another mountain option, located on the Platres–Prodromos road and surrounded by forest. It is a good choice for campers who want to stay close to the Platres area, with easy access to walking routes, waterfalls and traditional mountain villages.

Facilities are basic but practical, including toilets, showers, drinking water, cooking areas and space for tents or caravans. The setting is quieter and more nature-focused than the coast, making it better suited to visitors who are comfortable with a simple campsite and want to spend most of their time outdoors. Its location is the main draw. Platres, Trooditissa and Prodromos are nearby, while popular nature trails in the wider area make it a useful base for hiking and short mountain drives.

Platania Camping Site

Platania is one of the best-known forest campsites in Cyprus, located in the Troodos area near Kakopetria. It offers a more traditional mountain camping experience, with pine trees, picnic areas and access to nearby nature trails.

The campsite has basic facilities such as toilets, showers, drinking water, cooking areas and space for tents. It is a practical option for visitors who want to stay in the mountains without being too far from villages, restaurants and other services.

The area is especially useful for those planning walks in the Troodos forest or short drives to nearby villages. It is less about comfort and more about location, shade and easy access to the countryside.

Stavros tis Psokas

Stavros tis Psokas is one of the most remote camping options in Cyprus, set inside Paphos Forest. It is best suited to visitors who want a quieter, more nature-focused stay, away from the busier mountain villages and coastal areas.

Facilities are simple, with the usual basic campsite services such as toilets, drinking water, cooking areas and space for tents. The main attraction is the setting. The area is surrounded by forest and is close to nature trails, picnic spots and the mouflon enclosure, where visitors may see Cyprus’ protected wild sheep.

Because of its location, Stavros tis Psokas needs a little more planning than other campsites. It is better for campers who are comfortable with a more isolated stay and who bring what they need with them, rather than relying on nearby shops or restaurants.

Governor’s Beach / Kalymnos

Governor’s Beach is one of the easiest coastal camping options in Cyprus, located between Limassol and Larnaca and close to the motorway. It is a practical choice for campers who want to stay near the sea without being far from restaurants, cafés and main road access.

The Kalymnos camping site offers more services than the simpler forest campsites, with facilities usually including toilets, showers, cooking areas, a restaurant and other basic conveniences during the main season. The nearby beach is known for its calm waters, dark sand and white rocks, making it suitable for swimming and relaxed weekend stays.

This is not the most isolated or wild camping experience on the island, but that is also part of its appeal. It works well for families, short breaks and visitors who want a straightforward seaside campsite with easy access to Limassol and the surrounding coast.

Polis / Latchi

The Polis Chrysochous campsite is one of the island’s best-known seaside camping spots. It is located on the beach, among eucalyptus trees, about 500 metres from Polis town centre, making it a practical option for visitors who want the sea nearby without being far from shops, cafés and restaurants.

The site has capacity for around 200 tents and offers basic facilities including toilets, showers and washing areas for dishes. A snack bar operates on the beach, while a mini market is available during the summer months. According to the municipality, the campsite is open from March until the end of October, and possibly longer depending on the weather.

Its location is the main advantage. Campers are close to Polis, Latchi harbour, the Baths of Aphrodite and the Akamas area, making it a strong base for swimming, boat trips and nature walks.

What to Check Before You Go

Camping in Cyprus is fairly straightforward, but it is worth checking a few things before travelling. Not all campsites operate throughout the year, and some facilities may only be available during the main season. Opening dates, prices and services can also change depending on the site and the authority or operator responsible for it.

Visitors should confirm whether the campsite is open, whether booking is required, and what facilities are available, especially for showers, toilets, electricity, cooking areas and access for caravans. In the mountains, nights can be cooler than expected, even in summer, while coastal campsites can be hot and exposed during the day.

Fire safety is also important, particularly in forest areas. Campers should only use designated barbecue or cooking areas and follow any Forestry Department instructions, especially during the summer months when the risk of fire is high.

Cyprus may not have a large camping network, but the options that do exist cover much of what makes the island appealing: mountain forests, cooler summer nights, hiking trails, beaches and easy access to the sea. Troodos, Platania, Kambi tou Kalogyrou and Stavros tis Psokas are better suited to those looking for nature and quiet, while Polis/Latchi and Governor’s Beach offer a more coastal, practical camping experience.

The best choice depends on the kind of break you want. For walking and shade, the mountains are the stronger option. For swimming, taverns and a simpler seaside stay, the coast is the obvious choice. In either case, checking the site’s opening period and facilities before travelling is the most important step.

Naomi Osaka #