CyHerbia Botanical Park and Labyrinth
As I travel around Cyprus, I’m amazed at how many people still don’t know this place exists … it’s situated in the village of Avgorou, and includes beautifully landscaped botanical and herb gardens, the woodland area has been created in the shape of Cyprus, scattered with the endemic trees and shrubs of Cyprus, a Lavender Labyrinth, and it boasts the first and only hedge maze on the island, all 2000 square metres of it!
Busy Busy
I recently popped in to catch up with the wonderful Miranda who launched this fabulous botanical gardens 20 years ago, it’s grown so much since then, excuse the pun, and these days they’re usually really busy. In fact, every time I go there’s something different to see, depending on the season, and as usual, Miranda gave me a personal walk-around guide to bring me up to date and I just have to say, most of the features and attractions here were created by her very own hands, this lady is truly extraordinary!
Mediterranean Herbs
Miranda told me; “at CyHerbia we organically grow and gather all kinds of Quintessential Aromatic Herbs and Mediterranean herbs including indigenous herbs from The Troodos Mountains. We also make the most delicious teas, which not only taste great but help you stay healthy too, as well as helping to build your immune system and address possible health problems”.
Essential
Naturally, they also still distil their own essential oils and make cosmetics, fragrant soaps, and other herbal products. The herb gardens, maze, and woodland are all open to the public … oh, and btw, there’s always some lovely surprises happening here.
Handy Guide
I highly recommend you take a quest around the 9 themed areas of the park with your children and discover some of nature’s secrets. There’s a handy guide, to help you around the park, that explains which herbs are grown here and used in the production of their herbal remedies.
Botanicus Bistro
Nestled neatly in the centre of the park is their wonderful new Bistro. Here you can log onto their free Wifi, and savor their refreshing selection of healthy meals, herbal teas, and tinctures, while you relax in the breezy shade, overlooking the gardens. Through the bistro is the new Lavender Shop selling an extensive selection of Lavender products, herbs, and many other herbal products such as creams, salves, and tinctures all made by hand on-site. Feel free to browse the selections and their fully trained staff welcome any questions you may have, they’ll help you find the natural products you’re looking for which btw all make lovely souvenirs but lovelier gifts for your friends and family.
Healthy Options
Leading the way, Miranda and the crew have a delightful Menu of healthy vegetarian lunches and vegan options available on the Bistro’s menu, and just wait til you try the homemade cakes, delightful with a cup of tea or mug of coffee.
Boho Picnics
A favourite with many groups, parties, and corporate events is the Boho Picnic in the woodlands, under the trees, sheltered by silky canopies and curtains flowing in the breeze … It’s a luxury experience of savoury and sweet bites served with Champaign or tea.
Distillation Room
Here you can witness the process of essential oil distillation as the plant essences are extracted in the distillation room. You will be enchanted by the wonderful aromas released during the distillation process from a variety of aromatic plants extracted from their grounds at different times throughout the year.
The Maze
You really must try to find your way to the middle of the Maze, and if you’re lucky you’ll discover the Minotaur too, then all you have to do is find your way back out … it’s the only hedge maze in Cyprus. Oh, and there’s a Look Out Post, part the way around, where you’ll find an elevated view of the maze, if you can find your way to the observation tower, maybe it will help you or your friends in your quest. I, fortunately, had Miranda as my guide, and don’t worry it’s easy 😉
Challenge
For an added challenge Miranda has hidden 7 Birds within the Maze and challenges you to find them as well as your way out … and if you do you might be in for a nice surprise!
Lavender Labyrinth
Find out the difference between a Maze and a Labyrinth … Try one of their meditation walks, using the special meditation guide available in their shop btw it’s a fantastic location for taking photos, so don’t forget your camera, here’s my recent Live Video …
Butterflies
I’ll let you into a little secret; Miranda, the founder of CyHerbia has a passion for Butterflies and breeds them on the Fennel plants as a hobby, her knowledge is extensive and she is always happy to share and if you’re lucky you’ll catch them hatching in the summer months and watching the kids faces as they help release them is just magical.
Sanctuary Woodland
Miranda continued “One of our favourites is the leisurely stroll around the island of Cyprus in our Sanctuary Woodland, designed using the Cypress trees to create the outline of Cyprus. As nature follows nature we’re privileged to have many species of birds taking refuge in our trees and shrubs, and they’re nesting in many places. The trees and shrubs are indigenous to Cyprus and have been used for centuries in various traditional food products, furniture, and other household uses”.
Fairy Tales
Another of my fav parts of the Gardens is the woodland area, where you’ll find the Fairy Village … it’s truly a wonderland of fantasy for the kids and they’ll discover the world of all the little folk and see how they live.
Events
Throughout the year Miranda and the awesome crew hold many events and workshops … My favourites are the ever happening food festivals, and the Lavender Festival and Pressing and The Fairy Festival but to be honest, their Halloween Festival is the biggest in Cyprus and definitely not to be missed. I just love the way they have actors joining in with the games… The Pumpkin Carving is a sell-out every year and this year Miranda brought in 2,500 … wow!
Workshops
We talked about how their workshops have become increasingly popular, especially Candle Making, Soap Making, Cosmetics, Tea Blending, Wreath Making at Christmas and Corporate Team Building … I gave her a couple of ideas … you’ll love them!
Gin Time
Following fashion Miranda and the crew also distils a wonderful botanical ‘Black Smokers’ Gin using only produce from Cyprus and invites you to the tasting, in fact in November you can join them to watch the fusion, learning how to make botanical flavoured gin.
On-Line
A visit to CyHerbia’s Web Site will link you to their On-Line Shop where you can order all of their products from their Web Shop with delivery by courier service all over Cyprus and by Post for international delivery … oh, and there’s always a few Special Offers happening. … Check out their Youtube Videos here
Discounts
I love a special offer, so if you mention What’s On Cyprus you’ll get 10% Off all your purchases …
Open long summer season
Summer: 1st May to 31st October
9 am ’til 7 pm
Winter: 1st November to 30th April
9 am ’til 5 pm
Closed: January & February
Entrance
Adults € 5
Children € 3
Kids Under 5’s free
Tickets include a free cup of herbal tea !
All areas are wheelchair accessible
Directions to the park
From Nicosia, Larnaca and West
Take highway to Ayia Napa-Paralimni, take exit 63 Ormidia / Avgorou by the overhead bridge. Pass Ormidia stadium into the village going right towards the centre. At T-junction where the cafes are, turn right, then left, follow signs Avgorou. Pass water reservoirs, another 5 km when you reach Avgorou you’ll see a large green sign for CyHerbia, from there just follow the arrows.
From the Paralimni—Ayia Napa
Head for the village of Frenaros, taking the road to Liopetri. Just outside of Frenaros take the right turn to Avgorou. Head into the village keeping the cemetery on your left, turn left at the main street junction. Follow this road through the centre of the village towards Ormidia. As you leave Avgorou, look out for a big green sign pointing left, then next right and you’ll find them.
It’s a back to nature experience !
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