Who needs to go all the way to Troodos when you’re In Need of Green? Last weekend we found a little oasis of green near our home by the coast. In fact, I’ve driven past it loads of times without knowing it was there. It’s called Eleouthkia Park, Cyprus’s first botanical garden. And it isn’t just full of greenery, it has a splash pool, play area and restaurant too.

 
Eleouthkia Park can be found just off the Paphos airport/Anarita junction on the A6 motorway. If you are coming from the direction of Limassol, the turning into the park is just off the slip road. I can’t believe I’ve never noticed it before! The park is free – or was the day we went. It holds various events that are open to everyone and perhaps you have to pay on those days.

Eleouthkia Park is no Kew Gardens. But neither is it trying to be. It’s a small botanic garden that is perfect for days when you just need to get out for an hour or two. We went on the last weekend of the summer holidays so we didn’t fancy an all-day trip out. We wanted to get Goobie back into his term-time routine of 5.30pm dinner and 7pm bedtime. We got to the park in the afternoon and had a late lunch on the restaurant veranda, in the shade of a beautiful tree.

While Matt and I enjoyed a beer and Ouzo, we watched Goobie play on the swings in one of the play areas next to the restaurant.

We then set off to explore the park. Surrounding the restaurant are ten thematic gardens, including the Tropical Garden, Conifer Garden, European Garden, Japanese Garden, Cactus Garden and Rose Garden. Little pathways snake through the gardens, which Goobie LOVED running around. Seriously, he adored this place. Some of the gardens had flowered archways, one had a bridge, and there were benches dotted around so you could sit in the shade.

My favourite garden in Eleouthkia Park was the Tropical Garden. With its huge palms and banana-leaf trees (NOT the scientific name, but it’s what I call them), it offered a tiny snapshot of the magnificent Singapore Botanical Gardens.

There is also the traditional farmhouse area that has an old mill, wine press, distillery and oven. When the park has a confirmed group booking, it will put on displays showing how these things were used. In the restaurant area there is also a museum.

After Goobie had run himself into a sweaty mess, we hit the pool. He was so desperate to get in, he didn’t wait to get changed and threw himself in fully-clothed. The pool is for children under 12, though it was a bit ambiguous about whether adults can go in. We decided they could if they were supervising the children. We went in – but then, we were the only ones there. The pool is shallow, though the deep end was just out of Goobie’s depth. There are tables and chairs and a lawn with actual grass next to the pool.

Across the lawn, beneath the shade of a greenhouse, is a toddlers’ play area and various other games. The Eleouthkia Park website suggested bikes etc are also available. We didn’t see them but perhaps they come out when it’s busier.

While Matt kept an eye on Goobie, I popped into the nursery next door. It’s massive and the cheapest nursery I’ve visited. I have a 3ft banana-leaf plant that I bought for €25 in Limassol. At the Eleouthkia Nursery they were selling 7ft ones for €20! I bought one of those and a large Plumeria (for only €15!) to remind me of Hawaii.

We enjoyed our couple of hours at Eleouthkia Park. It’s a great place for young children to run around in, while still feeling peaceful. It’s contained, so it felt safe, and it’s small so no one will get lost. And of course, there’s the pool to cool down in. Perfect for afternoons after school where the children can play and the parents can sit down for a chat. We’ll definitely be going back.