Destinations

Deryneia

Deryneia is a municipal district of Paralimni-Deryneia Municipality. Originally it was called Yerinia but the people in their everyday use of the language changed it to Deryneia. History tells us that there is a strong possibility that settlers arriving from Yerinia to Cyprus after the Trojan War established a settlement, naming it after their mother city.
In the city there are three churches, which would be of interest to those who appreciate Byzantine art. The 15th century church of Panagia, a church dedicated to the Holy mother, Ayia Marina church which is built in the Buffer Zone and finally, just near the town centre, stands the church of Ayios Georgios, a small mediaeval church. In Deryneia there is also a Folk Art Museum a Theme Park about water and many more experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Deryneia also produces tasty strawberries, oranges, mandarins and much more.

Deryneia Water Theme Park

The Theme Park dedicated to water is located east of the Ayion Panton Church and the Second Primary School in Deryneia. It features a large amphitheater, a playground for children, a bar-cafe and an impressive exhibit on the methods of water extraction used in ancient times. Visitors can see the traditional well (lakkos) and the wooden wheel called “alakati”. They can also experience the method of water extraction using a zygos or “katia,” and “Archimedes’ Screw,” an ancient invention of the famous Greek scientist and researcher. Visitors will enjoy the sight of the traditional Famagusta Region windmill.

Everything you need to know about the Water Theme Park and all the exhibits

Strawberries

Deryneia holds the first place in strawberry cultivation and production in Cyprus. Deryneia also holds a Strawberry Festival in May that welcomes thousands of visitors from Cyprus and abroad. Visitors can enjoy fresh strawberries, strawberry juice, jam, liquor, ice cream, candies etc. The strawberry plantations in Deryneia are accessible for visitors that can see up close all the procedure of strawberry production, especially between January and May-June.

Outdoor Folk Art Museum of Traditional Crafts

The Open Air Traditional Folk Art Museum is located on No. 3 Dimitri Liberty Street opposite Deryneia Folklore Museum. It includes exhibition spaces / rooms dedicated to traditional professions such as “Furniture Maker”, “Carpenter”, “Shoe Maker”, “Tailor”, “Blacksmith”, “Builder”, “Barber”, “Sculptor”, “Fisherman”, “Farmer” etc. In the semi-outdoor areas, there are also exhibitions of traditional items. Civil marriages and cultural events are organised on the spot.
Museum Hours:
Summer: Monday – Saturday excluding holidays 9:00 to 13:00 & 15:00 to 18:00
Winter: Monday – Saturday excluding holidays 9:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00
Entrance Fee’s: € 2/Person – Groups € 1/Person

Folklore Museum

The Folk Art Museum Deryneia housed in an old traditional house in Dimitri Street Liperti 2 donated by Mr and Mrs Barnabas and Margaret Xatziliasi.The interior and exterior layout of the Folklore Museum and the exhibition of the various items of household equipment and farming tools have been designed in cooperation with the Cyprus Handicraft Service and reproduced as much true to the originals functionality in traditional Cypriot home as possible.The Folklore Museum houses, apart from the equipment of a traditional Cypriot house, also the agricultural tools a traditional farming family in the area used to apply. The operation of the Folklore Museum is a vivid matter owed to the presence of Mrs. Margaret and Mr. Barnabas Xatziliasi. Outside the museum is the built oven, which Ms. Margarita Xatziliasi often uses to bake breads and buns. Museum Hours: Summer: Monday – Saturday excluding holidays 9:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 Winter: Monday – Saturday excluding holidays 9:00 to 13:00 & 15:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission: € 2 / Person Groups € 1 / Person

Panagias Church

The old church of Panagia, a building of architectural interest, is located approximately in the center of Deryneia. It originally was of a small size with a Byzantine dome. It was built in the late 15th or early 16th century. As it could not serve the purposes of a growing community it had to be extended to the west and south with two new rooms for service. On a plaque on the wall it is stated that the work was completed in January 1727. It comprises icons dating back to the 18th century and presumably older.

Ayios Georgios Church

In the Central Square of Deryneia another very old chapel can be found. It is dedicated to Ayios Georgios (Saint George) and was built in the late 15th or early 16th century. It is a Byzantine style church with a dome. The altar is separated from the main church by a beautiful carved gilded iconostasis built in the 16th century. There also is a large mural painting under the arch in the north wall near the iconostasis, showing Ayios Georgios on a horseback, framed with small icons from his martyrdom. The western part of the church is an extension, of which is not known when it was built.

Farmers Market

Deryneia Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. & is housed in the area next to ‘Anagennisis’ Deryneia Stadium. Farmers offer directly to consumers fresh and high quality Cypriot products.

Amphitheater

The Municipal Amphitheatre is located on Heroon street, next to the Municipal Park / Playground and tha Water Themed Park. It has a capacity of 800 seats. It has all the necessary infrastructure required and in the summer hosts many cultural, artistic and theatrical performances.

Skate Park

Deryneia hosts a park dedicated to Alternative Activities, which is located on Zomenis Street. This park among others, has a state-of-the-art skateboard rink and a playground – an outdoor gym. The park provides healthy engagement for children and young people from both Deryneia and the surrounding area.