Freediving in Cyprus

Explore the Depths of Tranquility: Freediving in Cyprus

Welcome to the breathtaking island of Cyprus, where azure waters beckon the adventurous spirit to discover the art of freediving. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the wonders beneath the surface.

Freediving, the practice of diving underwater on a single breath, is a mesmerizing way to connect with the ocean and unlock a sense of inner peace and harmony. Cyprus, with its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes, provides the perfect playground for freedivers of all levels.

Whether you are a seasoned freediver looking for new challenges or a beginner eager to learn the basics, Cyprus has something to offer everyone. From shallow coastal reefs teeming with colorful fish to deep blue abysses where you can test your limits, the island’s underwater world is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

One of the most popular freediving destinations in Cyprus is the stunning Cape Greco National Forest Park, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea, creating a paradise for underwater adventurers. Here, you can glide through underwater caves, swim alongside curious sea turtles, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the ocean.

For those seeking a more structured introduction to freediving, Cyprus boasts a number of professional schools and instructors who can guide you through the fundamentals of breath-hold diving in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you are looking to improve your technique, increase your breath-hold capacity, or simply experience the thrill of diving beneath the waves, the expert instructors in Cyprus are here to help you achieve your goals.

So, pack your wetsuit, grab your mask and fins, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the depths of tranquility. Whether you are drawn to the serene beauty of the underwater world or the exhilarating challenge of pushing your limits, freediving in Cyprus promises an experience like no other.

Come dive into the magic of Cyprus – where every breath is a moment of freedom, and every dive is a step towards discovering the true essence of the sea.

Mikri Salamina Sculpture Park – Yiapanis Art Studio

Set among the hills of a typical Cypriot village Fasoula, surrounded by almond and olive trees, this beautifully landscaped Park is a continuous creation of a passionate artist, Philippos Yiapanis. Here, the natural beauty blends with exceptional works of art, the ancient meets the modern, creating balance and harmony.

The Mikri Salamina is an open-air gallery of bronze and marble sculptures, reflecting the life journey of the artist. On the area of 5500 square meters, set on multiple levels, there are around 140 sculptures on permanent exhibition. You can discover them while wandering through stone-cobbled, curvy pathways, elevated terraces and quiet corners. Here, everything you will see is a result of the artist’s vision, hard work, and his attempt to leave something significant behind.  In his art one can find curved shapes, erotic and fertility motives, silhouettes of birds, snails and fishes. Many sculptures present scenes and figures from Greek mythology.

The different sites in the Park were created steadily, over the years: starting with the showroom and workshop, moving to the Amphitheatre, the Gymnasium and now continuing with creating The Waves. First events in the Park were organized by Famagusta Municipality; then, charity events followed to gather money for people in need. The dream of the artist is to now build a big-scale museum, with more space to exhibit his work, host various events and guest exhibitions.

Region: Lemesos
Address: Ag. Paraskevis 1, Fasoulla, Cyprus
Contact No: Tel: +357 99681177/ 99516803, email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: For a visit please call in advance
Operating Period: All year round
Entrance Fee: FREE
Website: https://yiapanis-sculptor.com/
Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.

The Structures (Masks)

The Structures is a series of concrete structures that were submerged at Dasoudi Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2016 to further enrich the artificial reef created in 2014 with the sinking of the two wrecks Costandis and Lady Thetis.
The 11, large artificial structures provide marine life with a ‘playground’, and divers with an interesting experience that complements the two wrecks the structures sit directly between. Beginners can even use the structures to home their skills, including swimming through the large tube blocks.

Alongside the high boulders, tube blocks, trapezes and large clusters of amphorae that were originally submerged in 2016, two huge, white carnival masks were added in 2022.

The masks represent Lemesos’ historical carnival tradition and are made of C50 concrete; each weighing around 12 tonnes and measuring 3.20 x 2.50 metres.

It is no surprise that marine life readily favours the site, evidenced by the abundance of different species. Highlights include the ‘branches’ of squid eggs clinging to the ropes during squid breeding season, turtles, and the schools of bait fish followed in pursuit by schools of predator species. Other species that populate the site are bream, grouper, damselfish, lionfish, moray eels, parrotfish, tube worms and amberjacks that pass through seasonally.

Dive Specs
Location:Dasoudi, Lemesos
GPS Coordinates: 34° 40’50.34″N 33° 5’4.74″E
Type of Dive Site: Artificial Reef
Depth: 22 metres
Visibility: 15+ metres
Access: By boat
Qualification Required: Open Water / Boat Diver
Dive Category:Recreational

 

To view The Structures (Masks) diving route click here

To view the masks click here

Art Gallery “PSI Foundation”

The non-profit PSI Foundation is being established in Limassol with the mission to support and cultivate the thriving artistic landscape of Cyprus. Central to its vision is the promotion of contemporary art in dialogue with technology. Through curated exhibitions,
collaborative projects, and creative sessions, the Foundation strives to challenge perceptions about the convergence of art and technology and inspire audiences to explore new realms of possibility. As part of its dedication to showcasing the rich tapestry
of Cypriot art, the Foundation proudly supported the Cyprus National Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale and hosted a networking event in partnership with European Media Art Platform and NeMe Art.

Another mission of the Foundation consists it preserving the historic Carob Warehouse of Limassol and envisage its future use. By presenting four architectural projects of potential transformation of the building into a significant cultural hub for the city the PSI Foundation opens dialogue to foster a collective vision about the future of this iconic city landmark in the cultural landscape of Cyprus.

Region: Lemesos
Address: Old Carob Warehouse Tsiflikoudia,  27 Synergatismou Str., 3010 Lemesos
Contact No: Tel.: +357 94206627, e-mail: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Opening hours: Thu – Fri 17:00-22:00 and Sat 11:00-22:00 / Working day: Thursday 17:00-22:00
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on public holidays
Entrance Fee: FREE
Website: https://psi.art/