Deryneia is a town of Cyprus, 5 kilometers north of Paralimni, 15 kilometers northwest of Protaras and about 12 kilometers north of Ayia Napa. The area is one of the oldest settlements on Megalonisos’ eastern shore, has been a municipality since 1994 and is largely located in Turkish-occupied territory. Since Turkish control began in 1974, 75% of the region — almost all of the fertile land and the coastline zone — has been cut off from the once-brilliant Famagusta, which is now a deserted ghost town.
The Deryneia roadblock is located on Famagusta Avenue, the primary route that up until 1974, connected the “kokkinochoria” with Famagusta. With the barbed wire dividing the free from the occupied zone on the island, the roadblock is practically the last remaining Greek Cypriot land. There is an observatory where visitors may overlook the occupied Famagusta with its numerous big abandoned buildings located 5 kilometers away.
One version says that Greek settlers arrived in the region following the Trojan War from the ancient city of Gerenia, which served as Nestor’s kingdom and was located close to Pylos in the Peloponnese. Another explanation is that the name derives from either England or France who once set up camp near the "Mountain" region.
Apart from the famous roadblock, Deryneia has several monuments, attractions, churches and museums like for instance, the Deryneia Folklore Museum. Opposite is the Deryneia Folk Art Museum of Traditional Professions, a space designed in such a way that each room of the museum depicts a traditional profession, such as that of the farmer, the stonecutter, the fisherman and others. The Deryneia Theme Park is located on Iroon Street and was created in 2002. It is a park that features a children’s playground, a sundial, an area where Cypriot birds are on display, a small cafe, and traditional water pumping methods are shown. There is also Deryneia’s outdoor amphitheater, which hosts a variety of cultural events every summer.
Deryneia has currently 5,161 residents (World Population Review) who are mostly engaged in trade, manufacturing, handicrafts, while many are engaged in tourism in nearby Ayia Napa and Protaras. The farmers work in the cultivation of strawberries, which holds the first place in production and covers 60% of the whole of Cyprus. Beginning of the 1950s, the first commercial strawberry plantations were established in the village. The Cypriot Strawberry Festival is held in Deryneia every two years, right before the summer, and attracts lots of locals and tourists from far. Taverns with local delicacies and traditional cafes are to be found here, bringing out the cultural character of the village and are suitable for having a good time.
In Deryneia real estate buyers can find quality, comfortable and modern homes ranging from apartments, to houses, villas and bungalows. The village offers good services, facilities and the new housing plan provided to low-income families, refugees, and young couples are thought of to be great reasons to consider Deryneia as your home. The proximity of the Famagusta General Hospital, the Fire Service, and the functioning of the renovated Police Station, as well as the fact that Deryneia is only a short drive from Ayia Napa and Larnaca highway, all contribute to the permanent habitation of the area.
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