Liopetri, Cyprus. The upgrade of the Liopetri fishing shelter at Potamos Liopetriou has become a notable case in Cyprus, highlighting debate over development in scenic areas and delays in state project delivery.
Background and setting
Potamos Liopetriou, located down the road from the village of Liopetri, was already a tourist attraction before the renovation plans. The site is a small fjord and natural fishing shelter where fishermen parked their boats, while visitors were drawn to the tranquil water, makeshift jetties and the presence of turtles. Two restaurants, Potamos and Demetriou, operated at the location.
Approval, funding and timeline
A proposal to renovate the shelter was made in 2018, at a time when the Ayia Napa marina was being built further along the coast. The project was approved, and then-president Nicos Anastasiades laid the foundation stone in January 2023. The stated cost was €8 million, co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020, with 75 per cent of funding coming from EU sources. The work was due to be completed by November 2023.
Planned works and local concerns
According to Tassos Shialis of BirdLife Cyprus, the upgrade includes walkways, a bridge across the estuary, a bicycle path and a pedestrian path. It also includes a fishing education centre and a multi-purpose space, which Shialis said could be used for a range of events, including parties and wedding receptions, as a potential income source for local authorities. Shialis said development in such cases tends to arrive “in the form of concrete.”
What impact do you think the upgrade will have on the character of Potamos Liopetriou?