RAF Akrotiri is an active hub within British Forces Cyprus, this page provides an overview of activities and facilities that can be found on the Station. In the surrounding areas there are many other amenities and shops, more information about these and things to do in Cyprus, can be found in the HIVE.
Alongside the Contractor businesses below, there a several private businesses run by family members across the Station, such as hair and beauty services, special occasion cakes, dog walkers/pet sitters, babysitters/childminders etc. A list of businesses can be found on the Residents page (Facebook), which you will have access to once you move to Cyprus.
Further improvements to leisure facilities are coming in the near future, see this article for further details.
The following detail is factual and based on services provided by the Station, or closest to the Station. The inclusion of details relating to any product or service does not indicate MOD endorsement.
Food & Drink | Amenities | Shopping | Sports Amenities | Clubs | Extra Curricular Activities | Map
Food & Drink
Mom’s Place
A small, cosy welcoming bar.
Selling a variety of drinks and offering entertainment such as line dancing, karaoke and quiz nights, three nights a week.
Opening times:
Tue – Sat 18:00 – 23:00
The Coffee Pot & Treetops
Fully air conned cafe providing hot and cold drinks, breakfasts, lunches, homemade sweet and savoury snacks as well as homemade cakes and traybakes which can be pre-ordered. There is also a softplay area.
Opening times:
Mon -Fri: 08:00-17:00
Sat – Sun: 08:00 – 13:00
CESSAC Lady Lampson’s Cafe & Shop
Operated by CESSAC, Lady L’s provides freshly prepared meals, breakfasts, homemade sweet and savoury snacks and hot and cold drinks. Additionally the shop sells a range of products from newspapers, books and magazines to toys, gifts and stationery.
Opening times:
Mon – Sat: 09:00 – 14:00
Subway
Sodexo Cyprus operate a Subway franchise at RAF Akrotiri, providing a familiar experience with a Cyprus twist to the menu.
Opening times:
Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 21:00
Chelona
Operated by Sodexo, formerly known as ‘The Watering Hole’ is currently being refurbished.
The new venue will feature a new food menu, Costa Cofffee and a childrens play area.
Updates will be posted on their Facebook page.
Chelona Beach Club
Located at the Snug beach, Chelona has views out to see over the Limassol coastline.
Open April – October, offering hot & cold food, beverages, with air-con indoor seating, or shaded outdoor seating.
Opening times:
Weds – Sun: 10:30 – 16:30
Rugby Club Bar
A sports bar showing sports and live music.
Opening times:
Thursday: 19:00 – 23:00
Friday: 14:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 14:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 15:00 – 19:00
Creamy’s
Serving coffee, gelato, pancakes and crepes.
Opening times:
Weekdays (closed on Wednesdays): 08:30- 21:00.
Sat & Sun: 09:00 -21:00
Amenities
Astra Cinema
Providing a familiar cinema experience, showing the latest films, with the option to purchase snacks and drinks before the showing.
Latest showings and prices can be found at the link below.
Akrotiri Families Club & Bowl
Open daily, there are 6 lanes, in addition to a bar. Lanes are bookable via the Facebook page.
Akrotiri Swimming Pool
Offering lane swimming, adult lessons and children’s lessons.
For all general enquires:
Tel: +357 2527 6603
Email: akiswimmingpool@gmail.com
Timetables and further information can be found on the Facebook page.
Oasis Centre
A welfare space for unaccompanied Junior ranks and detached/deployed personnel.
Facilities include a cinema room, bike rental, TV rental, yoga suite, gaming rooms, washing facilities, study areas, welfare support, a fully equipped kitchen and more. Further details can be found via the Facebook page.
EKO Service Station
Fuel station selling a variety of goods such as gas bottles, BBQ charcoal, firewood etc. They also offer vehicle hire and car washing facilities.
Opening times:
Mon – Sat: 08:00 -15:00
Opening hours are subject to change, but there is a night machine to pay for fuel when the shop is closed.
Check their Facebook page for further information and updates.
Co-working hub
A co-working space located in the Chaplaincy centre, open 24/7.
Complete with Air Conditioning, eight desks and a comfy break out area – this hub allows you to continue your own business or to allow you to remote work for your company whilst posted to Akrotiri.
Membership is £30 a year, allowing you 300 hours of desk time.
For more information or to book a free trail, visit their website below.
The Snug Beach Club
Offering sunbed, kayak and paddle board hire, as well as organised sunrise paddle boarding events. The club also offers memberships for watersports hire.
Open April – October
Opening times:
Daily: 09:00 -17:00
HIVE
The HIVE can offer advice and support in Cyprus, to help you make the most of your time here.
Tel: (00357) 2527 6390
Email: akrotirihive@armymail.mod.uk
SSAFA loan store
Offering a range of items for loan including air con, children’s car seats and more
Shopping
Forces Store
Open 7 days a week to provide you with the widest range of UK goods on the island as well as a great selection of Cypriot groceries and fresh foods.
Opening times:
Main Store
Mon – Sat: 08:00 – 19:00
Sun: 09:00 – 15:00
Akrotiri Express Store
Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 22:30
Craft & Gift Shop
Selling handmade unique creations, the craft shop is a place for the BFC community to buy one of a kind items made in Cyprus. Those who make crafts & gifts can also sell their items in the shop.
The shop is ran by volunteers, if you are interested in volunteering you can message the Facebook page.
Opening times are published daily on the Facebook page.
BARC Pet Shop
Providing a range of items for your pets. From dog & cat food, to toys and training aids.
All profits go towards BARC (British (Forces) Animal Rehoming Charity).
Opening times:
Mon – Fri: 10:00 -13:00 (dependent on volunteer availability)
Thrift Shop
A volunteer run shop where you can take old clothing and household items to sell. Located next to the HIVE.
The shop is open variable hours throughout the week and only accepts certain items at certain times of the year, check their Facebook page for more information and opening times.
The Flower Pot
A florist, providing floral services, weddings, bouquets, arrangements, potted plants, garden gifts and accessories.
They often hold workshops such as wreath making and flower arranging.
Check their Facebook page for more information and opening times.
Photo Fisher
Providing photography, photo printing, framing and passport photos at Akrotiri and Episkopi.
Contact them on Facebook for further information and opening times.
ANA MC
Army, Navy, Air Force Management Consultants
Car insurance, motor and goods shipping, tax free cars, mortgage advice etc.
For quotes and more information contact them via email or telephone:
Email: info@anamc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +35797783435
Or check their Facebook page.
Jewellery Shop
Selling all types of jewellery, they also offer repairs, engraving and cleaning services.
Contact them via Facebook or telephone to find out more information and opening times.
Tel: +375 25952357
WSBA Turtlewatch
Turtlewatch is a volunteer ran organisation dedicated to patrolling beaches in WSBA looking for and protecting turtle nests during the summer months.
They have a shop located on RAF Akrotiri, selling a range of items with the Turtlewatch logo, all proceeds go towards keeping turtlewatch running.
Check their Facebook page for more information on volunteering or opening times.
Best Buy
Selling electronics such as mobile phones and tablets, household appliances and white goods.
They also offer home delivery on larger items.
Opening times:
Mon – Fri: 09:30 – 15:30
GP Hairdressing & Beauty Salon
Offering all forms of hairdressing & barber services.
Opening times, prices and contact information can be found on their Facebook page.
Beauty Studio
Offering all aspects of beauty treatments.
Tel: 00357 9953 4325
Helena’s Clothes
Offering school uniform, tailoring, t-shirt printing and personalised or military specific embroidery.
Opening times:
Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 13:00
Deens
Offering souverneirs, bikes, bike accessories and bike repair.
Opening times:
Mon – Fri: 10:45 – 16:30
Kathy’s Barber Shop
Tel: 00 357 2595 3900
Opening times:
Mon, Weds, Thurs & Fri: 08:30 – 16:00
Tues & Sat: 08:30 – 13:00
Sporting Amenities
Alongside the clubs listed below, there are several sporting amenities, open to all serving personnel and family members with access to Akrotiri.
- Running track
- Sports pitches (astro and grass)
- Gym & Sports hall (requires a pass & insurance, a pass can be obtained for a small fee from Service Funds upon showing proof of personal insurance)
- Skate park
- Squash courts
- Tennis court
Clubs
This is a non-exhaustive list of all clubs (including sports) & societies based at Akrotiri. Other clubs are often ran by family members and advertised on Facebook, ask the HIVE for further details.
Extra curricular activities
This list has been created by St Johns School, advertising the clubs and activities available to secondary school children in WSBA (Akrotiri & Episkopi).