Lempa Art School by Bike – Meet Cyprus’ Creative Soul

There’s something quietly powerful about arriving in Lempa by bike. One minute, you’re cruising through olive groves and sleepy fields; the next, you’re surrounded by murals, pottery workshops, and artists sketching under the sun. For BiRide riders, it’s not just another stop, it’s a shift in rhythm. Lempa doesn’t shout for attention; it invites you in.

Where Ancient Soil Meets Modern Expression

Lempa may be just 4 km north of Paphos, but it’s one of the oldest inhabited spots on the island. Archaeological digs have uncovered settlements from as far back as the Chalcolithic Period (around 3800–2500 BC), including the now-famous cruciform female figurines made of picrolite, some of which are displayed in the Cyprus Museum.

But what truly sets Lempa apart is what happened in the late 20th century: it became a village of artists.

The Heartbeat: Cyprus College of Art

The turning point came in 1981, when Cypriot artist Stass Paraskos established the Cyprus College of Art in the village’s former school building. With his international connections and rebellious energy, Paraskos turned Lempa into a creative magnet. The first to arrive was British painter Euan Uglow, followed by a wave of artists from Cyprus, the UK, and beyond.

Walk through the village and you’ll see their impact. Bright, bold murals climb stone walls. Studio doors sit open. There’s colour in every corner, often with a story attached. The College itself continues to run workshops, residencies, and exhibitions, drawing in new generations of creatives.

You don’t need to be an artist to join in. Visitors are welcome to watch, talk, and sometimes even take part, pottery, sculpture, sketching, or just chatting over coffee in the courtyard.

A Ride with a Different Pace

Getting to Lempa with BiRide is part of the charm. From Paphos Harbour, it’s an 8 km ride, mostly flat with a few gentle rises as you leave the coast. You pass citrus groves, open countryside, and the occasional shepherd’s dog keeping watch.

A city or hybrid e-bike is perfect for this stretch: comfy, smooth, and quiet enough to hear the sounds of village life as you approach.

Not Just a School – A Living Community

The Cyprus College of Art isn’t a gated campus; it’s part of the village. Pop into a workshop if there’s one running. Browse the Folklore Museum for a glimpse into Lempa’s pre-art-colony days. Walk the narrow lanes and spot art tucked into corners. Buy a handmade ceramic cup and chat with the person who made it.

In summer, Lempa buzzes with open-air performances, art fairs, and gallery nights. But even in quieter months, it holds its charm, a place where creativity feels natural, not staged.

Plan Your Cultural Ride

• Check event calendars – Especially summer workshops or exhibitions at the Art School.

• Bring a sketchbook or camera – You’ll want to capture textures, faces, and murals.

• Pair it with a visit to Mandria Village for a full day of slow-paced culture.

Why Lempa Stays With You

Unlike bigger attractions, Lempa doesn’t have a ticketed entry or a timed path to follow. It’s a place to wander and absorb. Whether you ride in for an hour or stay all afternoon, you’ll leave with something, a sketch, a story, maybe just a feeling.

For BiRide travellers who want more than just sights and selfies, Lempa offers something rarer: connection. To artists. To history. To Cyprus itself.

So next time you fancy a different kind of ride, point your handlebars north and cruise into the quiet creativity of Lempa.

Want more cultural routes? Pair Lempa with Paphos Old Town, or keep your eye out for upcoming BiRide journeys to Agios Neophytos Monastery and Tala Village, more places where Cyprus tells its story slowly.