Spring brings the joyous arrival of baby donkeys at Golden Donkeys Farm and the start of a fun family excursion that combines authentic food demonstrations, traditional merriment, and the company of furry friends! 

Located in Skarinou, Golden Donkeys Farm hosts the organised excursion ‘Donkeys & Traditions’ from April – October. It is one of the most popular days out on the Larnaka experiential booking platform and a great way to experience local gastronomy making and enjoy Cypriot music and dance as the day continues into an evening celebration. 

As owner Mr Pieris Georgiadis explains, a love for caring for the donkeys at the family-run farm has evolved over the last 10 years to create one of the biggest donkey farms in Europe open to the public: "Golden Donkeys is home to over 200 donkeys and we welcome visitors to the farm to learn about local traditions through exhibits, food demonstrations, a shop, and of course the resident donkeys that they can meet and feed."  

Mr Georgiadis says that a favourite part of Donkeys & Traditions day is the Halloumi cheese making: "We demonstrate how Halloumi cheese is traditionally made, which is an interesting process and visitors have the unique chance to taste the Halloumi fresh and warm, which is always a highlight of the excursion". The tasting continues with delicious olive pies made with olives from the family's organic groves - baked fresh in a cooking demonstration - as well as donkey milk, olive oil and carob syrup, but the food does not stop there!

The farm also prepares a buffet of traditional food made with local produce. Whilst this operates on Sunday visits, it is elevated during the excursion with free-flowing wine and entertainment that encourages everyone to join in the dancing! And Mr Georgiadis says the 'glass dance', where the dancer balances a tall pile of glasses atop his head, always delights the audience!

Donkeys were once an integral part of daily life in Cyprus and donkey milk itself is highly prized. It was used to feed infants in bygone times when mothers were unable to nurse as it is one of the closest animal milks to human milk in composition. It is also said that Queen Cleopatra bathed in it to retain her beauty and youth! Visitors can learn all about its properties and products at the farm during the tour, and test the donkey milk beauty products.

The excursion can be booked here (from April - October).