The natural reef in Xylofagou seawaters has been newly named ‘Iris’ following a competition held within the framework of ‘European Maritime Day of Cyprus' and organised by CMMI - Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute and the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the regional tourism boards.   

Larnaka primary school students were invited to submit a name for the existing reef located near Cape Pyla. The winning entry out of 14 was the name ‘Iris’, which was submitted by two schools; Kamares Primary School and Med High Junior School. The Med Junior students explained their choice, selecting Iris after ‘the sea deity associated with the colours of the rainbow... the vibrant colours of the rainbow are abundant on the habitat's colourful sea sponges. Also, iris is the scientific name for the coloured part of the eye. The shape of the iris resembles the shape of the reef's naturally formed arches.”   

The reef (located here) is particularly suitable for snorkeling and try dives whilst the general area will delight divers with its different underwater attractions, including the nearby Pyla Pirate Caves that offer a more challenging experience as the only spot on the island where you can dive in a cave and surface inside a mountain,   

Read more about Larnaka region dives sites here.