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| The Cyprus countryside is endowed with inexhaustible historical, natural and human wealth. By all means enjoy the cosmopolitan centres and coastal resorts of Cyprus, but don’t miss the opportunity to explore a few of the traditional villages. Indeed, rural Cyprus is likely to impress you far more than you expect.
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Ammochostos |
Potamos Liopetriou, a fishing shelter of old
16 km west of Agia Napa
This picturesque fishing shelter near Liopetri village on the coast in the Ammochostos area is close to the remains of a Venetian watchtower. The village itself is known for maintaining the traditional craft of basket weaving.
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Larnaka |
Lefkara village, the home of handicrafts
8 km from Skarinou, off the Lefkosia - Lemesos road, 40 km from Larnaka
This picturesque village is famous for its local handmade lace, known as “Lefkaritika”, and for its silverware. The Lace and Silverware Museum of Lefkara (Tel. 24 34 23 26) is located in the beautiful House of Patsalos. The single-aisle vaulted church of Archangelos Michail in Kato Lefkara is decorated with frescoes of the late 12th century. In Pano Lefkara, the Church of the Holy Cross is known for its beautiful 18th century iconostasis and a unique 13th century silver cross.
Oroklini village,
where foreigners and locals meet
8 km east of Larnaca on the picture perfect Pyla Bay you will come across Oroklini village - or 'Voroklini' - as it is also known. Like nowhere else, here you will see an integration of resident foreigners and locals mixing and mingling in the coffee shops and over a dozen country taverns that have earned a reputation for their authentic Cypriot, wholesome cooking.
In particular, on Saturday mornings the
magnetic aroma of freshly baked traditional bread will draw you to 'Ta Koutalakia', a distinctive traditional old house, where you can try traditional homemade delicasies and homegrown herbal teas in an environment of genuine hospitality.
With a blue flag beach and deck only 2 km from the village centre, and Larnaca and its airport only minutes away, the surroundings of Oroklini are rapidly developing to satisfy the increasing demand for holiday homes and properties for retirement in the sun.
Tochni village,
a display of masterful masonry
20 km from the town of Larnaka, off the main Lefkosia-Lemesos highway, lies the picturesque, hilly village of Tochni. Once the home of the island's most skilful masons, the village most probably derives its name from 'techni', the Greek word for 'art'. Even today it is noted for its artful stone-built houses that give the village a distinctive, heart-warming character. Wind your way along its narrow sloping alleys and you will discover a beautiful sample of
traditional architecture enhanced with
blooming gardens. Visit the church of Agios Constantinos and Agia Eleni, the focal point of the village, and plan on having lunch in one of taverns serving Cyprus specialities with the unique flavour and generosity of a homemade meal!
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Lefkosia |
Pedhoulas village,
the cherry village with a religious heritage
20km from Troodos, 70km from Lefkosia, about 80km from Lemesos
Situated on the northern flanks of the Troodos range, at 1200 m above sea level, Pedhoulas is one of the most popular escape from the summer heat. Though valued for its elevated location and lush cherry trees, it is above all appreciated for its nine historic churches which are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The most important one, The Church of Archangelos (1474), ranks among the most important Byzantine churches in Cyprus, with its amazing fresco adorned walls. The church is located in the lower part of the village, and the key can be obtained from the adjacent house.
Fikardou village,
where time stood still
1.5 km east of Gourri village
(Machairas - Lefkosia road via Klirou)
The whole village has been declared an ancient “monument” in order to preserve the remarkable woodwork and folk architecture of the 18th century houses.
The Houses of Katsinioros and Achilleas Dimitri, parts of which date back to the 16th century, have been restored as vivid examples of rural architecture (Tel: 22 63 47 31). They were granted the EUROPA NOSTRA award in 1987.
Kakopetria village, a popular summer resort
50 km from Lefkosia, 50km from lemesos, 15 km from Troodos
Built on the east bank of the river Karkotis, at 660m above sea level, Kakopetria is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts of the island. The village stretches across the Karkotis valley, with the old village on the left, and its more recent buildings on the right. Old Kakopetria has been declared a historical and archaeological monument. With its imposing traditional Cypriot architecture, the two-storey houses with their wooden balconies and the narrow stone-paved alleys, it is truly a pleasure to simply take a walk around Kakopetria. Several points of interest dot the area, such as the restored old flour mill, the 16th century church of Theotokos, and the Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, located 5 km from the village. The church is decorated with murals dating back to the 11th - 17th century, and is considered one of the most interesting Byzantine churches on the island.
Kalopanagiotis village,
natural springs hidden in rich greenery
60 km west of Lefkosia
The village is tucked in the green valley of Marathasa, at an altitude of 700 m. Thanks to the wonderful natural environment of Kalopanagiotis with its forests, numerous springs (some of which are therapeutic), the impressive mountain range and its traditional character, Kalopanagiotis attracts many visitors each year. Make sure to visit the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis and the Kalopanagiotis dam with its superb scenery.
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Lemesos |
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Omodos village,
especially for wine enthusiasts!
11 km southwest of Platres
Omodos is one of the most important wine-producing villages of the island. In the centre of the village you will find the stone-paved square and the Monastery of Stavros (Holy Cross). The monastery houses old icons, excellent woodcarvings and other ecclesiastical objects of interest, as well as a small National Struggle Museum. A traditional winepress known as ‘linos’ has been restored in an old house.
Kilani village,
wine country
1,5 km southwest of Pera Pedi, off the Lemesos - Troodos road
Two kilometres from this picturesque wine-producing village you will come across the single-aisle vaulted church of Agia Mavri, typical of the 12th century architecture, with late 15th century murals. The village has a local Ecclesiastical and Viticulture museum.
Arsos village,
a sample of traditional local architecture
15 km southwest of Platres
Charming local architecture featuring magnificently carved limestone marks this picturesque wine-producing village. In the village square you can visit the Byzantine Church of Apostle Philippos, which houses a selection of religious relics and icons, and a Museum of Folk Art (Tel. 25 94 32 23). A nature trail along with six medieval fountains runs south of the village. Arsos wine has been famous since antiquity.
Agros village,
a cool escape from the summer heat
45 km north of Lemesos at almost 1100 metres above sea level, Agros is magnificently situated in the Valley of the Roses at the very heart of the Pitsilia area.
Surrounded by historical and cultural sites, Agros is an excellent place for visitors with special interests. There are nature trails with beautiful scenery, quiet roads and tracks suitable for walking, cycling and mountain climbing.
Lania village,
painters’ paradise
27km north of Limassol
Lania is a charming restored village that rests in the heart of rural Cyprus, on the rolling hillsides to the north of Lemesos and the south of the Troodos Mountains. Lania has become an artists’ haven. The shops are filled with their works as well as more traditional souvenirs. The tavernas have traditional local food as well as a host of colourful local characters telling tales of beekeeping, almond growing, pear harvesting, walnut cultivation and of course, wine making.
The Houses of Katsinioros and Achilleas Dimitri, parts of which date back to the 16th century, have been restored as vivid examples of rural architecture (Tel: 22 63 47 31). They were granted the EUROPA NOSTRA award in 1987.
Lofou village,
a look back in time
26 km northwest of Lemesos
Loufou with its rich history is one of the most beautiful villages of the island. Its stone-built houses are approximately 800m above sea level. The village is set in a rich natural environment of wild vegetation and herbs. Walking along its cobbled streets you will experience the unique feeling of looking back into the myths and legends of the past.
Vouni village
a reminder of bygone days
Vouni is nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, at an altitude of 850m, in the heart of the wine region. The picturesque
village will charm you with its pebbled streets and traditional houses - many of them dating from Venetian times - with graceful arches and courtyards. The village school stands in a prominent position and has been declared a listed property. A few streets away ‘The Old Olive Mill’ longs for the hustle and bustle of bygone times. Many visitors arrive in traditional buses to sample the specialties of the village taverns, ‘I Orea Ellas’ and ‘Takis’, and to spend a day surrounded by nature and tradition. For those wanting to extend their stay, the traditional ‘Vouni Lodge’ is at their disposal.
Platres village,
a summer resort with an Alpine flavour
39 km from Limassol
Platres is one of the largest hill resorts of Cyprus, situated on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains. Its nature trails wind their way through the forest to the refreshing Kaledonia and Millomeris Falls and the beautiful brick homes. The upper portion of the village, Pano Platres, exudes an Alpine feel with its small hotels, cafes and bakeries. In the wintertime, Platres is a good starting point for skiing excursions to Mount Olympus.
Medieval bridges,
links with the past
In the higher sections of the Diarizos and Xeros valleys stand three renowned medieval bridges: Elia, Kelefos and Roudia, which were built in the 16th or 17th century. Elia lies west of the village Fini, on a tributary of the Diarizos river, amid rich natural vegetation. Follow the dirt track towards Pera Vasa and you will come across the second medieval bridge, Kelefos, at Platys. The third bridge, Roudia, rests in the shade of gigantic forest trees west of Pera Vasa, on the Xeros river.
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Pafos |
| Pegeia village,
rural charm overlooking the sea
19 km northeast of Pafos
The village is famous for its “Springs of Pegeia” in the beautiful stone-paved village square. Near the fishing shelter, about 4,5 km from the village of Pegeia, are the ruins of two early Christian basilicas with some very interesting mosaic floors depicting animals. Rock-hewn Roman tombs can also be seen here.
Polis Chrysochous village,
a seaside resort steeped in history
37 km north of Pafos
“Polis tis Chrysochous’ is today a town where once the ancient city-kingdom of Marion stood. Simply known as Polis, this seaside resort maintains its picturesque character and many of its old, original houses. The new local museum of Polis, Marion/Arsinoe (tel: 26 32 29 55) houses an interesting collection of antiquities found in the region. The interesting barrel-vaulted church of Agios Andronikos dating back to the 16th century is located in the centre of the village.
Kathikas village,
hilltop location surrounded by vineyards
27 km north of Pafos
Kathikas, one of the most attractive villages in the area, is built at the top of a hill. The villagers’ main occupation is the cultivation of extensive vineyards. The church of Panayia Evangelistria is quite notable, and it is worth mentioning that a tourist information centre at Kathikas provides useful information on the Akamas peninisula.
Panayia village,
amid religious places of interest
33 km northeast of Pafos
Panayia is a well-known village with stone-built houses at 850 m above sea level. A large area of the village forms part of the evergreen Pafos forest, a source of clean, fresh air. Historical churches and monasteries, such as the Agios Nicolaos Monastery, the Monastery of Chrysorogiatissa, and the church of Agios Georgios dominate the surrounding area. Look out for the Makarios Cultural Centre, the memorial house of the Ethnarch, and the village’s winemaking facilities.
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