Cyprus Villages
While many Cypriots live in the cities, and most holidaymakers stay in the coastal areas, the lion’s share of the island consists of the unspoilt hinterland with villages stepped in timeless tradition.
Here you’ll find the quiet rhythms of country life – the customs, the home-style cooking and the hearty hospitality of the village people. Stroll through fragrant orange and lemon groves, and you’ll encounter Cyprus at its authentic best.
In rural or semi-rural areas hotels are mostly small or medium sized. In addition, beautiful village houses have been restored in traditional style and they operate as licensed holiday accommodation. They can be country inns, holiday homes or apartments with fully equipped kitchens. All feature typical furnishings and often include gardens and inner courtyards, balconies and terraces. Our exclusive selection of Agrotourism accommodation is an alternative holiday that must be experienced and is surely the best way to discover the unique flavour of the island and feel part of the genuine village life!
LARNAKA (Larnaca) REGION
LEFKARA
The village of Lefkara, west of Larnaka, is famous for its lace known as ‘Lefkaritika’ and its silverware. It is said that Leonardo Da Vinci bought lace here in 1481 for an altar cloth in Milan Cathedral.
The local ‘Lefkara Lace’ is hand made by local women using Irish Linen. Many of the women sit in their doorways where you can watch them practising their trade.
Picturesque village of Lefkara is a model of unspoilt Cypriot naturalness and simplicity. Beautiful village houses have been restored in traditional style and they operate as licensed holiday accommodation.
KATO DRYS
Kato Drys is located in the South-west of the city of Larnaka. It adjoins with the villages of Pano Lefkara, Kato Lefkara and Vavla. Kato Drys is a small peaceful village some 700m above sea level with a medieval character and an excellent dry climate. There is much to explore and to experience in Kato Drys. First of all visit the old but renovated church of the village dedicated to "Panagia Eleousa" (16th century, "Virgin Mary the Almsgiving"). A very significant figure of Kato Drys is Saint Neofytos, born in Kato Drys in 1134. The house in which he was born is extant until today. In Kato Drys you can also walk the trails of nature. At the Bee and Emboidery Museum you will make a pleasant journey in history, tradition and civilization of Cyprus.
CHOIROKOITIA
Choirokoitia is an archaeological landmark located about 30 minutes from Larnaka, Lefkosia and Lemesos. This fascinating ancient site dates back to 6,000BC and is thought to be one of the earliest permanent human settlements in Cyprus. The Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement is included in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list since 1998. It is one of the best preserved settlements of this period in Cyprus and in the whole of Easter Mediterranean. Five dwellings have been constructed and contain replicas of items found at the site to give visitors a better idea of how the original residents would have lived.
KALAVASOS
Kalavassos Neolithic Settlement is located on the Lemesos - Lefkosia highway and is protected under a huge tent. The settlement in one of Cyprus’s most important Neolithic settlements and dates back to 7,000BC.
On the outskirts of Kalavasos villages is the Kalavasos dam built in 1985 on a seasonal river. The views of the countryside when driving to the dam are outstanding.
AGIOI VAVATSINIAS
One of the most beautiful villages of Cyprus, 700 metres above sea level. Vavatsinia is famous for the production of wine, silk and embroideries. The villagers are famous for the production of the traditional local drink called 'Zivania'. In the center of the village you can see the three-sloped church of the village, dedicated to Agios Cosmas and Damianos, a building of 1871. What particularly impresses someone in this church, is an Italian chair, remnant of the 16th century. Little outside from the village, you can see the holy water place that according to tradition it was used by Agios Cosmas and Damianos. The residents of the village believe that this holy water has therapeutic attributes.
SKARINOU
The picturesque village of Skarinou is surrounded by hills and combines the qualities of country life with the luxuries of life in town. It is full of olive trees and locust trees and it is characterised by the traditional architecture of the houses. At the entrance of the village, locals and visitors, can see the church of The Guiding Virgin Mary. A walk through the village may lead you to see women embroidering or knitting in their courtyards or even making the traditional halloumi. At Skarinou one can find the Ktima Georgiadi where in its museum visitors get a wonderful insight into the rural charms of Cyprus. There is also a donkey farm in the village where there are plenty of donkeys to be seen and it is possible to enjoy a donkey ride.
TOCHNI
Tochni is a small and picturesque village which lies halfway between Larnaka and Lemesos. Set on the slopes of two hills, its stone-built houses line the narrow streets that wind their way to the beautiful church of St. Constantinos and Eleni.
Guests can stroll along the narrow cobbled paths to the village square have a coffee in the local coffee shop and settle into an easy-going Mediterranean lifestyle that respects and nurtures timeless traditions.
ZYGI
Located on the seafront about two-thirds of the way between Larnaka and Lemesos. Zygi village is amongst the charming and traditional Cypriot villages.
The coastal area of Zygi is one of the richest breeding grounds of Cyprus in terms fishing. As a result, hundreds of fresh fish fans swarm the community, especially during weekends and holidays to enjoy the famous, high quality fish restaurants.
LEFKOSIA (Nicosia) REGION
KAKOPETRIA
The village is one of the most beautiful in the Troodos range, cascading down both sides of Troodos Valley. In the center of the village is a large square surrounded with tavernas or local restaurants shaded by tall trees. The old quarter of the village, with its traditional houses has been declared a protected area. Yet, the village is a very accommodating to tourists, with numerous hotels, restaurants and even night clubs.
FIKARDOU VILLAGE
The entire village has been declared an ancient monument in order to preserve the remarkable woodwork and folk architecture of the 18th century houses. Fikardou village is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. The houses of Katsinioros and Achilleas Demetri, sections of which date back to the 16th century, have been restored as vivid examples of rural architecture. Both houses received the EUROPA NOSTRA award in 1987.
PEDOULAS VILLAGE
Set on the slopes in a beautiful valley and opposite the main road, this is another picturesque village with a commanding modern domed church in the centre of the village. Pedoulas village is the cherry village of Cyprus with a religious heritage. The village it is aboved appreciated for its nine historic churches which are included in Unesco's World Heritage List. The most important one, is the Church of Archangelos (1474) which has a tiled roof. The interior is covered with beautiful wall paintings.
KALOPANAYIOTIS VILLAGE
The picturesque village of Kalopanayiotis with its traditional architecture, its cobbled streets and footpaths, the chapels and the Byzantine churches, is an example of genuine traditional community unaffected by modern day civilization. Houses with tiled rooftops, picturesque balconies, courtyards with shady vine trees climbing everywhere are the main characteristics of the village. All these are surrounded by the lavish green vegetation of the Setrachos Valley. In Kalopanayiotis, beautiful and of great historical importance Byzantine churches can be found amongst which; the church of Saint Marina and Panayia Theotokos, the Chapels of Saint Andronikos and Saint Athanasia, Saint George, Saint Kyriakos, Archangelos Michael, Saint Sergios and Bachos and Panayia Theoskepasti. Last but surely not least is the unique Byzantine monument the monastery of Saint John Lampadisitis which is one of the ten designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area.
LAGOUDERA VILLAGE
A beautiful village below Madari peak at Troodos mountain range, 56 km away from Nicosia. A small community known for the world famous monastery of Panagia tou Araka (Araka Virgin) protected by UNESCO. It contains some of the finest frescoes of the late Comnenian style (1192) comparable to those prevailing throughout Greece, the Balkans and Russia. The village is also known for its perfect climate all year round.
LEMESOS (Limassol) REGION
OMODOS
The historic village of Omodos is located only 42 kilometers away from the city of Lemesos and "is the centre of the wine-villages’. Omodos is perhaps one of the few villages that preserve unadulterated its old beauty and its absolutely Cypriot character. Omodos, built at the slope of the mountain, between a verdant carpet of vines, surrounded by mountains that appear as though they were placed in a masterly layout, is one of the most picturesque villages of Cyprus. The large plaza of the village, unique in its graphic quality and size, in front of the majestic monastery of the Holy Cross, the medieval Winepress, the narrow alleys, and the stone-made houses all 'drowned' in green lend a special beauty and charm to the village. The inhabitants of Omodos, apart from growing vines and producing excellent wine and 'zivania' (traditional alcoholic beverage), are also famous for the making of 'soutzoukos' (must-stick with almonds), 'palouze' (must jelly), 'kkiofterka' (dried must jelly in rhomboid pieces), and 'koulourka' (rusks). The 'arkatena koulourka' (crunchy rusks with yeast) of Omodos are also well known and sought after throughout Cyprus.
LOFOU
Lofou is listed by UNESCO as an architecturally important village. Little more than 20 years ago it was an abandoned village but now people are returning and restoring their traditional homes. With a labyrinth of cobbled, traffic-free streets to explore and ruins sitting comfortably alongside renovated homes; Lofou gives a feeling of timelessness and wonder.
The peace and tranquillity to be found in the village makes Lofou an ideal destination for those wishing to escape the pressure of modern life.
KALO CHORIO (Good Village)
Home of the famous Commandaria Wine. Kalo Chorio is a beautiful village located 21 kilometres north of Lemesos. Driving to Kalo Chorio from Lemesos, you will go through the villages of Ayia Fila, Palodia, Paramytha and Gerasa. As soon as you leave Gerasa you pass through the beautiful evergreen forest of Ayia Paraskevi where after two kilometres you arrive at Kalo Chorio. The neighbouring villages are Zopygi, Louvaras, Ayios Pavlos and Ayios Constantinos.
ANOGYRA VILLAGE
Anogyra Village is a beautiful, very traditional and picturesque spot, in the district of Limassol. On a clear day you can get a sea view if you are in the right spot. Anogyra village is the carob centre of the island and you will see thousands of trees as you drive around the area. There you can find the Carob & Pasteli Museum. A Pasteli festival is held each September in the village and well worth visiting to see this age old traditional sweet being made accompanied by music and dancing and food and drink. Pasteli is a kind of bonfire flavoured toffee from carob juice. You will get a great insight into the real Cyprus visiting Anogyra.
PHOINI
Phoini village can be reached from the Kato Platres area, a very pretty village with a tradition of pottery, the sweet Delights (loukoumia) and for the manufacture of traditional furniture. Also, one can see the waterfalls of Hantara, which is located near the village.The Pilavakeion Museum reveals the history of the village, as it displays examples of local pottery, traditional agricultural tools and kitchen utensils.
AGROS
Agros village is a cool escape from the summer heat. It is located 45km north of Lemesos at almost 1100m above sea level. The village produces all sorts of products which contribute to a healthy way of living for the locals. Its main production consists of grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers many fruit selections, as well as, local Cypriot soutzoukos, traditional type cold cuts (sausages, lountza, hiromeri). In addition, traditional sweets and marmalades are also made.
VOUNI
Vouni is nestled in the foothills of the Troodos mountains, at an altitude of 850m in the heart of the wine region. This village will charm you with its pebbled streets and traditional houses - many of them dating from Venetian times. Locals and visitors arrive to the village to taste the specialties of the village taverns. For those wanting to extend their stay, there are traditional houses for accommodation. Within the village one can see the painted church of Archangelos Michail in the lower part of the village which dates from 1474.
PAFOS (Paphos) REGION
LETYMBOU
Letympou is a small village which lies 12 km from Pafos and offers picturesque mountain views. The village is famous for it's churches, the most famous of which is Agios Kyrikos, with beautiful, well preserved wall paintings, which dates back to the 15th century. The village is famous as a tourist spot. Visit the restored fountain and Heroes Monument is located in the village square. Letympou's quarry produces beautiful marble slabs used as flooring material in many of the local houses.
NATA
Nata is a village which is located near Pafos and is easily accessible from the airport. Nata is a quiet, peaceful countryside village. It is an ideal tourist spot where the peaceful, relaxing and rejuvenating ambience makes it an apt place. Nata is a favourite tourist destination with many foreigners choosing to settle down on a permanently. According to Mythology, Nata is the place where Aphrodite, the Godness of Love and Beauty fell in love with Adonis.
MESA CHORIO
Mesa Chorio is a small traditional village which is located 3km north east of Pafos harbour. Mesa Chorio is a typical Cypriot village embedded with tradition and a tranquilizing ambience much to the refreshment of its tourists. The village is one of the best rural settings for relaxing. Mesa Chorio has some of the best buildings exemplified with architectural brilliance; it is also one of the best places to view beautiful surroundings, extending from Pafos airport to the Sea Caves.
TSADA
Located at a hilltop, Tsada is a village which is located only 10 minutes away from Pafos city centre. A lot of restaurants and traditional Cyprus tavernas are located here. The village is famous for the Cyprus drink, the local ‘fire water’ or Zivania. Hospitality and friendliness are the virtues of the local people that help to make tourists feel at home.
KALLEPIA
Kallepia is a village built at 500m above sea level and is located 13 km northeast of Pafos. Kallepia is famous for its beautiful locale; the fascinating architecture of stone built houses, the beautiful craftsmanship including beautifully created pitchers and clay pots. The marble rocks at the Monastery of the Holy Cross, the Old Church of Ayios Georgios are famous tourist attractions surrounded by plantations and vineyards. Kallepia is also known for artwork exhibitions.
ARODES
The village of Pano Arodes dates from the Mycenae era and is steeped in history. It is situated in the north-western tip of Cyprus, on the edge of the Akamas nature reserve, on the Laona plateau approximately 600m above the sea. Everyone you meet in Cyprus has surely heard of this little village and its wonderful breeze that keep you cool on hot summer nights. The impressive Avakas Gorge is accessed from outside the village. The privilege to maintain the unique church in the world dedicated to one saint keeps the Arodes village. This is the church of St. Kalandiona, which can be found in the center of the village.
GOUDI
Goudi is situated on the bank of the Chrysochou river. With a population of approximately 150, it is a very quiet village. Within the village you will see the Tzerepis river which forms a natural boundary between the old and the new community. The old side of the village is traditional and marked by houses made of stone, with little narrow streets. At the village, operates one of the two mills in the village, which testifies the habit of the villagers to produce the traditional olive oil. If you feel the need for some action, the nearby Evretou Dam is ideal for fishing and the Tsada golf course is a short drive away.
KRITOU TERRA
Kritou Terra is situated at an idyllic scenery “hugged” by high mountain peaks. These high peaks “embrace” the village on all sides but for the northern one from where one can enjoy the view of Chrysochous’ bay. The village has been blessed with a very rich natural environment, which is linked to the distinctiveness of its ground and to the rich water springs. There so many things to see and experience at Kritou Terra. First of all do not forget to visit the church of Agia Aekaterini, which is distinguished for its original architecture. Moreover, you should not fail to visit the restored building which used to house the first casino of Cyprus. Also worth visiting are the remaining sights of Kritou Terra, such as the impressive ‘kefalovryso’, the old ‘laundry’ and the ‘Kremmiotis’ Waterfall.
