Discover Authenticity

Cyprus unlocked
Just a breath away from the city centre, time seems to stand still within picturesque little villages. Some stand out for their impeccable views, some for their location and others for their architecture. However, all surprise us with their beauty.

Text: Kleanthis Kleanthous
Photography: Deputy Ministry Tourism, Alamy Photos/www.visualhellas.gr

 

Away from the hustle and bustle, locals welcome you with a genuine smile and a glass of chilled, homemade lemonade. Autumn is the ideal season to visit Cyprus’ villages, to explore its nature, to visit historical sights and sample traditional cuisine, all while enjoying your stay in one of many guest houses on the island.

At the top of Lofou

Built on top of a verdant hill, Lofou is a village filled with vineyards and almond trees. The notable Palouze Festival takes place there every year. Visit the old school, the olive press, the traditional water faucet of Elitji, which dates back to 1842, and the chapel dedicated to the Prophet Elias.

  • WHERE TO EAT
    Choose a seat at Lofou tavern for scrumptious souvlaki and “seftalia” (a savoury, Cypriot meat dish), or make a stop at Agrovino Wine Shop & Bar to sample a wide range of Cypriot wines.
     
  • WHERE TO STAY
    The Apokryfo offers a collection of refurbished, stone-built houses. Settle into suites equipped with fireplaces at the Oinoessa Guest Houses.

A cool breeze at Kakopetria

“Lost” among lush forests and rivers, Kakopetria, with its cobblestone streets, is located on the outskirts of the Troodos mountain range in the Valley of Solea and is an ideal setting for romantic getaways. Two watermills and the stunning 11th century chapel of Saint Nicholas of the Roof (Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis) are some of the most iconic sights in the village.

  • WHERE TO EAT
    Mylos is famous for its delicious trout and the meat dishes at tavern Ais Giwrkis will melt in your mouth.
     
  • WHERE TO STAY
    A collection of renovated, traditional houses can be found at Linos Inn. Maritsa Lodge charms with its rustic aesthetic and stone-built fireplace.

Kalopanayiotis, the cosmopolitan

Situated in the Valley of Marathasa, Kalopanayiotis is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts on the island. Take a stroll along the Kalopanayiotis–Oikos nature trail and discover the place where Saint Herakleidios was baptized. Further along, look out for the Venetian bridge, visit the hot springs and the monastery of Ayios Ioannis Lampadistis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and purchase homemade marmalade from the cute little store “Pramatouthkia-Little Treasures”.

  • WHERE TO EAT
    Cypriot recipes with a twist at Byzantino restaurant. The Old Cinema serves up delicious, oven-baked pasta.
     
  • WHERE TO STAY
    Nest at the traditional yet elegant apartments of the award-winning agritourist hotel Casale Panayiotis. Alternatively, stay at the Ayios Andronikos Agrotourism House, a charming, renovated guest house from the 19th century.

The “magical” Vouni

One of the most beautiful wine villages of Limassol is filled with stone-paved alleys and traditional houses with wooden doors. Wander through fragrant vineyards. Visit the Museum of Folk Art or the Wine & Culinary Centre to learn about the history of Cypriot wine. Drop by the renowned, old primary school dating back to 1850 that operates today as a coffee shop serving “must-try” desserts.

  • WHERE TO EAT
    Sample an abundance of Cypriot mezedes (appetizers) at Takis tavern. For traditional, home-cooked meals be sure to visit I Orea Ellas restaurant.
     
  • WHERE TO STAY
    The Oinou Strata is a delicately restored guest house with three atmospheric suites and an inner courtyard. The Oinochori is an old mansion with traditional furniture and a stone-built fireplace.

Traditional, at Kathikas

Inhabited since ancient times, Kathikas is one of the most picturesque villages of the Pafos district. Discover the nature trail in the Koronion Gorge, drop by the small donkey sanctuary or sample wine from two local wineries. Kathikas’ location is ideal, with views of both the Akamas sea and the Pafos forest. Worth exploring are the much visited Kremiotis Waterfall at Kritou Terra, situated close to Kathikas, as well as the “ghost village” Palia Theletra.

  • WHERE TO EAT
    The award winning tavern Yiannis has the best mezedes in the area.
     
  • WHERE TO STAY
    The stone-built Michalis Anoyia or Loxandra Inn, a rustic agritourist guest house featuring a beautiful courtyard, offer restful accomodations.

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