We kick off the new year by exploring and rediscovering the beauty of mountainous Cyprus.
This winter, we venture into the picturesque villages of the Nicosia district, uncover hidden secrets in the mountains of Larnaca, enjoy authentic Cypriot cuisine, sample local wines, and spend the night in idyllic agro-tourism accommodations.
ESCAPE TO THE VILLAGES OF MARATHASA
The Marathasa Valley, renowned for its cherry trees, offers much to visitors, including some of the most significant churches and monasteries in the area. Explore charming villages such as Kalopanayiotis, Moutoullas, and Pedoulas for a taste of rural Cypriot life.
Kalopanayiotis
The cosmopolitan village of Kalopanayiotis is located in the Troodos mountains, within the Marathasa Valley, 70 kilometres away from Nicosia. It is an ideal destination for agro-tourism, set in a tranquil natural landscape with thermal springs, traditional architecture, and panoramic views of the valley.
It is no coincidence that Kalopanayiotis is among the most popular mountain resorts on the island, as it offers everything from relaxation, accommodation, and dining to exciting activities such as safaris and spa treatments.
When you visit the village, don’t miss the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, located on the eastern bank of the Setrachos River, opposite the old neighbourhood of the village. Along the riverbanks, you will also find the thermal springs of Kalopanayiotis. Other notable attractions in the village include the Venetian bridge and the Kykkos watermill. Additionally, you can follow the Kalopanayiotis – Oikos nature trail, located in northern Marathasa, 70 kilometres from both Nicosia and Limassol.
Kalopanayiotis offers numerous options for dining, coffee, and drinks at any time of the day. You can visit the restaurant at Casale Panayiotis or Byzantino for authentic Cypriot recipes. For a snack, head to Pantheon, where you can also enjoy stunning views. For Cypriot meze, go to Palio Cinema (99130275) on Saturdays and Sundays. As for your afternoon coffee, enjoy it at Panorama (99468684).
Where to stay
Casale Panayiotis Traditional village
A pioneering hotel complex with guesthouses spread across the village, as they are restored homes of residents. Each room has been renovated to maintain its authentic character and charm, and they bear names like Byzantino, Marathos, Ag. Marina, Iliako, Pantheon, and more. Guests can also enjoy spa services and moments of relaxation at the Myrianthousa Spa.
(22952444)
To Palataki tis Vasilikis
A picturesque agro-tourism accommodation in Kalopanayiotis, spanning three floors, offering panoramic views and modern amenities. “Palataki” consists of three apartments-suites: the “Vasiliki” apartment on the street level, the “Andriani” apartment on the middle level, and the “Antigoni” apartment on the lower level—named after three generations of the family. The fireplaces, handmade carved wooden headboards, traditional canopy beds (“sklouverka”), handcrafted furniture, paintings of local landscapes, and depictions of Cypriot tradition lend an air of elegance to the apartments. The property also features a pool, an interior courtyard, and a barbecue grill available for use by all guests.
(70000099)
Hani Chrysomilou
The Chrysomilos family decided to revive their grandfather’s old inn, reopening it as Hani Chrysomilou to offer guests authentic Cypriot hospitality. The space has been fully renovated into an elegantly decorated home, featuring two large bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and a spacious, cosy living room that can accommodate up to six people. The stunning garden and large terrace provide perfect spots for relaxation, with views of the Marathasa Valley and the Troodos mountain slopes.
(99 530540)
PLUS
The accommodation options in Kalopanayiotis are endless. Check out other choices like Maison Elena (99447871), Agios Andronikos (99646151) and ATRATSA Mountain Suites (22318543).
Pedoulas
The village of Pedoulas is located on the northern slopes of the Troodos mountains, at an altitude of 1,100 metres, in the Marathasa Valley and near Kalopanayiotis. The village is surrounded by pine forests, abundant natural springs, and cherry orchards. It is renowned for products made from cherries. Take a stroll through this historically rich village and visit the Church of Archangel Michael, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Explore the Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Folk Art. Drink refreshing water from the village’s natural spring, which is said to hold the secret to longevity. For a meal, head to the famous Platanos restaurant (22952518), where you’ll enjoy delicious traditional dishes.
Where to stay
Aristotelio Boutique Hotel
Located near the Church of Archangel Michael, Aristotelio is a stone-built boutique hotel in Pedoulas, offering 8 rooms with views of the village. Each room is elegantly decorated and fully equipped with a minibar, wardrobe, stone fireplace, bathtub, and jacuzzi.
(22953334)
ON THE WAY TO FARMAKAS AND PALAICHORI
The villages of Farmakas and Palaikchori are part of the Pitsilia region. Pitsilia is located east of Mount Olympus and comprises 11 picturesque villages nestled among vineyards and valleys. The charming villages of Pitsilia, one of which has been awarded the Nom d’Origine, are scattered along the slopes of Mandari, Machairas, and Papoutsa.
The fertile soil and the altitude of the region allow for the slow and unforced ripening of grapes, which enhances the quality of the wine. The area is home to local grape varieties that promise an exceptional wine experience.
Farmakas
The village of Farmakas is located 40 kilometres southwest of the capital, perched on the slopes of the Troodos mountain range. At the centre of the village, next to the coffee shop, you’ll find the Church of Agia Irene. Built with stone in the shape of a three-aisled basilica with a dome, it is one of the few buildings of this type in Cyprus.
The Santa Irene Winery (22515515), a gem of the village, promises an enjoyable experience for you and your group. At the winery, you can observe the winemaking process, sample various types of wine, and, if you wish, enjoy a meal at the Ierambelos restaurant (22515505) located within the winery. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu on Fridays and Saturdays and a rich buffet on Sundays. Be sure to stop and taste the renowned and award-winning Eleni’s homemade sweets (99762827 & 22642283). Ms Eleni prepares well-known traditional Cypriot treats like walnut, cherry, watermelon, citron, pear, bergamot, and orange sweets, as well as unique flavours such as taro, onion, garlic, and mushroom. If you’re a nature enthusiast, head south of the village to discover the famous golden water spring of Farmakas. Set in a lush green landscape, the spring showcases a rare phenomenon, as water gushes from the ground as if emerging from a sieve—hence the name of the spring, “Koshinás” or “Koskinás” (Sieve).
Where to stay
Farmakas Living
Farmakas Living offers five traditional agro-tourism accommodations that blend traditional decor with a modern touch. These five restored houses have been transformed into luxurious suites, ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers. The apartments are fully equipped. On Sunday mornings, you can enjoy a rich buffet at Ierambelos restaurant for an additional charge.
(99426848)
Palaichori
Palaichori is located in the Troodos mountain range, just 40 kilometres from Nicosia. As the main village of the Pitsilia region, it is divided in two by the Serrachis River, which originates from Mount Papoutsa. A striking feature of the village is the statue of the Cypriot Mother on a hilltop, built in honour of the people of the area. The village is home to four churches and one chapel. Be sure to visit the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, which, since 2000, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with nine other painted Byzantine churches in Troodos. You can also visit the Byzantine Heritage Museum. Continue your exploration by strolling through the narrow streets of the village, shopping for Cypriot products and handmade crafts in the local shops, and enjoying a coffee at the traditional café. For delicious meals, stop by Fanaria tis Maroullous (22642311, 99611388) or one of the other taverns in the village.
Where to stay
Isminis Petroktisto
This stone-built house, constructed around 100 years ago and recently renovated in line with traditional local architectural heritage and culture, has been transformed into traditional apartments with stunning views. It consists of two independent apartments, each with its own bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. At the top, there is a spacious interior courtyard offering breathtaking views of the village.
(99438681)
THE MOUNTAINOUS LARNACA AND ITS HIDDEN TREASURES
The mountainous region of Larnaca consists of 18 communities and has been recognised as a “European Destination of Excellence in Cyprus” under the European Programme European Destinations of Excellence – EDEN 2017 for “Cultural Tourism.” This stunning and emerging tourist area is rich in cultural heritage and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. This award-winning region boasts a long history of cultural and historical development, characterised by a cultural “mosaic” shaped over centuries. It features archaeological sites, churches and monasteries, traditional settlements, as well as traditional arts and crafts. Moreover, mountainous Larnaca is home to the largest number of agro-tourism accommodations across Cyprus, along with numerous restaurants, traditional crafts workshops, and a wide range of alternative activities and themed events for visitors.
Skarinou
Nestled among the hillsides, Skarinou is known as the “heart” of Cyprus. The village enchants visitors with its charming narrow streets, stone-built houses, arches, and interior courtyards. A hallmark of Skarinou is the Golden Donkeys Farm, a must-visit attraction. The village is also home to the Church of Panagia Odigitria, while just outside Skarinou, you’ll find the chapels of Agios Georgios and Agios Loukas. For Sunday lunch, make sure to visit Ktima Georgiadi (99620736) for a delightful meal. Golden Donkeys Farm has a shop offering donkey milk and skincare products made with donkey milk which is open on weekends.
Πού να μείνεις
Traditional Village Houses (Anna, Anesi, Cosmas, Lito, Michalis)
The restored houses of Skarinou form a complex of apartments and studios that share a courtyard and a pool. Here, you can experience the warmth of village life first-hand. Enjoy Cyprus’s magical evenings while gazing at one of the most starlit skies.
(24322089 & 99630464)
Lefkara
Lefkara is one of Cyprus’s most popular and beloved villages, perhaps even the most adored. This village in mountainous Larnaca is situated on the southeastern foothills of the Troodos mountains. In Lefkara, you can stroll through the narrow streets lined with houses of traditional architecture, admire the famous Lefkara lace, and savour the traditional “Lefkaritikos ttavas”.
Visit the Local Ethnological Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing and the Lefkara Handicraft Centre. Don’t miss the Church of the Holy Cross, which houses a large silver cross believed to contain a piece of the Holy Cross, according to tradition. Be sure to also stop by the historic Ta Oraia Lefkara sweet shop (24342525, 99644989), which has been making delights for over a century and a half. It’s open early on Sundays. For an afternoon coffee, explore the village’s charming cafés hidden in its alleyways, including, The Agora Hotel (24726000), Marikkou pou ta Lefkara (99117143), and Lefkara Coffee Yard Bar-Restaurant (24105115).
Where to stay
Ample Places
Two beautiful buildings have been renovated to the standards of sustainable architecture, featuring spaciousness, functionality, brightness, simplicity, and comfort. The restoration was carried out with respect for the architectural distinctiveness of Lefkara and the unique historical character of the area. The interior furnishing reflects this approach, combining preserved authentic Cypriot furniture, objects of traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary artworks. The two houses, “Monadiko” (unique) and “Polytimo” (precious), can each accommodate up to four people. Both houses have fireplaces and share a spacious and comfortable courtyard.
(99613771)
Lefkara View
Lefkara View is an old house near the Church of the Holy Cross, originally owned by an embroidery merchant who sold the renowned Lefkara lace across Europe. This two-storey traditional house has been recently renovated and now consists of two fully equipped apartments, featuring a stone-paved interior courtyard and a terrace with stunning views. For an additional charge, the owners can prepare a lovely breakfast basket with local delicacies upon request.
(24360038 & 96359101)
Iosiphis Stonebuilt houses
Built in 1918 at the highest point of the village, this impressive house resembles an old Cypriot castle. It includes two studios, two one-bedroom apartments, and one two-bedroom apartment, along with an interior courtyard. For a small fee, you can enjoy a delicious Cypriot breakfast at the nearby Sweet and Delicious café.
(99790780)
Red Blue Door
This beautiful renovated building, dating back to 1820, offers two two-bedroom houses that perfectly blend traditional and modern styles. The spacious Red Door and Blue Door are ideal for large groups or families, providing all the amenities of a luxury home for a delightful stay. You can also rent both houses together, accommodating up to ten people.
(99420984 & 99632655)
Unique experiences you should definitely explore…
Mr. Iakovos Korniotis and his wife Elli have created the Bee and Embroidery Museum (99419491) in Kato Drys, as well as the traditional guesthouse Garden Kamara, nestled in a large organic garden. If you visit the village, don’t miss the museum, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30. Here, you can learn about the lives of the village’s past inhabitants and the history of beekeeping. You can also purchase the award-winning “Natura” honey, along with almond, carob, grape, and olive products, beeswax ointments, and embroidery. Museum admission is €2. If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can choose the Garden Kamara guesthouse (99419491), which is also pet-friendly, or the renovated agro-tourism property To Konatzi tis Marikkas tziai tou Yianni (99727771). Note that in Kato Drys, you can also purchase homemade jams from Jar (96476265). The shop caters to a limited number of visitors, so make sure to book in advance.
In the village of Vavla, in mountainous Larnaca, you’ll find the Ecophysis Bee and Nature Centre (96373013), which includes the honey extraction and bottling workshop for “Vavla”honey and educational outdoor workshops. Kostas and Georgia, the owners of Ecophysis, offer hands-on tours where you can become a beekeeper for a day and see a hive up close. They will also teach you how to make candles from beeswax. Together, you can bake traditional Cypriot “pishies”, and explore nature to discover mushrooms, edible wild greens, and local herbs. Simply inquire about the schedule of their next excursion. If you’re considering staying overnight in Vavla, check out the award-winning traditional Our House-Guesthouse (97667198), which features three self-contained rooms sharing a communal dining area and courtyard. Accommodation includes complimentary breakfast, with the option of a five-course dinner at an additional charge. Alternatively, you can stay at the also award-winning Vavla Rustic Retreat (96865404).
In the charming community of Choirokoitia, you’ll discover a beautifully renovated traditional house from 1850 that has been transformed into the Basket Weaving Museum and Workshop (99205833). Here, you’ll find unique exhibits made from reed and “sklinitzi” (a local plant), crafted by the hands of Mr. Petros Nikolaou. He will personally guide you through the farmhouse, demonstrating the traditional method of making halloumi cheese in “talarka” (traditional cheese moulds). You can also book a visit to enjoy an authentic Cypriot breakfast. For accommodation, choose between the traditional agro-tourism properties The House of Achilles (96440328) and Porfyrios Country House (99520973, 99649755).
Translated from: Check In Cyprus
