Month: December 2015

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, at an altitude of almost 700 metres, the small and traditional village of Kathikas has been inhabited since ancient times and offers agrotourism in tranquil environs. Just 23 km north of Pafos, the village can be reached by following the B7 route and then the E711, or by taking the coastal route E701, turning into the E727, and then the E709.

Retaining its traditional charm, the village has residences that are over a century old and serve as fine examples of folkloric architecture, whilst it also has many old and interesting churches. The small donkey sanctuary of the village further complements the authentic character of the village

Kathikas is one of the winemaking villages of the Pafos region. Its name is said to either originate from its original owner, or from the verb ‘to sit’ – ‘kathizo’ in Greek – due to the perception that the village sits on a level location when looked at from a distance.

The village is known locally for its grand Easter traditions, which visitors are welcome to watch during the period of Greek Orthodox Easter. On Good Friday, it is customary to reenact ‘Passion of the Christ’, where the President of the Community Council assumes the role of Jesus, and carries the cross from the chapel of Agios Onouphrios up until Panagia Evaggelistria church, with the rest of the villagers following in a procession.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the picturesque village of Ineia sits on the mountainous area of Laona and affords stunning views across the Akamas Peninsula. Just 30 km north of Pafos, Ineia can be reached by following either the B7 route and then the E711, or taking the E709 and then the F708.

The village originally takes its name from the word ‘inos’ – which was the word used by the Ancient Greeks for ‘wine’ – whilst its old-fashioned signs introduce it as ‘Oinia’, with the spelling of the village gradually changed to its current form over time.

Nestled among vineyards,Ineia is one of the wine-grape growers of the area, and is included along the Laona-Akamas wine route.

The village is also famous for its traditional handicraft of basket weaving, which is still practised in the original way. The baskets and other woven items are exhibited in a museum, whilst the breathtaking beauty of the area in general makes it popular for walks and photography, and is an inspiration for many artists.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the small village of Episkopi is immersed in charming natural surroundings with a unique landscape of rugged rocks dotted with grapevines. Just 11 km northeast of Pafos, Episkopi can be reached by taking the exit of Konia to Episkopi from the main roundabout Pafos-Lemesos (Limassol) (by following the E710 route).

The village’s name originates from the fact that it used to be the seat of the bishop (‘episkopos’). In the Frankish period, the Orthodox bishop of Pafos established himself here, after moving his seat from Polis Chrysochous following the persecutions of the Orthodox by the Latins. Prior to this, the village was known as ‘Komi’.

Saint Hilarion the Great (291 – 371 AD) – who is an important religious figure both for the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches – spent the last years of his hermit life on a hill outside the village, where he also helped many people by curing them or by casting out demons. Visitors can firstly see the saint’s cell, and can also light a candle later on at the church built in his honour.

The area is a nature-lover’s paradise, and perfect for rambling and walking, thanks to its four organised nature trails, and the stunning Rock of Episkopi; an imposing monolith that is home to rare falcons. Tributaries and streams from the Ezousa River also pass through the village. Information on the village’s natural environment can be found at the Episkopi Environmental Centre.

The village is ideal for agrotourism thanks to its peaceful and green environs.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, at an altitude of 470 metres above sea level, the quaint village of Kritou Terra is one of the wine growing villages of the area, and also grows various other fruits and crops in its picturesque countryside. Just 45 km away from Pafos airport, Kritou Terra can be reached by following the B7 from the town of Pafos, and then the E711.

The village was once known as ‘Kritou’ under Frankish rule. It is marked as ‘Critu’ as well as ‘Terra’ on old maps, reinforcing the view that there were originally two different villages which eventually merged into one.

The main church of the village is dedicated to Panagia Chryseleousa, whilst the significant church of Agia Aikaterini stands approximately 3 km from the village, having been beautifully restored, and operating once a year on the saint’s day of Agia Aikaterini.

Locals of Kritou Terra are also proud of the village’s history as the birthplace of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios – the most prominent Dragoman of Cyprus – as well as its status of having the island’s first ‘casino’ during Ottoman Rule in the 19th century. Within the casino structure are rare wall paintings of folkloric art, depicting themes inspired by popular legends.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, about 23 km northeast of the town of Pafos, the village of Pano Arodes is stunningly-positioned on the Laona plateau, 590 metres above sea level – at the edge of the Akamas Nature Reserve leading down to the breathtaking Avakas Gorge and the coast. The village can be reached by following the B07 route turning into the E711, and then the E715 and the E09, or by following the E701 route and then the E709.

Immersed in a landscape of vineyards and orchards, the village is tranquil and green, and popular for walks where visitors can discover the various flora and fauna of the area, as well as its little lanes of traditional stone houses.

The village is also religiously significant, thanks to its main church of Pano Arodes, which is believed by some to be the only church in the world dedicated to Agios Kalandionas, who is also the patron saint of the village.

The neighbouring sister-village of Kato Arodes was mainly Turkish Cypriot until the Turkish invasion of 1974 when it was largely abandoned.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, at an average altitude of 680 metres, the village of Fyti has existed since Medieval Times and preserves its traditional folkloric architecture and local handicrafts, including that of weaving. Just 25 km northeast of Pafos and 20 km southeast of Polis Chrysochous, Fyti can be reached by following the B07 route and then the E712.

As the main weaving centre of the Pafos region, the hand-woven pieces are known locally as ‘fythkiotika’, and are distinguished both for the variety of their patterns and their rich and vibrant colours. The village’s Museum of Traditional Weaving showcases this custom, and is one of its main places of interest.

Other interesting sights include a series of traditional fountains, and the church of Agios Demetrios, which is located in the village square and features a beautiful, well-preserved 19th century altar screen.