Author: Christos

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the tiny mountainous village of Vavla has less than 100 residents and has been declared a Preserved Village, thanks to its white stone houses and traditional features. The village stands approximately 38 km west of Larnaka, and can be reached by following the A2, A5 and F112 routes.

The village has been inhabited since ancient times and is marked as ‘Vala’ or ‘Vaules’ in a French map of 1367 and ‘Vaula’ on another of 1423.

One of the resident’s main occupations in present times is beekeeping, with the nectar of the thyme and wildflowers of the village producing superior honeys. The village is also part of the island’s 7th Wine Route, which encompasses the area of mountainous Larnaka – Lefkosia (Nicosia).

Interesting sights include the church of Agios Georgios to the north of the village, and the church of Archangelos Michail to the south. The convent of Agios Minas is located outside of the village, enroute to Kato Drys, and is an interesting 15th century structure in a mixture of Byzantine and Gothic styles. The nuns of the convent practise icon-painting and produce traditional Cyprus Sweets, in addition to their religious duties.

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the pretty village of Tochni is the perfect, idyllic destination for agrotourism, and one of the oldest villages on the island. Standing approximately. 36 km southwest of Larnaka, the village can be reached by following the A5, A1 and F116 routes.

Interesting sights include the charming village houses – built from ‘Tochni stone’ that is quarried nearby – a small Byzantine Museum, and a Latin church in the centre of the village. The church overlooks the Orthodox church of Agios Constantinos and Agia Eleni (St Helena), and has been reconstructed on the site of the original, said to have been founded by St Helena on her return from the Holy Land, having brought with her a piece of the Holy Cross.

The pretty landscape of the village and its surrounding area also make it great for exploring by bike, with various bike centres in the village, as well as horse-riding.

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the village of Odou – with its traditional folk architecture – is considered to be one of the most picturesque, traditional villages on the island.

The village is situated at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the south region, 850 metres above sea level and 50 km from Larnaka. It can be reached by following the A5 and F112 route.

Its name comes from the Greek word ‘odos’ (street), and originates from the Byzantine Period.

A main road artery of the Roman road network of Cyprus passed through the village, which was situated on a main street, and even though the settlement was founded at a later date, the name was preserved.

The village grows various vegetables, but is best known on the island for its delicious, flavoursome tomatoes. Its interesting sights include the small wooden-roofed church dedicated to Agia Marina, which was founded in 1777.

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the village of Psematismenos is small, peaceful and charming, with ancient roots and a traditional character. It stands 31km southwest of Larnaka, and can be reached by following the A5, and then the A1. Halfway to Lemesos (Limassol) you take the turning to Psematismenos village.

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times – as evidenced by archaeological finds – whilst the village itself is believed to have been founded in the Byzantine period and grows citrus fruit, olives and carobs, amongst other crops.

A notable sight is the village church, which is dedicated to Agia Marina and dates back to the 16th century. It was completely rebuilt in 1886, and its sanctuary contains many old frescoes, whilst its iconostasis dates back to 1850.

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the mountainous village of Lefkara is split into Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara (higher and lower Lefkara), and is world-renowned for its traditional handicrafts of lace embroidery and filigree silver. The village is situated at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the south eastern region, 650 metres above sea level, 43 km from Larnaka, and can be reached by following the A5, A1 and E105 routes.

The crafts of lace and silver have been practiced in the village since Venetian times, and visitors can learn all about them, and watch the lace and silver being made at the Lefkara Handicraft Centre, the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing, and various workshops. Legend has it that the famous painter, Leonardo da Vinci himself visited the village in 1481 and bought a lace altar cloth, which he donated to Milan cathedral.

The character of the village is very picturesque with its narrow, winding streets and traditional architecture of old, terracotta-roofed houses. It is also included as one of the stops on the island’s 7th Wine Route that encompasses the area of mountainous Larnaka – Lefkosia (Lefkosia).

Among its interesting sites are the Folklore Museum, the old fountain and the old olive mill. The village also has beautiful and ancient chapels, including the church of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), and the chapel of Archangelos Michail in Kato Lefkara, with frescoes that date from the 12th and 15th centuries.

The popular annual Lefkara Festival takes place each August, and includes a programme of music, dance, theatre and handicraft exhibitions, with visitors warmly welcomed.

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the village of Kornos is famous for its custom of handmade clay pottery, and its beekeeping tradition, which produces superior honeys.

The community of Kornos stands at the centre of the three large cities of Lefkosia (Nicosia), Lemesos (Limassol), and Larnaka, and the village is located 27 km west of Larnaka – reached by following the E104 and F109 route.

The village existed at least as far back as the Frankish period and is referred to as ‘Corno’, whilst its name may be an abbreviation of the Greek word ‘koronos’ (crow), or from the foreign word ‘corne/o’, meaning ‘protrusion’ or ‘horn’, after the two sharp peaks in the village.

Its agricultural produce includes citrus fruits, olives and carobs amongst other crops, and the village retains its charming, traditional folk architecture, with tiled roofs, stone bricks, arches and wooden door shutters.

Amongst its interesting sights are the main church of the village, dedicated to Agios Ioannis the Baptist. Built in the beginning of the 19th century, the architecture of the church is in the Gothic style and houses a 1734 icon of the honoured saint. 

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the tiny mountainous village of Kato Drys is idyllic and picturesque, offering the perfect destination for agrotourism. The village is located 36 km southwest of Larnaka, and can be reached by following the A5 and A1, and then the E105 route. Before you reach Lefkara village, you turn left towards Kato Drys.

Kato Drys means ‘lower oak’ in Greek, and the village has existed since the Byzantine period – referred to as the birthplace of Agios Neofytos the Recluse – while the name ‘Catodi’ also appears on old maps.

Its agricultural produce includes grapes, citrus fruit, almonds, olive and carobs, amongst other crops, whilst the handicraft of famous Lefkara lace is also practiced in the village, which neighbours the Lefkara area.

The village is part of the island’s 7th Wine Route, encompassing the area of mountainous Larnaka – Lefkosia (Nicosia). It has two interesting museums; the Rural Museum and the Bee and Embroidery Museum, and two significant churches; Panagia Eleousa (which dates back to the 15th century), and Agios Charalambos (which dates back to the early 19th century).

One of the biggest music festivals of the summer – ‘Feggaros’ – takes place annually at the village, during July.

Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, on the west bank of the Vasilikos River, the village of Kalavasos is famous for its Neolithic settlement and archaeological site of Tenta. The village is 40 km south west of Larnaka and can be reached by following the A5 and A1 and the E106 route.

The area has retained its original name during its centuries of continual inhabitation; It is believed that Kalavasos comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘vassa’, meaning woody valley, indicative of its lush landscapes. The vegetation of the area includes pine trees, oleasters, prickly broom, rockrose and thyme, and it is a producer of citrus fruit, olives and carobs, amongst other crops – which are irrigated by a dam.

Other interesting sights include the village church of Panagia Titiotissa, located in the centre of the village. Dating back in 1878, the church took its name due to the ‘Tetios’ – torrent. There is a significant two-sided icon from the 16th century on the iconostasis, which depicts the Virgin Mary on the front side, and the Crucifixion on the back.

The beautiful and tranquil environs of the village, make it a perfect destination for agrotourism.