Category: Χωριά

Avgorou village

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Located in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district, the village of Avgorou is one of the ‘red soil villages’ (Kokkinochoria), which are famous for their agricultural produce. As a farming village, it grows delicious potatoes, flavoursome vegetables and juicy citrus fruit, thanks to its mineral-rich, distinctive red earth.

The village has an ancient past and was named after the baths of King Evagoras – the king of the Ancient city-state of Salamis – with finds that date back to the Late Bronze Age III. As such, it has a number of interesting, old buildings and historic churches, including the church of Apostolos Peter and Paul, and Agios Kendeas Monastery.

Two important religious festivals are held to honour the saints annually on June 29 (Feast of Apostolos Peter and Paul), and on October 06 (Feast of Agios Kendeas Monastery). Visitors are welcome to join in the traditional festivities, which include stalls, entertainment and local food and drink.

Other interesting features of the village are its Ethnographic Museum, which depicts the daily life of villagers in the past, and its annual Potato Festival in July, which celebrates the bumper crop of the village’s most famous agricultural produce.

Drouseia village

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Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the pretty little village of Drouseia sits at an altitude of 630 metres in the mountainous area of Laona, and is thus named for the cool breeze that carries from the Akamas Peninsula, coming from the Greek word for ‘cool’ (‘drosera’).

Just 30 km away from Pafos and 10 km away from Polis, the village can be reached following either the B7 route and then the E711, or taking the E709, and then the F708.

The traditional character of the village is maintained through its stone houses with carved doors and windows, and in its narrow, winding streets that offer stunning views of hillside and coast. The tranquil and traditional environment makes Drouseia perfect for agrotourism, and accommodation is available in many small hotels, as well as the stone houses themselves.

The taverns of the village are also known locally for their excellent Cypriot cuisine, and the warm family welcome they give.

Aside from its pretty views, the village is home to the religiously significant ancient monastery of Agios Georgios Nikoxilitis, which was built in the 15th century, and was rebuilt in 1923 after it was destroyed by a fire.

Athienou village

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Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the village of Athienou is a large community found midway between the city of Lefkosia (Nicosia) (38 km) and the town of Larnaka (33 km), and can be reached by following either the A3 and the B17 route, or the A2 and B2 route.

Athienou has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, and is the continuation of the ancient city-kingdom of Golgoi.

The village is famous for its delicious traditional bread – known locally as ‘Athienitiko’ – and its pastries, as well as its dairy products, which visitors can watch being made.

Other interesting sights include the archaeological site of Athienou-Malloura, the Kallinikeio Municipal Museum (which also exhibits finds from the Malloura site), and several old, restored buildings – including a traditional flour mill.

Athienou’s churches of Panagia Chryseleoussa, Agios Fokas and Agios Georgios are particularly notable for their historically significant icons and frescoes.

Anogyra village

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Located in the Lemesos (Limassol) district, the quaint village of Anogyra sits at an altitude of 170 metres and just 45 km away from Lemesos town. The village can be reached by following A6 route and then the F607.

Anogyra was once a main carob-grower and is famous for its traditional sweet ‘Pasteli’, which is made from carob syrup, and only produced traditionally in the village.

The history of the village dates back to the Neolithic era, and its name may originate from the plant ‘anagyris’ (which grows in the village), or that the village that exists today constituted the upper (‘ano’) part of the village once known as ‘Gyroi’.

Its interesting sites include the Pastelli museums, the Olive-Park – Oleastro, the church of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), and a winery. The village is also a perfect destination for agrotourism.

The custom of Pasteli making is celebrated annually in September with a Pasteli Festival that features the sweet being made in the traditional way, along with local food and a programme of folkloric entertainment.

 

Evrychou village

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Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, the village of Evrychou is the agricultural centre of the Solea region. Located about 50 km southwest of Lefkosia, the village can be reached by following the B10, and then the B9 straight to the heart of Solea Valley.

Its verdant landscape is dotted with small streams that run down the slopes towards the Karkotis Valley, which is lined with rockroses, terebinths, fleabanes, and pine trees. Although the village is a major producer of many kinds of fruit, it is most famous for its apples.

Evrychou retains its traditional character with old houses made of local stone, with tiled inclining roofs and wooden balconies. Amongst its village churches, the most notable are those of Agios Georgios and Agia Marina. The old water mills of the village ‘Mill of Styllis’ are also a must-see, and serve as an excellent example of Cypriot folk architecture.

A unique attraction of the village is the Cyprus Railways Museum, which is housed in the old railway station. Original documents, drawings, photos and various objects related to the now-defunct Cyprus railway system are exhibited, along with scale models of the main stations and rolling stock.

Alona village

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Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, the old village of Alona sits at an altitude of 1.200 metres on the Troodos mountain range, in the picturesque Pitsilia area. Just 53 km away from Lefkosia, the village can be reached by following the E902 route, and then the E903.

The village produces the local spirit ‘Zivania’, and the tradition is celebrated with an annual Festival in November. Visitors can sample and buy Zivania, learn all about its production, and enjoy an entertainment programme, whilst there are also many stalls selling traditional produce.

Interesting sights of the village include two ancient churches; that of Panagia Kardakiotissa – which dates back to the 15th century – and that of Agios Georgios, which houses an exceptional icon of the saint that dates back to 1835. A major celebration takes place annually in the village square in honour of the saint every November 03.

Also, at the village square is the start of a scenic nature trail that unfolds through to orchards of hazelnut and cherry trees. In spring, you will see violets, ferns and even lily pads along the damper areas of the trail, whereas in winter, wild cyclamens dominate the landscape.

The village is naturally beautiful and its leafy scenery provides inspiration for artists, including many greats of modern Cypriot painting.