Agros village

Located in the Troodos mountain range, in Pitsilia region of Lemesos (Limassol) district, Agros sits at an altitude of 1.100 metres.

The layout of this picturesque village resembles that of a theatre, embraced by the surrounding mountains, Agros is nestled in stunning environs with panoramic forest views, making it ideal for agrotourism. It has maintained its traditional character and customs and grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

The village is famous for its cultivation of roses, along with its production of cured meats (sausages, ‘Lountza’ and ‘Hiromeri’), homemade marmalades and sweets. Visitors can see these traditional practises at the local workshops where rose oil distillation, sweet making and meat processing take place.

Avgorou village

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Pafos (Paphos) City

Legends of love, magnificent mosaics, archaeological awes and captivating coasts make the small town of Pafos (Paphos) enlightening to explore, and beautiful to behold.

Pafos was originally the island’s capital some centuries ago, but can now instead call itself the capital of culture, thanks to its significant historical sites and monuments – many of which are linked to the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty – Aphrodite. It is no wonder then that due to its sheer wealth of ancient remnants, Katos Pafos as a whole has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pafos is comprised of its old and new towns, with its harbour and Medieval Castle forming the focal point. The region also has quaint resorts further afield, including that of Polis Chrysochou and its fishing port of Latchi, and is home to areas of stunning natural splendour, including the Akamas Peninsula and its Avakas Gorge, Lara beach (where Green Turtles nest), and Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock/birthplace).

Although small in size, Pafos is big on the experiences it offers; a fascinating tapestry of modern tourist accommodation, shopping options and entertainment, woven with aspects that are immersed in antiquity and myth… which is why it was Aphrodite’s sanctuary then, and that of visitors the world over now.

Larnaka (Larnaca) City

Beautifully compact, easily accessible and truly authentic, Larnaka (Larnaca) is the island’s oldest soul; the longest continually inhabited region of Cyprus, with a history that dates back 4.000 years. And whilst it is rich in ancient culture, Larnaka is also a thriving and modern European city that offers the best of all worlds.

A characteristic feature of Larnaka is that tourists will find that there is no distinction between resort and town; locals and visitors alike can enjoy the same daily experience of a charming and diverse Mediterranean city. From stretches of varied coastline, a mix of traditional and cosmopolitan establishments and fascinating monuments, Larnaka seamlessly blends its two ‘faces’.

One of its most popular spots is the bustling promenade of Foinikoudes, which is lined with mature palm trees and flanked by beach, eateries and entertainment. Its coast joins with the sea walkway of Piale Pasha – which passes by quaint old neighbourhoods and fresh fish taverns – whilst its parallel shopping centre puts everything at your fingertips, and is home to the grand cathedral church of Agios Lazaros. As the town’s Patron Saint, the story and monument of Saint Lazarus serve as an enduring symbol of Larnaka’s significant religious history.

The town is also the most centrally positioned, offering easy access to other regions, whilst its small and scenic rural villages are famous for their local handicrafts.

For the warmest welcome, and a unique local atmosphere in a progressive town… Larnaka ticks all the boxes!
 

Larnaka Virtual Museums https://larnakaregion.com/larnaka-virtual-museums

360 video guide: https://virtuallarnakaregion.com/cwalk/

 

Lemesos (Limassol) City

The city of celebrations since ancient times, Lemesos (Limassol) continues its status as the festive centre of the island to this day and is vibrant and lively, yet also provides all the elements for a relaxing beach break, or an unhurried expedition of historical discovery.

From the wedding of Richard the Lionheart and the feasts in honour of ancient deities, to today’s carnival celebrations and Wine Festival, Lemesos has always attracted visitors in their flocks for its exciting events and social revelling.

Its position between two large city-kingdoms of ancient times – Amathous and Kourion – has blessed the area with a significant archaeological status, whilst the town in between is modern and diverse with a range of coastal strips, shopping options, drinking, dining and entertainment.

And Lemesos has the added bonus of being the island’s maritime capital, thanks to its main commercial and business port, and the exclusive, modern marina where both residents and visitors alike can enjoy sea views at one of the many waterfront establishments.

As its rural areas stretch upwards to the mountains, some of the island’s main winemaking villages can be found, giving the Lemesos region its unique link with the age-old tradition of viticulture.

For a voyage of cultural discovery and celebration, combined with sand, sea and mountains, Lemesos offers an experience not to be missed.

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