Top 10 Villages in Cyprus

Kalopanayiotis is one of the most interesting mountain resorts in Nicosia, Cyprus. It is situated in the Valley of Marathasa, at a distance of 70 kilometres from Nicosia and Limassol. The graphic two storey houses with their vines, the iamatic springs, the Venetian bridges and the cool nature trails with the colours and smells of the mountain, as well as the green valley of the Setrachou River compose an image of incomparable beauty. The main attraction and landmark of the village is the Monastery of Agiou Ioanni Lambadisti, which is on the UNESCO church list. The village also has another five churches and six chapels which were built between the 13th and 17th centuries. Visitors can also try their luck in trout fishing at the Kalopanayiotis Dam, as well as walk through one of the nature trails, visit the Kalopanayiotis Byzantine Museum and the Kykkos watermill near the village. There are also four picnic areas and seven accommodation properties.

Lofou is one of the most well-known wine village in the Limassol district. The village has very good vineyards due to the altitude in which it is built as well as the climate. Lofou is situated 26 kilometres northwest of the Limassol district and it is built amphitheatrically upon hills, to which is owes its name. The nature trail is a heavenly location that allows the visitor to wander to an extent of about 1 kilometre. The nature trail begins at the location of Tzillaka and ends at the village water fountain. Visitors can admire the natural beauty of the village and look at the Troodos mountain range. A traditional village like this one could not miss out on traditional Cypriot food that can be enjoyed at the taverns in the community. Visitors will fall in love with the graphic narrow roads of the village, the nature trail and the wonderful Cypriot food in the traditional taverns. Lofou also has a Museum of folk art and an Olive Museum. It is a favourite destination for many Cypriot and foreign tourists.

Kakopetria Village is built at the foothills of Troodos and is about 55 kilometres from the capital of Nicosia as well as Limassol. It is the highest village in the Valley of Solias. The ancient byzantine churches such as the Monastery of Agiou Nikolaou tis Stegis, the Chapel of Agiou Georgiou Perachoriti, the ancient Church of Panagia tis Theotokou, the Church of Metamorphoseos tou Sotira, and the Traditional Mill are some of the most unique sites that one can admire in the community. The most graphic and beautiful part of the area is Palia Kakopetria(Old Kakopetria), which is the point where the village was born. Today it is situated in the west part of the community, and is surrounded by the two rivers Karkoti and Garilli. A visitor can walk through the narrow streets, amongst the graphic houses and enjoy the traditional sweets which are made by the villagers.

Lefkara is one of the most well-known villages in Cyprus. It is situated on the south slopes in the Troodos mountain range, at a distance of about 40 kilometres from the town of Larnaca. The village is known for its embroideries as well as its silver. The name of the village comes from the white asbestos rock in the surrounding mountains. Lefkara is divided into two parts, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower) Lefkara, with Pano Lefkara being an independent municipality. Visitors can walk through the narrow streets of the village, amongst the houses with the tiled roofs and the graphic gardens and enjoy a walk through the small shops. The important sites in the village include the Folklore Museum, the Old water fountain and the Old olive mill. The village also has beautiful and ancient chapels such as the Church of Timios Stavros and the Chapel of Archangel Michael in Kato Lefkara.

Agros Village is one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus, and it is located in the Limassol district. Τhe village is built amphitheatrically amongst the mountains at an altitude of 1100 metres. It is one of the most interesting mountain villages in Cyprus and is head village in the area of Pitsilia. Agros received its name from the Great Agros Monastery that was built in the location which the Church of the Virgin Mary of Agros is located in today. The village is well known for its rose water industry, as well as its local products. Agros maintains the traditional character and has special natural beauty as well as rich historical and cultural areas. It preserves its customs and its traditions. With the modern motorways it forms a hub between Nicosia – Limassol and Troodos

Kathikas village is located about half way between the town of Paphos and Polis Chrysochous in the Paphos district. The village has the most traditional taverns and wonderful vineyards. Kathikas has a long history as a resting area for merchants which is also how the village got its name. It is said that when they rested they sat “kathontan” in Kathikas. Its green location and the stone built houses are a few of the characteristic that will win a visitor. The village also has magnificent views, as one can see Coral Bay, Akamas or the Troodos Mountain range and the Paphos Forest. It is famous for its vineyards, as the village is surrounded by them and is well known for the quality of its grapes. Many of the vineyards have belonged to the same family for generations. Two of the most well-known wineries open their doors to visitors so they may try the wines. One can enjoy walking through the nature trails in the village, and also visit Akamas.

Skarinou village is located in the Larnaca district, however it is located on the road axis that links Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. It is built amongst the hillslopes and forms the heart of Cyprus. Its houses are built with local stone and maintain the traditional architecture. The most imposing building in the village is the Church of Panagia Odigitria. The meeting point in Skarinou is the old water fountain that is located at the centre of the community. The village is well known for its embroideries which are available in the small shops in the village. Due to its picturesque and its privileged geographical position, its great climate, its natural beauty and the unique hospitality of the village, it began attracting the interest of many foreigners and locals. Visitors can spend their holidays in nature and get to know the customs, the traditional architecture and the traditional Cypriot cuisine. There is also the opportunity to experience the agriculture way of life and participate in farming activities.

Omodos village is a wine village located about 42 kilometres from the town of Limassol. It is built near the west bank of the Ha Potami River, at an average altitude of 810 metres. The village is one of the most popular destinations for both local and foreign visitors, as it is a quiet village, ideal for agrotourism. Omodos is considered to be one of the most graphic villages on the island, as it preserves its traditional architecture with its narrow stone paved streets and stone built houses. The village is well known for its embroideries, its wine, zivania and its arkatena pretzels. Even though it is a small village it has many attractions with the most popular being the Timios Stavros Monastery , the Museum of Struggle and the Omodos Centre for the Preservation of Narrow- Knit Lacing. Visitors can walk through the narrow streets of the village and relax in one of the coffee shops or restaurants located in the beautiful village square.

Platres village is located 39 kilometres northwest of the town of Limassol. More specifically it is situated is located in the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains and is one of the Krasochoria villages. The village of Platres is considered to be the largest resort in Troodos and is situated about 6 km from the Troodos square. The old buildings and houses have a particular architecture which one can enjoy while walking through the village centre. There are many sites in the village, mostly related to nature such as the various nature trails and the waterfalls. The Caledonia waterfall, is one of the tallest in Cyprus and the Millomeris waterfall is also located at a distance of one kilometre from its nature trail. The waterfalls attract thousands of visitors per year and the phenomenon is remarkable.

Kyperounta is the largest mountain village in Cyprus as belongs to the geographic district of Pitsilia. It is only 43 kilometres north of the town of Limassol and 78 kilometres from the town of Nicosia. The village is near the Troodos Mountains and it is built at an altitude of 1300 metres. The village was established during the Byzantine period and received its name due to a type of plant kypyros or kyperi, which is plentiful in the area. Kyperounta has many churches such as Agia Marina, Argios Arsenios , Timios Stavros and Panagia and Chrysosotiros. There are also three museums, the Natural History Museum, the Traditional Art Museum and the EOKA Struggle Museum. Other attractions in the village include the Kyperounta Winery and the Adventure Mountain Park. Visitors can also walk on one of the two wonderful nature trails in the village, the Doxa si o Theos and the Teisia tis Madaris nature trails.