Larnaca - a large, beautiful, and interesting city. It has numerous attractions and beautiful beaches... Why would you need to go anywhere else? However, the villages of Cyprus are a whole different story. They offer a special atmosphere and wonderful rural landscapes that reveal the island's charm from a different perspective. Here are the top 5 villages in Cyprus that are definitely worth visiting!
1. Oroklini (Voroklini)
This village is located near Larnaca and can be considered its suburban area. Regular buses connect Oroklini, making it easily accessible even without renting a car.
The village has its own clean beach and a charming promenade. Oroklini is a perfect place for an extended stay due to its convenient location and infrastructure. However, if time is limited, a day trip will suffice to see all the main attractions.
The first one to explore is the historical center of the village with its old houses and narrow streets. The "center" itself is not large, as Oroklini is generally a modern location, preferred by those who dislike the hustle and bustle of Larnaca. But there's enough to explore on leisurely walks.
Make sure to visit two ancient landmarks – the Byzantine Church of Archangel Michael (17th century) and the Church of Prophet Elijah (16th century) located on the hilltop. From here, you can also organize a hike along the elevation to enjoy magnificent views of the surroundings and the sea.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Oroklini Lake, a gathering place for numerous birds, some of which are considered rare. During winter, you might be lucky to witness flamingos, making this a great sightseeing spot during the off-season. The lake is a protected area and has an observation platform for birdwatching.
2. Lefkara
Lefkara is a large and incredibly beautiful village, divided into two parts: Pano Lefkara (Upper) and Kato Lefkara (Lower). It's worth taking a stroll in both areas to experience as much as possible. For walking enthusiasts, we recommend venturing beyond Lefkara and reaching the ancient chapel of Archangel Michael.
The first thing you should do in Lefkara is to take a leisurely walk. The village boasts picturesque and colorful streets with traditional houses, each resembling a work of art. While not enormous, Lefkara is still a sizable village, with around 2000 inhabitants, so take your time to explore everything at a relaxed pace. Be sure to take a "break" and have a meal at a local café – Cypriot cuisine will delight you not only with delicious dishes but also with generous portions.
Along the way, you'll encounter three iconic landmarks: the so-called "blue house," the ancient chapel of Ayios Mamas, and the Holy Cross Church. Here, you'll also find a viewpoint offering stunning views of the surroundings – don't forget to take photos as a keepsake.
During your stroll, you'll come across three prideful aspects of Lefkara: its unique lace, silverware, and sweets. The lace is known as "lefkaritika," and it has been a part of Cyprus for about 8 centuries. Today, it is recognized as the island's national heritage, and handcrafted items can be purchased in Lefkara and other Cypriot cities. However, only here can you witness how it's made: on the streets, you'll find skilled craftswomen, usually elderly ladies, working on their latest masterpieces.
If lefkaritika is a female craft, then the male counterpart is jewelry making. In Lefkara, artisans create exquisite silver figurines and jewelry, displaying remarkable delicacy and elegance. Again, you can see the craftsmen at work simply by passing by their workshops.
Lastly, don't forget to buy some Lefkara sweets. Each Cypriot village produces its own delights, including sujuk, amazing preserves, and other delicacies. However, Lefkara is particularly renowned for its loukoumi (Turkish delight).
3. Choirokoitia
Choirokoitia is worth visiting not only for its ancient churches, although they are undoubtedly worth seeing too. Choirokoitia is renowned for being one of the oldest settlements not only in Cyprus but in the entire Europe.
Only a few remnants from the Neolithic village remain today, so experts have reconstructed some buildings for illustrative purposes. The reconstruction allows one to grasp how the ancient settlement looked and what activities people engaged in during that era. Approximately 9000 years old, it was occupied by the first settlers who practiced agriculture and livestock farming.
Interestingly, the remains of ancient people were also found here – burials were made right beneath the houses. History enthusiasts will undoubtedly find Choirokoitia very intriguing.
Moreover, Choirokoitia offers a great opportunity to relax and enjoy delicious food. The village boasts several exquisite restaurants and picturesque hotels. A little further away from the ancient settlement, one can discover the remains of a medieval fortress, and if you have a car, it's recommended to visit a farm where traditional Cypriot halloumi cheese is produced.
4. Zygi
Zygi is a small and peaceful village located on the sea coast. What could attract tourists to it? In fact, Zygi is considered a gastronomic paradise in Cyprus for those who love seafood. It is here that the most delicious and freshest fish are caught and prepared.
Along the seafront, there are quite a few taverns, all offering freshly caught and freshly prepared catch. You can even go on a sea fishing trip – many fishermen offer this activity for holidaymakers. Whatever you catch will be cooked for you for lunch or dinner.
Tip: if you want to try as much as possible in one go, order a fish meze. And be attentive – it's a whole "set" of dishes, so one meze is better suited for two people.
In addition to the gastronomic delights, Zygi offers aesthetic pleasure as well. The village boasts a beautiful bay, clean beaches, and a tranquil atmosphere. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle and want to visit a peaceful sea coast, Zygi will definitely please you. You can take a leisurely stroll through the village streets, visit the lighthouse, and swim in the sea.
If you have time and desire, you can head to Mazotos, where a camel park is located. You can feed the animals and even ride them. This type of entertainment is popular among families with children.
5. Kiti
The large village of Kiti is located very close to Larnaca Airport. It is known for maintaining its historical appearance and Cypriot charm despite its modernity and development.
The first thing to visit in Kiti (besides the local streets, of course) is the church of Panagia Angeloktisti. It was built in the 11th century, and legend has it that it was constructed by angels in just one night. Inside, it is adorned with frescoes and mosaics from approximately the same period as the church itself.
Not far away, there is a medieval bridge – it has been preserved quite well, considering it is about 500 years old. It is also recommended to visit the medieval tower of Rigena, which looks impressive and is associated with an enigmatic mystical history. The fact is, there are many mentions of a certain Queen Rigena in Cyprus, but historians have not been able to confirm her existence through documentary evidence.
In contrast to the mythical, Kiti has a quite realistic "institution" – an observatory. Here, both adults and children can immerse themselves in science and observe celestial bodies and phenomena.
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