Cyprus is sprinkled with numerous villages. Each one has its own special charm worth visiting. Whether it be for a particular wine, or special sweet treat, or just gorgeous views – you can’t go wrong with visiting them. Visit Cypriot villages and you won’t be disappointed. During our time in Cyprus, we spent 3 months in the foothills of the Troodos mountains and made a point to visit many villages. Several were worth multiple visits. There are also many other Cypriot villages we didn’t visit which are probably also great!

10 Beautiful Cypriot Villages

Dhoros

We were lucky enough to be able to stay in a Cypriot village for 3 months and that village was Dhoros, also sometimes called Doros. It is a rather small village of around 150 residents, most of whom are farmers tending to grape vines, with a few expats as well. The old water pump still operates as the only source of water for the village, pushing out crisp drinking water. Almond, citrus, and pomegranate trees line the streets creating a beautiful panoramic as one looks out over the village and valley below.

Despite the size, there are still a few small attractions worth checking out:

• Karseras Winery – one of the many wineries in the Troodos Mountains, Karseras specializes in the production of Commandaria dessert wine. Tastings are offered, and there is a wide selection from which to purchase bottles. We visited once and enjoyed the wines they offered, especially the Commandaria.
• Katerina Sweets – arguably the most famous sweet shop on the island, it produces authentic Cypriot style spoon sweets. Candied fruits and nuts are the specialties, but you’ll find plenty of jams, marmalades, and other similar items. We were surprised when we first visited because we had been expecting chocolates, but instead found fruits and carob. There is also a coffee shop on the veranda.
• Old Church of Agio Epiphanios – the original church in the town dating to the 14th and 15th century. You can still wander the grounds, just across the road from the new church. It is no longer operating, though.
• Panagia Galaktotrofousas – a slightly more modern, but still beautiful church in the center of town. The bells ring every Sunday calling the villagers to worship. It is dedicated to Christ’s mother.
• Community Tavern – the simple gathering place of the community most nights. Drinks and few mezes are offered. We would often hear the sounds of the Bouzouki drifting from the patio as the village enjoyed the evenings.
• Cemetery – it is simply a village cemetery but provides a glimpse into the past of the town. Villagers still maintain the grounds which makes for enjoyable evening strolls. We passed through on occasion just as twilight was descending when the candles were burning.
• Stone-built homes – almost all of the homes are built of stone. Most are nearly 200 hundred years old, and while there have certainly been repairs and upkeep, it’s worth walking amongst the old houses. The home we were watching was over 150 years old but had renovation combining two homes into one.

Best known for: production of Commandaria wine

Lania

Lania was just a little up the road from us in Dhoros – in fact, it was within walking distance. This quiet town is charming in its tranquility and beauty. The main road loops around in a large square, as opposed to cutting through the center of town. An old, yet still beautiful church, rises from the center.

Along the main road, a few restaurants, cafes, and taverns make their business – but be aware that they aren’t open every day of the week, and they tend to operate as they wish. There is also a small olive press museum to visit. It isn’t large – more of an open room with a couple of plaques, but it was operating a press at one time and is neat to look at. There is also a nice art gallery operated by British ex-pat Pat Thompson at the entrance to Lania. We visited a couple of times and had a pleasant time chatting with the couple that runs the gallery.

The quiet alleys and centuries-old grapevines really create the atmosphere of an ancient village. And of course, (and as is the case in many areas in Cyprus) numerous stray cats could be found lounging in shaded hiding spots.

Best known for: the Icon of Saint Mary of Valanas in the local church.

Monagri

This historic little village was just a few minutes walk down the road from us in Dhoros as well. While it may be a little on the small side. There are two monasteries and churches in the village, dating as far back as the 1600s. Here are some of the other attractions:

• Filfar Liqueur House, Monagri – Filfar is a world-famous Cypriot liqueur and it is based out of Monagri. The Commandaria region of the Troodos Mountains is renowned for its alcohol production, and Filfar House provides the perfect place to unwind and try a taste of Cyprus.
• Menargos winery, Monagri – further enforcing Monagri’s status as a top alcohol producer in the region, the Menargos winery is also located in this village. You can purchase over 40 different wines here, or have it shipped back to your home.
• Monagri Grape Farm, Monagri – more than just a farm, the Monagri Grape Farm serves the role of a cafe, tasting room, and sweets shop.

Best known for: Filfar

Agios Georgios

Across the valley from Monagri is Agios Georgios. It is a small village of around a hundred, consisting primarily of grape growers, and surrounding a village church and square. It is home to a welcoming pub called the Magic Teapot. The pub serves mostly drinks but also a few mezes – but you should make a point to stay for the music. We passed through on multiple occasions, mostly on back roads that provided a very scenic drive to the town of Lofou.

Best known for: The Magic Teapot (Expat pub)

Koilani

This village was located a few miles up and across the valley from us and was one of our favorites to visit. Once a relatively large and robust town of around 1300, the village today is made up of just over 200 inhabitants. Primarily, the village grows grape vines, citrus, almonds, pears, and olive. The town produces various alcohols as well. This village (though they all do to some extent) has a pretty interesting history and is an Arcadian colony. Here is a good website if you’d like a little more information on this – it’s a great source for information on many other villages as well.

We enjoyed exploring an abandoned mosque where we climbed to the top of the minaret, dining at a wonderful cafe – To Korineon – and hiking down the valley to the remains of a medieval bridge. It seemed that every time we visited, we would find some new little treasure to explore. While technically outside of the Koilani, the ancient church of Agia Mavri stands near the base of the hill.

Best known for: grapes (which produce wine, raisins, etc.)

Omodos

Omodos is a beautiful village, with a more substantial population and history than some of the other Cypriot villages. It is easy to access – being only 40 km north of Limassol – by tour bus or rental car.

Omodos square is a wide avenue, lined with cafes and restaurants along the way. Indulge in meze or even a waffle! In August, the town celebrates with a wine festival, due to its winegrowing culture.

At the end of Omodos square, is the entrance to the Monastery of Stavros, or the Monastery of the Holy Cross, one of the oldest monasteries on the island. You can learn more about its interesting history here. The grounds are in magnificent shape and a must-see. Inside you’ll find:

• •  A small, but still great museum displaying relics and the history of the monastery
• •  Fine wood workrooms and furniture
• •  Relics, including the Holy Rope of the Cross (the rope which tied Christ’s hands to the cross)

As you go further into the village, along the streets are numerous shops and stalls all beckoning for a closer look. Sweets, lace, art, and even blown-glass all make an appearance. If you aren’t careful you’ll find yourself wandering for hours in the labyrinth of alleyways. Give yourself at least a half day to comfortably wander the old cobbled streets. But to do the town justice, go ahead and give yourself a day.

Best known for: Monastery of the Holy Cross

*Kyle’s favorite village

Trimiklini

Image Courtesy of: Evgeny Smirnov

Making the weekly trip to Trimiklini from Dhoros for groceries yielded a great treat. It stands right where the hills suddenly turn from desert to forest. The village boasts several large restaurants, a gas station, cafes, a grocery store and a farmer’s markets.

Trimiklini is most notable for its medieval-era double arched bridge spanning a waterfall. We could see this from the parking lot of the grocery store we frequented but got a better view on a road on our way to a hike. There is also a historic church, Panayia Eleousa dating back to 1744.

Best known for: the double arched bridge

Lofou

An ancient city, inhabited since the bronze age, Lofou rests on a hill in-between two mountains is a must-see. Sunsets are gorgeous panoramas of valleys and canyons.We went here twice at that time. It’s magic.

We enjoyed just walking down the cobblestone streets but it’s another wine village so you can find vineyards as well. Whether or not it’s the case overall, we personally found the villagers here to be the friendliest. The town provides a great atmosphere. Here are some of the other attractions:

• Churches – Panagia Chrysolofitissa Church (the big one), Agios Georgios Chapel, along with a couple smaller chapels
• Caves – we didn’t see them but there are a couple old caves
• Museums – including the Olive Press Museum, the Folk Art Museum and one on community agriculture
• Nature trail – this leads to the Faucet of Elitzi, where the villagers used to go for their water
• The elementary school – it’s actually a really nice-looking building (built in the 1920s) and the area behind it looks over the village
• Restaurants and cafes (or “Tavernas”)

Best known for: the local wine and food, but we also loved the vista views

*Briana’s favorite village

 

Platres

Home to Milomeri falls, the tallest waterfall in Cyprus, this village deep in the foothills of the Troodos mountains serves as a popular tourist destination. We recommend going in the off-season to avoid crowds of up to 10,000 in a town of 500. The village dates back to the 1100s.

Best known for: the waterfall

Lefkara

Unlike the other villages on this list, Lefkara is not in the southern part of the Troodos mountains – but the eastern side. The village is known for lacemaking – this is the places to go if you want lace, and for its beauty. It’s considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. A village of around 1000 people, many of the residents are ex-pats, and the town receives many tourists each year.

Cafes, bars, and shops abound – yet you can still find plenty of old and abandoned homes to explore too. Be sure to check out the church as well.

Best known for: Lace-making

These are just 10 of our favorite Cypriot villages, and there are so many more left for you to discover. But there are always ways to make your experience just a little bit better, and we’ve gathered a few such items that we think might help you out. If you aren’t sure you want to try to tackle it all by yourself, you can choose these tours to get a taste of Cyprus.

Tours from:

• Limmasol – visit the ancient ruins of Kourion, wander through the Crusade-age castle of Kolossi, and then finish your day in Omodos. Book your tour here.
• Larnaka – starting off with a visit to Nicosia, you then find your way through the Troodos mountains and later find yourself in Lania. From there you proceed to Limmasol before returning back to Larnaka. Book your tour here.
• Pafos –  begin your day at a Donkey farm, then work your way up to the base of the Troodos mountains to experience the art village of Lania and winemaking in Monagri. Book your tour here.

*Married with Maps is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

• Water Bottles – Collapsible Water Bottles – These are some of our favorite items to bring with us. They’re really light-weight and you can also roll them up so you can store them away easily. If there is one item that is most important to bring with you, it is water.
• Hiking Clothes – It can be really tempting to just throw on your regular day clothes as you explore these villages, but the sun can be pretty intense, and we recommend something perfectly designed for this kind of place. A recent addition to our wardrobe has made a big difference. For him | For her
• Sun Screen – If you don’t cover up with clothes, then you should wear sunscreen.TSA Approved Sunscreen
• Footwear – The villages of Cyprus require a lot of walking, and much of it on cobblestone and rough terrain. You want to wear something that will be comfortable to wear all day, but also keep up with the rigorous demands. Slip-on hiking shoe.

Top 10 Beautiful Cypriot Villages – Pin It!

Have you been to these or any another Cypriot villages? If you’ve visited any of them, let us know you’re favorite!