Agrotourism in Cyprus: Finding the hidden jewels of the island!

Cyprus offers a wide range of breath-taking attractions, including golden shores, picturesque alleys, and spectacular nature trails. Travelers from all over the world are visiting the island of Cyprus every year to explore numerous fascinating journeys across the country, while uncover its interesting culture and history. Cyprus is an ideal place for relaxation, but also for fascinating activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, wine tasting and many more. For the visitors who seek alternative holiday destinations, apart from the tourist hotspots, agrotourism might be the perfect fit!

Agrotourism in Cyprus provides a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy calmness and scenic views, guided by nature’s beauty and local tradition! Hundreds of timeless villages and towns, historical churches, coffee-shops, traditional shops, and restaurants can be found all over the country, offering a great opportunity for photographers to immortalize exquisite beauty. By walking through the winding streets of villages and towns, you can unfold the history of the past centuries, while learning fascinating stories of the island from its locals.

In this article we present 5 well-known destinations through which you can enjoy Cyprus’ best picturesque views to the fullest!

Ι. Kakopetria Village

The village of Kakopetria is a notable village to visit. It is located on the south-west of Nicosia upon the foothill of the Troodos Mountains. Thus, it provides a great hiking opportunity for those who love to walk in nature and enjoy the fresh air. ‘Atalanti trail’ and ‘Monopati tis Vateris’ are two of the most well-known trails in the village where you can admire fruit-bearing trees, such as apple trees, apricot and peach trees, as well as the endless green spaces of the village. When visiting Kakopetria, do not forget to discover the traditional mills, the ancient churches, and the historical sightseeing of the village, such as the monastery of Saint Nicholas Stegis, which is part of the UNESCO heritage sites. ‘Old Kakopetria’ is definitely worth exploring too! There, you can discover the heart of the village, walk through stone-built paths, traditional architecture, ancient chapels, and of course enjoy the local food and sweets.

ΙΙ. Lofou

Lofou village is listed by UNESCO as an architecturally important village, which proves the significance of its area. Taking its name from the Greek word ‘lofos’, which means ‘hill’, the village is located between Paphos and Limassol, upon the peak of a hill. It is part of a well-known wine district in Cyprus, while is famous for its soft climate and ideal conditions to growth vineyards. When visiting Lofou, do not forget to check out the wood carving workshops, taste the traditional products of the area, and of course the local wine!

ΙΙΙ. Polis Chrysochous

Aerial bird eye view of Goudi village in Polis Chrysochous valley, Paphos, Cyprus. View of traditional ceramic tile roof houses, church, trees, hills and Akamas – Latchi beach bay from above.

If you are searching for romantic evenings by the sea, breath-taking natural beauty, and a place to relax and rest, Polis Chrysochous is an ideal choice. Located on the northest side of Cyprus, near Akamas Peninsula and Paphos, the area combines the calmness of the sea and the richness of nature, creating an idyllic scene for everyone. Polis Chrysochous, also known simply as ‘Polis’, is a perfect refuge for visitors who are searching for a quiet place away from the town’s noise and routine. It is a place where you can escape from everyday life by walking at Aphrodite’s baths and be enchanted by the beauty of hidden lakes and trails!

ΙV. Choirokoitia

The village of Choirokoitia is an important archaeological landmark in Cyprus. The area constitutes an impressive example of the initial establishment of sedentary communities on the island during the Cypriot Neolithic Age. Located near the cities of Nicosia, Larnaka and Limassol, Choirokoitia provides easy access to everyone who wants to discover more about the island’s ancient history and culture. When visiting the site, follow the natural trail of the village which ends at the archaeological settlement, an impressive site that is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

V. Lefkara

Located in the Larnaka district, Lefkara is well-known for its silver handicrafts, and of course, its lace! The village is famous for its artistic creations, known as ‘lefkaritika’. Their patterns are mainly based and inspired by nature and crafted carefully by the locals. Lefkara village is included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and is famous for its delicious sweets and food, known as ‘loukoumi’ and ‘tavas’. When visiting the village, discover the several chapels of the area, take a look at the lace and silverware shops and enjoy the panoramic view!