A Self-Drive Tour to Create Your Own Adventure
Village Route 1 - Limassol Disctrict
There are many sites to visit and rich natural beauty on this village route, which will take you through the «Krasochoria» (wine producing villages) of cyprus. You can choose to visit some highlights and stop in other places for food or drinks. You should not miss the «Oleastro Olive Park», especially if you have
children with you, the «Pera Pedi», where you can enjoy a walk by the river to the old village, the stunning scenery on the road from Arsos to Agios Nicolaos, the Kolossis Castle, Headquarters of the Crusader Knights of St. John Hospitaller, the Erimi Wine Museum and the Akrotiri Peninsula with its’ salt lake, which in the spring and autumn hosts more than 260 species of migratory birds. Please be advised that the prices and opening hours listed in the guide may change. To avoid disappointment (particularly during the pruning and harvesting time) do call ahead of time if the guide indicates that you need to need to pre-arrange your visit to a site
Village Route 2 - Larnaka (Orini) District
West of Larnaca and east of Limassol lies a region that waits to be explored. With the exception of the village of Lefkara – famous for its lace and embroidery – other villages nearby are less known, but equally charming. From the Orini (mountainous) villages you have wonderful views of the coast, and most importantly you have the unique opportunity to spend time close to nature and the people and culture of Cyprus. This hidden part of the island is ideal for those wishing to leave the busy coast for a day and make a short, but exciting, journey of discovery on their own. This journey takes you away from the cosmopolitan Lemesos (Limassol) – Agia Napa – Protaras – on a route which starts from the 7th millenium B.C. ancient site of Choirokitia to traditional villages, monasteries, museums and tavernas which are conducive to a harmonious co-existence of man with nature. It is this wonderful blend that we invite you to experience. Step back in time and discover ancient traditions and sacred places and enjoy the wonderful hospitality with locally produced delicacies from the region
Village Route 3 - Famagusta Dictrict (Red Earth and Windmills)
Set in the Famagusta District, the Red Earth and Windmills route lies in the southern part of the district that has not been occupied by Turkish forces during the 1974 invasion and goes through many of the Kokkinochoria (red villages) – a name derived from the red colour of this area’s soil. A trade mark of the area is the many windmills that turn hurriedly in the fields and the yards of old and modern houses. We invite you on this route to discover the real Cyprus away from the busy cosmopolitan centres. The route offers the surprise of an old quiet chapel in the middle of a busy village square, visits to folkloric museums where you can travel back in time, as well as a view of occupied Famagusta. If you like walking, or cycling, the Red Earth and Windmills route includes many walk paths and bicycle trails that take you through the exceptionally beautiful nature park at the tip of the peninsula. Village Route 4 - Troodos Green Heart of Cyprus
The region of Troodos is made up of many small, unknown villages which are ready to welcome you. Some of the larger villages are very popular among the locals for a Sunday outing. Once you get to the high peaks of the Troodos mountains, you have panoramic views of the south part of the island, specifically the city of Limassol, the Salt Lake and the Peninsula of Akrotiri. Higher up, on the north slopes of the mountains, you have a view of the central plain of Mesaoria and Nicosia – the capital of the island – as well as Pentadaktylos Mountains in the northern occupied part of the Island. A large part of this route is known as the Commandaria region and takes its name from the famous wine of the island that is produced in the area. Known to Homer and Isiodos, this sweet wine was originally called «Nama Kyprion». The area spreads between 400 and 1400 metres of altidude and gives the visitor the opportunity to admire the beautiful terraced and vineyards that give a variety of native and non-local types of grapes. Archaeological evidence proved that some of the local varieties of grapes have been cultivated on the island for more than 4000 years. Village Route 5 - Pitsilia
Situated in the heart of the island, Pitsilia spreads between the districts of Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. It is surrounded by the Troodos National Forest on the West, Adelfoi forest to the north and the Machairas forest to the East. Some of the highest mountain peaks on the island such as that of Adelfoi 1613m and Papoutsa 1554m are found in Pitsilia. Also in Pitsilia are some of the highest villages including Chardria – the second highest village on the island after Prodromos. Rock formations in the area like hatzburgite, gabro, werlite, diabasis and pillow lava form interesting shapes and colours, and from the areas’s deep valleys originate many of the villages of Pitsilia make some of the best commandaria, and the area’s pork meat products are found all over the island. Some believe that the name Pitsilia originates from the ancient Greek word ‘pitys’ which means pine tree, therefore Pitsilia means an area full of pine trees. Others, however, believe that the name originates from the byzantine word ‘pitillin’ a type of embroidered scarf worn by women on the island until recently. Village Route 6 - North Pafos and Akamas
