The fact that two of our top 8 foodie hotels are in Cyprus is a strong hint that the country’s gastronomic offering is noteworthy, but the delicious Cypriot cuisine is just one of many draws to this remarkable Mediterranean island. Another is the alluring charm of staying in rural villages in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, experiencing the warm hospitality that the Cypriot people are so famous for. Taking a holiday in the Cyprus countryside allows you to really connect with the destination and its people, as well enjoy appetising Cypriot food accompanied with wine produced from grapes growing on the slopes of the mountains around you.
Agrotourism, as this way of holidaying is known, is growing in popularity as it offers an authentic experience and is often a more sustainable way to travel. If you’re thinking of a holiday to the Cyprus countryside or combining a rural visit with one of the main resorts or cities as part of a Cyprus twin centre, then read on for our guide to enchanting villages in Cyprus.
Goudi
On the banks of the River Tzelepis 20 miles from Paphos, this sleepy village is home to just 150 residents. It’s a great place if your holiday plan includes walks, horse-riding, or picnics in the stunning local scenery.
Miliou
If a population of 150 is just too many, then try Miliou which has under half that! Two weeks here and you’ll be on first name terms with many of the locals. Closer to Paphos (just 16 miles away), it’s the perfect balance between being away from it all, but close enough to the city when you seek a faster pace of life.
Omodos
Further east, and just 25 miles from Limassol, you’ll find the narrow cobble stoned streets of Omodos. As you make your way up the winding road to the village, you’ll pass a handful of wine producers. The dessert wine has won awards and is well worth a stop to taste.
Polis & Latchi
With a combined population in the low thousands, Polis and Latchi are more of a town than a village, but with the slightly larger size, comes a wider range of hotels and facilities. Latchi is on northern coast by the Akamas National Park and, being a fishing village, has some excellent restaurants. Its long sand and pebble beach is a popular swimming spot, and the surrounding area provides a stunning backdrop to enviable holiday photos. Polis is just a couple of miles inland and is the place to go for mouth-watering Cypriot mezes and hearty cuisine.
Kalopanayiotis
One of the most stunning of all villages in Cyprus is Kalopanayiotis. Spilling down the mountainside, offering it’s visitors jaw-dropping panoramic views, the village exudes charm with its traditional buildings, historic chapels and natural springs.
