Marathasa Villages
On your climb to Toodos mountain find them from the north along the Lefkosia-Evrychou-Troodos road and from the south along the Lemesos-Platres-Prodromos road.
Pedoulas Village
Climbing at an altitude of 1100 meters find the quaint village of Pedoulas. Engulfed in pine trees and cherry trees for which it is known for, the popular destination offers rich history and tranquil scenery.
Pedoulas’ history dates back to the Byzantine times, and by the end of World War II, the village was a pioneer in tourism and cherry production, setting it as the cultural and commercial centre of the Marathasa region.
Pedoulas Village
Climbing at an altitude of 1100 meters find the quaint village of Pedoulas. Engulfed in pine trees and cherry trees for which it is known for, the popular destination offers rich history and tranquil scenery.
Pedoulas’ history dates back to the Byzantine times, and by the end of World War II, the village was a pioneer in tourism and cherry production, setting it as the cultural and commercial centre of the Marathasa region.
Dive into history and visit the Byzantine Museum of Pedoulas, housing icons and sacred relics dating back to the 13th century. Discover the cultural history of the village at the Folkloric Museum, exhibiting items and customs of everyday life from days gone by. Admire landmarks such as the Holy Cross, towering at 25 meters above the west of the village, and the Makarios statue, a statue of the island’s first president.
Encounter the many churches dotted around the village, dating back to the 14th century. Visit Agios Onoufrios church, located in the centre of the village, Agios Panagiotis chapel, the wooden roof chapel of Panagia Vorini, the 14th century basilica chapel of Agia Paraskevi and the 14th century chapel of Agios Georgios. The main church of the village is the Timios Stavros church, built in 1935, kept within is a precious Cross and vividly coloured frescos. Admire the contemporary church of Agios Rafael, built in 1996 in modern architectural lines, adorned with contemporary frescoes and icons. The most notable of them all is the Archangel Michael church, dating back to 1474 and is listed amongst other 9 churches as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire pristine frescoes encased in traditional architecture.
Adventure into nature and trek along one of the Nature trails of the region, discover the numerous water springs and admire the famous cedar tree of Pedoulas on the village outskirts, towering at 18 meters high. Relax at the local cafes and restaurants and enjoy local cuisine and delicious desserts.
Visit the village during the Cherry Festival and enjoy the summer fruit along with other agricultural products in the company of a folkloric entertainment programme.
Kalopanayiotis Village
Nestles amidts verdant scenery, with healing waters running through, the village of Kalopanayiotis sits at the foothills of the Troodos mountains. Dating back to the 11th century the historic village combines nature and culture into one.
More InformationKalopanayiotis Village
Nestles amidts verdant scenery, with healing waters running through, the village of Kalopanayiotis sits at the foothills of the Troodos mountains. Dating back to the 11th century the historic village combines nature and culture into one.
Tradidional, restored stone build houses perched on the hills, with winding cobbled streets adorned with carnations and greenery. Across the river is the Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery, and between the two a 16th century Venetion bridge, acting as the only access route to the village. Trek down the hill to the river, and discover picturesque spots beneath lush trees and forgotten springs. Visit the Kykkos watermill, a cultural heritage monument designated by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, standing as a pre-industrial period building.
Dotted amongst the village are chapels such as the Agios Andronikos and Agia athanasia church, Archangelos Michael churc and Panayia Theoskepasti chapel.
Journey across to the Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery, clinging on the slopes of the above the river Setrachos. Overlooking the village of Kalopanagiotis, the monastery consists of builds dating from the 11th to the 18th century each added to the complex over time. Listed as one of the 10 churches on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, it offers visitors a taste of the past. Move below the church of Agios Ioannis Lambadistis and unearth the saint’s miraculous remains in a silver plated reliquary, dating to the 12th century. Visit the 11th century church of Saint Herakleidios, and admire the ancient wood templon and unique frescoes. Additionally, discover the Italian influence in Cyprus by visiting the Latin Chapel housing the most complete series of Italo-Byzantine art.
Around the corner find the Byzantine Museum. Housed within are ecclesiastical artifacts dating many centuries back each one with an important story to tell. All exhibits have been recovered from churches in other villages or survived within the monastery and were preserved and maintained in the museum.
After an activity filled day, fill your tummies with delicious Cypriot cuisine at the local restaurants, enjoy a relaxing afternoon coffee with stunning views of the mountains at the local cafes or spend the night at one of the many traditional houses which have been converted into agri-tourism accommodation, which include spa and wine bar.
Moutoulas Village
In the heart of the Marathasa valley, built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 800 meters is the beautiful village of Moutoullas. Renowned for its waters, trek down the path towards the ‘Baths of Rigena’ and to ‘Chlio’ and discover springs of sulphurous waters. In addition, discover the crystal clear drinking waters of the village…
More InformationMoutoulas Village
In the heart of the Marathasa valley, built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 800 meters is the beautiful village of Moutoullas.
Renowned for its waters, trek down the path towards the ‘Baths of Rigena’ and to ‘Chlio’ and discover springs of sulphurous waters. In addition, discover the crystal clear drinking waters of the village, which attracted vsitors from far and near in order to fill a bottle of water. Blessed with such waters, the cultivation of fruit trees is thriving.
Dotted among the village are the church of Agia Paraskevi, the main village church, the church of Prophet Elias, offering panoramic landscape views, the church of Metamorphosis of the Saviour and the wooden church of Agios Mamas. The most notable of all is the church of Panagia of Moutoulla, a 13th century stone built church, belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
For the nature lovers, a stroll along the nature trails promises scenic views and the Cypriot flora stretching around you. Discover The Bridge of those in Love and promise eternal love to your beloved or the place where the Medieval queen Rigena used to take her bath. During the summer months be entertained with outdoor movies screenings and music concerts.
Oikos village
The picturesque village of Oikos is found at an altitude of 650 meters on the slopes east of the valley of the river Sitrachos.
Take a stroll around the village and admire streams descending mountain slopes with traditional stone build houses built one on top of each other, steeped in verdant vegetation. Visit the old primary…
Oikos Village
The picturesque village of Oikos is found at an altitude of 650 meters on the slopes east of the valley of the river Sitrachos.
Take a stroll around the village and admire streams descending mountain slopes with traditional stone build houses built one on top of each other, steeped in verdant vegetation. Visit the old primary school and the monument dedicated to the hero Charakambos Kassaris.
Within the village discover the village churches. Standing imposingly, the stony church of Agia Varvara boasts Byzantine icons and stunning frescoes. North of the community find the church of Agios Nikolaos, a 12th century church, adorned with murals barely surviving since the Ottoman rule when it was burned. Visit the small chapel of Agios Ioannis Prodromos and the church of Panagia Agniotissa built more recently in 1990 and 2000 respectively. Finally trek to the water springs near the village and unearth The Holy Water of Agios Lazaros and the ruins of a church dedicated to the Saint.
Enjoy the unspoilt nature the village offers and trek into one of the trails, take in the many endemic plants, the towering trees along the river and discover the most ancient link to the neighbouring communities the bridge of Agia Varvara.
Treis Elies Village
Built at an altitude of 845 meters, the small village of Treis Elies sits on the banks of the Drakontas river. Decorated with fruit trees such as apple, cherry and prune trees as well as vineyards cultivated in the village along with the wild vegetation of pine, oak, terebinth, plane and cedar trees the village is drenched in lush greenery.
More InformationTreis Elies Village
Built at an altitude of 845 meters, the small village of Treis Elies sits on the banks of the Drakontas river. Decorated with fruit trees such as apple, cherry and prune trees as well as vineyards cultivated in the village along with the wild vegetation of pine, oak, terebinth, plane and cedar trees the village is drenched in lush greenery.
Its history dates back to the Medieval times, and has seen many changed during the periods of occupations. Retaining its rural character, stone-built houses with red tiled roofs are dotted around the village some abandoned and some restored.
Visit the churches of the village, such as the 17th or 18th wooden roofed church of Archangel Micheael, and the 17th century church of Agia Paraskevi. Discover the Venetian bridges located to the south of the community and the sulphur spring northeast of the river.
Spend the night at one of the restored traditional homes, and experience rural life to the fullest.
Lemithou Village
On the foothills of the Troodos mountain the scenic village of Lemithou sits at an altitude of 1100 meters. Steeped in lush green vegetation and rogue surroundings it is one of the highest mountainous villages of the island. With a cool climate all year round and annual rainfall, fruit trees such as apple, pear, prune and cherry trees are cultivated.
More InformationLemithou Village
On the foothills of the Troodos mountain the scenic village of Lemithou sits at an altitude of 1100 meters. Steeped in lush green vegetation and rogue surroundings it is one of the highest mountainous villages of the island. With a cool climate all year round and annual rainfall, fruit trees such as apple, pear, prune and cherry trees are cultivated.
Encounter the four churches found in the village and admire culture and history encased in stone built structures. The church of Panagia Iamatic, originally built in 1721 and restored in 1862, houses many icons of the 17th century. The wooden roofed church of Agios Theodoros, functioned as the main temple of the village in the 16th century, storing byzantine rare icons from the 13th to the 19th century. Finally, visit the chapel of Saint Nicholas, where you can also fine the Pictorial House Museum, displaying Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, and the chapel of Saint George.
A visit to the Folk Art Museum, will give you an insight into the history of rural life with exhibits of tools and everyday household items of the past. For nature lovers, the village is the ideal base for hikes and mountain bike rides at the nature trails that cross the region. Relax at the local coffee shops and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.
Kampos Village
The charming village of Kampos or Kampos tis Tsiakkistra, emerges in the valley crossed by the Kampos river. With century old history, its name is thought to have derived from the 4th century AD where copper miners set up camp in the plateau of the valley. However, the village was recorded in maps in 1754.
More InformationKampos Village
The charming village of Kampos or Kampos tis Tsiakkistra, emerges in the valley crossed by the Kampos river. With century old history, its name is thought to have derived from the 4th century AD where copper miners set up camp in the plateau of the valley. However, the village was recorded in maps in 1754.
Numerous chapels and churches are dotted around the region, the most notable of all being the church of Saint Kyriakos the Anachoriti, the largest wooden roofed church of the island, built in 1881. Encounter the chapels of Agia Varvara, a recently rebuilt church, and the Monastery of Panagia Eliakon, built in the 15th century.
Discover rhe old olive mill as well as the water mill, visit the village fountains of ‘Krya Vrysi’ in the village centre, the ‘Anefani Vrysi’ and the ‘Vrysi of Stremmaton’. Dive further into the village history at the Folklore Museum, housed in the ‘Matsouka’ old home.
Sample local produce from the cultivated fruit trees and vineyards, and the produce wine, the local spirit of zivania, vinegar, raisins and the traditional sweet of soutzouko.
Enjoy the unspoilt nature at the nature trails and cycling routes. Visit the scenic picnic areas along the Kampos river, ‘Kalonomati’ and ‘Agia Varvara’ or admire the protected trees, the perennial enormous ‘Oak of Epiphany’ and Lacopernia, found in the centre of the village.
Gerakies Village
The amphitheatrically built settlement of Gerakies village sits at an altitude of 925 meters on the hillside of Marathasa. The village dates back 700 years ago, and begun from the church of Saint Nicholas built by exiled priests.
More InformationGerakies Village
The amphitheatrically built settlement of Gerakies village sits at an altitude of 925 meters on the hillside of Marathasa. The village dates back 700 years ago, and begun from the church of Saint Nicholas built by exiled priests.
Take a stroll around the village and discover the monastery of Saint Nicholas and the church of Agia Tridaia. The stone built chapel of Agios Georgios, with the imposing bell tower and the chapel of Agios Sozomenos, next to which the miraculous stone ‘Agiopetra’ is found.
Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature at the nature trail. Take in the fresh air fragranced by the wild shrubs and the pine forest, appreciate the rocky slopes and listen the melodic sounds of the birds residing in nature. Visit the old stone built spring ‘Kato Vrysi’ nestled in lush vegetation.
Sample locally sourced cuisine, local spirits of wine and zivania as well as delectable sweets made from the fruit trees cultivated in the area and ‘palouze’, made from grape juice from the cultivated vines.
Paliomylos Village
Located north of the Troodos mountains, the quaint village of Paliomylos sits at an altitude of 1040 meters. With a number of streams of the Diarizos River running across and the surrounding forest engulfing the village, enjoy a serene stroll around the village.
More InformationPaliomylos Village
Located north of the Troodos mountains, the quaint village of Paliomylos sits at an altitude of 1040 meters. With a number of streams of the Diarizos River running across and the surrounding forest engulfing the village, enjoy a serene stroll around the village.
Perhaps one of the most recent villages of the area, the history of Paliomylos dates back to the Ottoman rule and takes its name from the watermill which existed near and where the first family lived and used.
Despite the high annual rainfall, the poor soil morphology limits the margins of agricultural growth. Vines, fruit trees such as apple, cherry, pear and peach trees, and walnut trees are cultivated in the limited ground.
Admire the charm of the fold architecture maintained by the stone built houses. Discover the 17th century church of Savros boasting frescoes from the same century or relax within nature at the picnic area, known as Cabin of the Monk.
Kaminaria Village
In the verdant hills of the Marathasa valley, at an altitude of 780 meters, emerges the small village of Kaminaria. Its name originates from the numerous kilns used to make pottery.
More InformationKaminaria Village
In the verdant hills of the Marathasa valley, at an altitude of 780 meters, emerges the small village of Kaminaria. Its name originates from the numerous kilns used to make pottery.
Stroll around the village and admire the four churches dotted around. The church of Agios Georgios, built in the 18th century found in the village center, the church of Agios Ermolaos, a 17th century build, the church of Saint Vasilios, a 16th century build and the church of Panagia Kardovastazousa, also built in the 16th century. Each one with its own story to tell and its own art to boast.
Visit the traditional café famous for its Cypriot specialties or visit the village during the fest of St. Ermolaos, where the village comes to life. Discover the Venetian bridge, found 4km from the village and connects the villages of the Marthasa region.
Ayios Dimitrios Village
On the north hill of the Marathasa valley, the village of Agios Demetrios is perched on an altitude of 900 meters. Crossed by the river Kryos Potamos, and surrounded by thick forests the small village ensues tranquility and peace.
More InformationAyios Dimitrios Village
On the north hill of the Marathasa valley, the village of Agios Demetrios is perched on an altitude of 900 meters. Crossed by the river Kryos Potamos, and surrounded by thick forests the small village ensues tranquility and peace.
With its existence dating back to the Byzantine period, explore the beautiful village churches. Visit the chapel of Agios Georgios Kaporalli, built in 1963, and the church of Agios Demetrios the main village church and from which the village name originates. A church built in 1831, in which according to tradition a human skull was found in the foundations of the old church, and was considered a holy relic, miraculous for those who suffered from headaches. Trek uphill and discover the small chapel of Metamorphosis of the Savior, built on the ruins of an older chapel.
Learn about Cypriot tradition at the pottery workshop and the Museum of Traditional Pottery. Explore the village by taking a stroll around its winding cobbled alleys, taking in stone built houses blending into the verdant forest.
