From narrow cobblestone streets to mountain views, ancient architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the villages in Cyprus are second to none with their wealth of culture and beauty. 

Many of these villages are members of the island’s agritourism project, which works to support traditional artisanal and agricultural businesses.

These rural industries have been left almost unchanged for centuries, whether it’s wine, crop cultivation or handicrafts. 

Away from the popular tourist hotspots and beach towns, these villages offer a glimpse into the real island, its rural beauty, its people and their famous hospitality.

So, without further ado, here are the stunning Cyprus villages you need to visit.  

Map of the prettiest villages to visit in Cyprus

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

1. Pedoulas Village, Nicosia

Pedoulas Village in Cyprus. A large fir tree growing by the side of a street.
Pretty Pedoulas Village

One of the best Troodos villages to visit, picturesque Pedoulas is located in the Nicosia district of Cyprus. High in the Troodos Mountains, it has a distinctly alpine feel to it.

Temperatures remain 10 degrees cooler than sea level, making it a popular holiday resort in the summer for those in need of a bit of cooling off. 

The drive leading up towards it winds through surrounding pine forests and sometimes even low-lying clouds. You would be forgiven if you thought you were in Central Europe rather than an island in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

Like many towns and villages in Cyprus, Pedoulas is home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed church – the Church of Archangelos Michael.

Inside, you can find exquisite Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes from the 11th to the 19th Centuries. 

2. Kalopanayiotis Village, Nicosia

Agios Lambadistis church in Kalopanayiotis Village, Cyprus
Agios Ioannis Monastery

There’s nowhere better than Kalopanayiotis in the Troodos Mountains for spas, culture, and beauty. Temperatures are a little warmer here, and its steep, narrow cobblestone streets look down towards Marathasa Valley below.

The village is best explored on foot, but if you don’t fancy breaking a sweat up and down those slopes, you can park your car in the car park and take the short funicular, which only costs a euro each way.

It’s well worth doing this excursion because at the bottom of the hill is Casale Panayiotis, a spa, restaurant and villa complex rolled into one.

Also at the bottom are the famous sulphur springs. If you cross over it, you’ll come to the Agios Ioannis Monastery, a complex of three churches and, unsurprisingly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of my favourite hidden gems in Cyprus.

3. Omodos village, Limassol

Katoi Tavern in Omodos. A spread of dishes including rice, meatballs and salad on a blue tablecloth.
Just some of the mouthwatering food in Omodos

Omodos is another Cypriot mountain village and a popular destination for those who like wine, artisan shops and history.

Located in the Limassol District of Cyprus, Omodos is a little busier than the other villages, but it certainly isn’t lacking in beauty. It’s one of the best villages to visit in Cyprus – it was certainly a top favourite for me!

The best way to see it in all its glory is to spend a leisurely morning strolling down its cobblestone streets.

You’ll notice tables brightly decorated with fresh bread, sweets, glassware and gorgeous homemade arts and crafts, including lacework and tablecloths. 

Wander into the True Cross Monastery, one of the island’s oldest and most historic monasteries. It’s believed to be home to a piece of the True Cross.

If you start to get peckish, head to Katoi Tavern for the mother of all mezes which will keep you full for the rest of the day!

4. Arsos Village, Limassol

Arsos Village in Cyprus. A window in a stone cottage with wooden shutters and surrounded by lush green plants.
A pretty window in Arsorama Village Homes

Another village in the Limassol District is Arsos. It’s the biggest wine-producing village in Cyprus and an important member of the island’s agritourism project.

This picturesque little village nestled in the hills provides a welcome retreat for hundreds of visitors as its climate remains cool and dry even in the height of summer. 

If you’re a wine connoisseur, then make sure to put Arsos on your list.

This village is proud to be one of the best wine producers on the island, and you can spend a day exploring the local wineries or even take it a step further and hike the popular Diarizos Valley wine route towards the region of Paphos. 

Read more: What Does Sustainable Travel Mean and Why Does It Matter?

5. Tochni Village, Larnaca

Tochni Tavern view. A village on a hill with pink flowers in the foreground. Tochni is one of the best Cyprus villages to visit.
View of Tochni, one of the prettiest villages in Cyprus

Each village, town and city in Cyprus prides itself on its unique and beautiful characteristics, none more so than Tochni Village.

One of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus, this stunning hidden gem in the Larnaca District is an important agritourism destination. Many of its buildings have been made out of the distinctive light-coloured ‘Tochni stone’ and renovated to provide modern comforts. 

Tochni and its winding streets is the perfect village to get lost in (trust me, I did!).  It’s best just to let it happen.

Take your time to enjoy the flowers cascading down from balconies, the friendly locals and the magnificent Church of Agiou Constantinou and Elenis.

It’s a fairly modern 19th-century building compared to some other churches on the island. If you get hungry, swing by Tochni Tavern for the best halloumi in Cyprus – in my opinion!

Wondering what to eat in Cyprus? Read my guide to traditional Cypriot dishes and where to try them.

6. Agros Village, Limassol

Pink rose of damascus close-up. Green leaves behind it at Agros Village.
Rose of Damascus in Agros Village

 Agros is a stunning village located in the Troodos Mountains on the southwest of the island.  It’s built amphitheatrically, which means it curves around the hillside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest.

The village still maintains its traditional roots, being a centre for agriculture, homemade marmalade, sweets and cured meats. 

Agros is perhaps most well-known for its rose cultivation. Between April and May, the hillsides are painted pink with thousands of roses called the Rose of Damascus.

In May, the village throws its annual Rose Festival, culminating with a harvest. You can learn all about what happens to the roses at Tsolakis Rose Factory and pick up some delicious-smelling souvenirs while you’re at it. 

Discover how to save money when travelling to Europe with these budget tips!

7. Choirokoitia Village, Larnaca  

A white goat in Cyprus. Choirokoitia is one of the best Cyprus villages for halloumi!
Choirokoitia produces a lot of delicious halloumi cheese

Choirokoitia is a traditional village close to the main city of Larnaca. One of the old villages in Cyprus, it’s most famous for both its small, family-run halloumi producers and the nearby Neolithic settlement dating back to 7500-5200 BC.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among the nine most ancient sites in the world. 

Choirokoitia is a prime agritourism destination in Cyprus, and visitors are encouraged to explore its authentic village-focused attractions, including basket-making workshops and the Old Olive Mill, which showcases olive oil production methods and tools. 

Read More: An Easy Slow Travel Guide to Mastering the Art of Experiencing More

Editor’s tip: See the best of the Troodos Mountains with this cultural tour from Paphos. Highlights include Aphrodite’s Rock, traditional mountain villages, Timios Stavros Monastery and the Millomeris Waterfalls. Finish off with a cheese and wine tasting!

8. Lefkara Village, Larnaca

Red rooftops and the tower of a church rising up surrounded by green hills in Lefkara Village, Cyprus.
The beautiful terracotta roofs of Lefkara

The village of Lefkara is located in the mountainous region of Larnaca, at the foot of the Troodos Mountains. It’s most well-known for its Cypriot folk needlework and lace-making.

The craft dates back to at least the 14th century and has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci took one of the embroideries back with him as a gift for Milan Cathedral after visiting Cyprus in 1481.

The same legend also suggests that Lefkara lace inspired the tablecloth in his Last Supper painting!

Needlework is still a pastime among village women today.

Come here and wander the narrow and winding stone alleyways, see traditional needlework in action and have a look around the Folk Art Museum.

Cradled by mountains, it has a milder climate than its counterparts at sea level, making it a good choice if you want to escape the summer heat.

9. Platres, Limassol

View of the Troodos Mountains from the summit. A rocky landscape with sparse green trees for Cyprus villages to visit
Pano Platres is one a top Cyprus mountain village

One of the best mountain villages in Cyprus is Platres, otherwise known as Pano Platres. It’s a top wine-producing village surrounded by pine forests.

Although it’s a little on the small side, the village is particularly popular with visitors and saw several hotels crop up during the 20th Century. 

Notable visitors to the village include King Farouk of Egypt and the Nobel Prize-winning poet Giorgos Seferis. A fun fact for literature lovers, the English author Daphne du Maurier was inspired to write Rebecca, her most famous novel in Platres.

Literary giants aside, Platres is a beautiful village in its own right and a worthy inclusion in your Cyprus itinerary.

Popular sites include the medieval Milia Bridge and Caledonia Waterfall, which tumbles from a height of twelve metres. 

10. Doros Village, Limassol

Karseras Winery. Bottles of wine sitting on a barrel with a poster of Regina Commandaria behind in Doros Village, Cyprus.
Taste Commandaria at Karseras Winery

If you’re seeking small Cyprus villages, look no further than Doros. Sometimes known as Thoros in English, it’s a quaint village tucked away in the foothills of Cyprus.

Hidden among almond trees and grapevines, it has a reputation on the island for producing excellent-quality wine, raisins and Commandaria – the oldest named wine in the world that’s still in production today. 

As you explore the village, make sure you stop off at Karseras Winery.

Here you can taste this prestigious wine for free, learn about its fascinating history, and how it’s made and even take a few bottles home with you. Trust me, you’re going to want to!

Editor’s tip: This popular wine tour takes you to the very best villages in the Troodos Mountains and offers the chance to try some seriously good award-winning wines!

11. Lofou, Limassol 

The terracotta rooftops of Lofou among rolling hills in Cyprus with Panagia Chrysolofitissa Church. One of the prettiest Cyprus villages.
Pretty views at Lofou Village (photo credit: Kirillm from Getty Images)

Sitting atop rolling hills, Lofou is another Cyprus village with an ancient past. It’s thought that people have inhabited the area since the early to middle Bronze Age. 

The village today is a pretty labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets and traditional stone cottages topped with bright red roofs. It’s been referred to as ‘Lofou’ since the Byzantine era. 

The best thing to do here is take yourself for a wander, stopping by the Folk Art Museum and the Olive Press Museum. If you get peckish, I recommend lunch at Kamares Taverna. 

For a nature fix, follow the Lofou Walking Trail which is a one-kilometre downhill footpath to the traditional faucet of Elitji which was built as a water source in 1842. 

If you happen to time your visit to the end of September, you’ll be able to join Lofou’s harvest celebration, Grape Fest. The one-day festival involves wine and grape juice tasting alongside folkloric performances. 

How to visit these Cyprus villages

Most of these rural villages are only accessible by driving. Public transport in Cyprus is limited to buses which are infrequent and unreliable in rural areas.

Renting a car will give you the most freedom but if you don’t drive, you can still see some of these villages on day tours.

Here are the tours I recommend:

Editor’s tip: If you’re wondering where to stay, Paphos is a great base from which to explore Cyprus.

Final thoughts on villages to visit in Cyprus

I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best villages to visit in Cyprus. If you’re planning a trip, check out my Cyprus travel guide below, which tells you how to spend three days or longer on the island.

Cyprus has a wealth of amazing things to do and see, and its villages are a huge part of its cultural identity. I hope this roundup inspires you to visit some of these beautiful villages in Cyprus. 

Inspired? Read more Cyprus travel guides below! 

Planning to travel to Cyprus? Discover the most beautiful villages and places to visit across the island. From mountain views to stunning architecture, here's what you need to add to your itinerary now.

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