5 small villages known for their taverns
As almond trees bloom and the first wildflowers appear, Cyprus is gearing up for spring, and the best way to enjoy the changing weather is to head out into nature and enjoy a great day out with friends or family in one of the island’s villages.
After you explore you will surely be looking to sit down for a meal, where you can take in the beauty of the landscape and enjoy great food.
The following five small villages boast taverns that are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Giannakos Tavern – Fikardou, Nicosia
This tavern is located in one of the quaintest villages in Cyprus, Fikardou, a town where time seems to have stopped. There you will find the Giannakos Tavern, housed in one of the village’s stone-built buildings. The tavern serves Cypriot meze daily and on Friday nights, they serve kleftiko. The restaurant is two storeys and has verandas on the ground and upper floors, providing a great view of the village. Inside, the tavern provides a fireplace, perfect way to warm up on those chilly winter nights.
For more information call +357 22 633311 or +357 99 689497. Open Monday-Thursday 09:30-19:00 / Friday-Sunday 09:00-02:00.
Mageia Lazania – Lazania, Nicosia
Once the school of the village, the space has been turned into a quaint tavern that serves traditional delights, just the way grandma used to make. The cosy atmosphere and the friendly service are one more reason to visit this tavern. It’s the ideal place to experience ‘Cypriot hospitality’.
Mageia Lazania serves a traditional buffet on Sundays which includes makaronia tou fournou and kleftiko. The rest of the week you will find freshly prepared daily foods, which can be enjoyed next to the warmth of their fireplace. Groups and private parties can be hosted in every evening except Sundays.
For more information call +357 96 530129. Open Tuesday-Sunday in the afternoons only and from Friday to Saturday in the evenings as well.
Sama Tavern – Spilia, Nicosia
In the quaint village of Spilia, you will find the traditional tavern Sama. The tavern was once a home in the town and is sure to travel you back to times gone by in Cyprus. They serve traditional Cypriot meze and other grilled items.
For more information call +357 22 519559. Open Friday-Saturday 18:00-23:00 / Sunday 12:00-17:00 and in the summer Monday-Saturday 18:00-23:00.
Symposio Tavern – Pelendri, Limassol
The village has many sights and a rich cultural heritage. Symposio tavern will remind you of grandma’s cooking and the tavern serves locally-produced wine. They serve traditional Cypriot cuisine with vegetables and fruit from their garden, and fresh baked bread. There is also a fireplace to keep warm.
For more information call +357 99 404348. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11:00-00:00.
Pagkratios – Miliou, Paphos
During a stay in Paphos, you should head to the village of Miliou to enjoy a great night out at Pagkratios tavern. It blends great traditional food, with the unique environment of the village.
Doors open in the afternoon, and the beautiful scents waft from its kitchen through the streets of the village. The name comes from the owner’s grandfather’s name. Chrysoula, Pagkratios’ granddaughter, and her husband Charalambos passed the business on to their son Neophytos and his wife Katerina, who renovated the space and created an award-winning tavern in December 2010. The whole family still helps in the tavern, and they are known for their delicious food and their excellent hospitality.
For more information call 70 003757. Open Tuesday-Friday 15:30-00:00 and Saturday-Sunday 13:00-00:00.
