5 short autumnal getaways for a 3-day weekend in October
Another three-day weekend is approaching and it is a great opportunity for rest, relaxation and an excursion to Cyprus’ villages. At this time the temperature is starting to drop and an excursion to the mountain or some beautiful village on the island seems ideal. So take advantage of the holiday weekend coming on October 1st and discover five beautiful villages on the island to enjoy nature, accommodation, and good food.
My Cyprus Travel recommends 5 mini excursions to both a mountain and a beautiful seaside village to enjoy the three-day holiday of October 1st, and why not extend it by adding some additional vacation days?
Palaichori, Nicosia
A few kilometres before the summit of Mount Papoutsa in the valley formed by a tributary of the Peristerona River, there are two villages bearing the same name, Palaichori. Geographically they are united but administratively they are two separate entities. Thus, what lies on the east bank of the river is called “Palaichori Orinis” and that on the west, “Palaichori Morphou”.
What to see / What to do
There are 4 churches and 1 chapel in Paleochori. The churches are: Ayios Loukas, Ayios Georgios, Panayia Chrysopantassas, Transfiguration of the Saviour and the chapel of Ayioi Anargyroi. Apart from the church dedicated to St. Luke, the others are very old buildings and valuable religious monuments. You must visit the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Palaichori.
Also, visit the Museum of Byzantine Heritage, where religious treasures and other historical items exhibited at the museum unfold their historical, religious, economic, and social development of this mountain community. These are noteworthy paintings on wood, fabric and leather, wood carvings, church equipment, sacred vessels, precious vases, manuscripts, old prints, and engravings. The most important image of the Museum is the icon of humility bearing the signature of the painter Philippou.
Seek accommodation in the Archontiko Rousias (22 750605), one of the most beautiful farm houses on the island. The most beautiful part of the mansion is the open seating area above the river. The Escape Hotel (22 642300) is a new building built following the slope of the ground and next to the bank of the Setrachis River, with unique views. In the centre of the village you will find shops for shopping, while there are several taverns and cafes for tasty meze and a cup of coffee either in a traditional cafe around the fireplace, or in the square below the oak trees on a sunny day.
Kalopanayiotis, Nicosia
Kalopanayiotis is located in the Marathasa valley of Nicosia province on the northern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. An ideal autumn destination for an excursion with or without accommodation as the village has many things to do and see.
What to do / What to see
You can visit the monastery of Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis. It is located on the east bank of the river Setrachis opposite the old neighbourhood of the village. Interesting sights in the village are the Venetian bridge and the Kykkos watermill. The village has healing springs. The Kalopanayiotis thermal springs are located near the banks of the river next to the Venetian bridge.
Safari with Quad Bikes
Quad Biking offers you a unique experience starting from Kalopanayiotis, which takes you on a safari through the wider area. Get your company together and make an appointment to have a unique experience. The route lasts 3 whole hours starting from Kalopanayiotis and finishing in the village passing through beautiful locations. Quad Biking offers from 1 to 7 motorcycles, 2 persons per vehicle. The cost is 70 euros and includes a meal of Cypriot cuisine at the Markos restaurant in Kalopanayiotis. Info: 96 335210, 99 049621, 99 740450.
Hiking on the nature trail
The Kalopanayiotis – Oikou nature study trail is located in the north of Marathasa, 70 km from Nicosia and Limassol. The approach to it is through the Kalopanayiotis community following the signposting that leads to the Monastery of Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis. The trail extends to the hillsides opposite the Kalopanayiotis community at an altitude of 650 to 867 metres and is six kilometres long.
Where to eat
Kalopanayiotis has many options for eating, coffee and drinking. You can visit the two restaurants of Casale Panayiotis, Vyznatino for authentic Cypriot recipes and Loutraki, which has stunning views and creative cuisine with a twist of Cypriot and international gastronomy (22 952444). The Orcondas Centre offers a variety of traditional dishes and foods (22 952425, 99 421575) while Theoxenia Restaurant serves morning coffee, pastries, and food (22 952000). For a relaxed coffee, go to Café Wine (99 789331), Pantheon Snack Bar for Waffles and Crepes (22 952444), the “Yero Yangos” café (97 820340) and Andrea’s café where you will also eat tasty souvlaki (99 223927). Finally, you can go to Panorama for traditional dishes (22 991113 – 99 468684).
Where to stay
You have many options to choose from, among them, Castalia Hotel (22 952455), Missirlou Mansion (70 009131), ATRATSA Mountain Apartments – Suites (99 464664), Polyxeni House (22497509, 99790723), Anastou’s House (99 823009), Hani Chrysomelou (99 530540).
You can also stay:
Saint Marina, 22952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Saint Andronikos, 99646151 / www.st-andronikosapts.eu
Saint Kyriakos, 99819242
Atraca, 22318543 / www.atratsa.com
Byzantine, 22952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Solar 1-2, 22952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Laurie, 22952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Maison Elena, 99447871
Fennel, 22952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Pantheon, 22952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Kastri, 99582802
The palace of Vasiliki, 22491365
The house of Polyxeni, 22497509
Trullino, 22952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Askas, Nicosia
Askas is a very picturesque village with narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture and natural surroundings.
What to do / What to see
Arriving at Askas, after first cooling off at the fountain next to the small river, you leave your vehicle in the community parking lot and continue your journey on foot. Within walking distance is the village square. A traditional café, a fountain and an informational sign with points of interest are under the shade of a huge oak tree.
Walk the narrow and labyrinthine streets of Askas. You have a chance to walk through one of the oldest police stations in Cyprus, visit the Holy Cross Church, which is a 1300 AD building, and the old olive mill next to the church.
Then rest for a while in the very beautiful forest of hazelnut and walnut trees at the CTO square. Pano Vrissi is in the centre of the village, as is the Church of the Holy Cross, in the courtyard of which the first Girls’ School ever existed in Cyprus.
Where to eat
Book a table at Lychnos (22 642641) for creative dishes, meze at Pernia Restaurant (99 414016) and Cypriot cuisine at the new tavern of To Steki tis Paradosis (97 616876).
Where to stay
The House of Eugenia (99 642393) operates year round. Also in the centre of Askas you can stay at “Lychnos” (22 642641), which is an attractive accommodation and offers good Cypriot food. The owners renovated the traditional and stone-built building and created a well-made, gourmet agrotouristic complex with 4 rooms that offer breakfast, as well as a tavern serving traditional food made from locally sourced recipes.
Ayios Theodoros, Larnaca
A very good choice for an excursion is the community of Ayios Theodoros in the Larnaca district, which is built on the banks of the Pentaschino River. Picturesque architecture, beautiful natural surroundings, many good taverns, but also a great opportunity to explore the seaside area from Ayios Theodoros, Maroni, and Zygi, make this an ideal place to escape for a short break.
What to do / What to see
In Ayios Theodoros you will see the Venetian watermill, the picturesque streets with the beautiful mansions and farm houses, the Turkish Cypriot mosque and the chapels of Ayios Athanasios, Panayia Astathkion, Ayioi Anargiri.
Where to eat
Ayios Theodoros is a great village to visit for food. Apart from the traditional products made by the community, there are also many very good taverns. So for meze, you can go to the picturesque tavern ‘Kali Eftychia’ (24 322690), the ‘Paleomouchtaros’ (24 323323, 99 477400) and Mama’s Vasano Tavern (24 323022). For fish you will go to the restaurant Limni (24 440101), or the Pentaschinos fish tavern (96 236310) and the fish tavern Mamas (99 668896).
Miliou, Paphos
Miliou is a very beautiful village of the Paphos district, hidden in the deep green of orange groves. It is located 26 km north of Paphos and only 10 km before Polis Chrysochou. The village has almost 80 permanent residents, but it attracts many locals and foreign tourists and offers many options for agrotourism.
What to see / What to do
The natural thermal baths of Ayioi Anargyri, located at the entrance of the village, where the monastery used to be, attract many visitors. The springs have been renovated and the work is unique in its kind in Cyprus. The Hydrotherapy Centre and the Hotel Ayioi Anargyroi are attractions for locals and foreigners alike. The resort, which is aimed only at adults and children over 14, has the largest spa in the Mediterranean and is the only spa to have been known for their healing properties for generations. The hotel’s spa offers various health and wellness treatments for both men and women.
The hotel is housed in an old monastery, which has been renovated with natural stone and wood, preserving the traditional architectural style of Cyprus. Rooms offer modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV and free internet access. In the courtyard of the hotel there is a large outdoor pool, as well as a large garden with citrus trees. Nature lovers will enjoy the Anerades Nature Study Path, which is circular, starting at the entrance of the village and ending at the same point. If you walk, you will have the opportunity to admire the rich flora and fauna of Miliou, as well as to collect walnuts in autumn and various fruits such as blueberries in summer and oranges in winter from the trees you find. If you’re lucky, on the river that crosses the path, you can also see freshwater crabs.
For food, you will go to Pagkratios. You will find it in the village square, in a renovated 1847 building. It offers traditional meze, which include halloumi, ribs, sausage, liver, souvlaki, sheftalia, bulgur, wild asparagus, and many other delicacies. In addition to meze, “Pagkratios” (70 003757) also serves grilled foods and various other cooked foods such as kleftiko. Also the cafe I Miliou (99 693788), also located in the village square, and offers traditional meze and grill items.
