Escape to Phini village this weekend
During the winter in Cyprus, the best weekends are spent exploring the villages in the Troodos Mountains, where a blanket of snow covers the lush pine forests and the rivers run. A great place to absorb all the island’s natural beauty and experience the cultural of the island is the village of Phini in the Limassol district.
Phini is a charming village, filled with natural beauty, including the well-known Handara waterfall, which is a must-see during a visit. If you fancy yourself the daring type, then try and take a chilly dip in the falls.
The falls seems to be something from a myth, with the beautiful scents of sage and lavender wafting through the air, and the sounds of birds chirping.
Your next stop should be in the area known as ‘Reksimo’ on the banks of the Diarizos river, where you will encounter great rock formations, little caves, and the colours of the trees, and bushes growing along the river.
If you are looking to experience a bit of the culture that makes up this village, then head to the Pilavakeio Museum of Traditional Art (+357 25 421508), which is located in the village centre. The museum is unique, displaying traditional farming instruments and vases, as well as photographs of a life gone-by.
Across from the museum, you will find the Pastra traditional coffee shop (+357 99 066783), where you can enjoy Cypriot coffee and a game of backgammon or cards.
Just a few minutes’ walk down the old streets and among the traditional stone-built homes, you will see the bell tower of the Timios Stavros church rise in front of you. The church has stood in the village for approximately 155 years.
You can’t leave Phini without stopping at Mrs Ourania Pissourou (+357 99 379989), who makes the traditional loukoumia of the town. They are mixed with the refreshing scent of bergamot or rose and you can buy them plain or with almonds (€3-€3.50 a box).
Don’t Miss
Just before the village there is a stopping point, where you can view the whole area from above.
Where to Eat
At the Neraida restaurant (+357 25 421680) you will enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes, and meze (€16) and trout.
If you are craving a steak then head to the Fini Tavern (+357 25 421828), which is known for the meat-lover’s favourite (€27-€30).
Those of you looking to just get a quick snack can stop at the youth centre in the village (+357 25 422290).
For more information check the village’s website at www.phinivillage.com.
