Head for a day trip to the villages of Marathasa Valley
Trips to the mountainous villages of Cyprus are well worth the drive and day out. The natural environment, the fresh air, and the architecture of the villages of Cyprus reward you in the best way. This weekend My Cyprus Travel offers you a very special excursion to the beautiful villages of the Marathasa valley. So, head up to Troodos and get to know Kalopanayiotis, Pedoulas, Prodromos and go for a pilgrimage to the monastery of Kykkos.
Find out where to go, what to see and where to eat on a beautiful trek through these three villages.
Heading up to the mountains of Marathasa, the route rewards you with its picturesque scenery, full of the beauties of nature.
Kalopanayiotis, Pedoulas, Prodromos are ready to welcome you.
KALOPANAYIOTIS
The first village you come across from Nicosia is Kalopanayiotis. The village historically famous for its natural healing spring waters, is home to the Monastery of Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis, located on the banks of the Setrachis River, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also of interest is the Venetian bridge and the Kykkos watermill, which are also cultural heritage monuments. Also, the view of the Kalopanayiotis Dam is magnificent.
If you a strong walker, hike the Kalopanayiotis-Oikou nature trail. Alternatively, seek relaxation in one of the area’s gourmet lodgings, such as Casale Panayiotis (22 952444, €140/2 breakfast), which is popular for its unique venues and restaurants: Loutraki and Vyzantino, where on Sundays a buffet (€ 22 / person) is served, and Pantheon serving pizza, pasta and other snacks. The Mirianthousa Wellness Centre (€25 / person), is ideal for relaxation and wellness, with healing waters. You can also stay in Kastri (99 475458, €65/2 people with a minimum stay of 2 nights) or the Traditional House of Anastou (99 823009, €85/2 people).
For dinner go to Palio Sinema (99 130275), where you will enjoy Cypriot cuisine (€14- €18), while coffee and wine are served at KafeOinos (99 789331).
You can’t miss tasting Patrou’s loukoumades (€3 / 10-12 per serving) at the Kyriakidis café (97 689728) in the nearby village of Moutoulas. Before leaving the village, buy various traditional items and cosmetics from the small shop called Pramatoukia, Little Treasures (99 431564), where you will find all the good Cypriot goodies.
PEDOULAS
You can also visit the nearby village of Pedoulas, which is surrounded by pine forest and famous for its cherries. Take a stroll through the rich historic village, see the Church of Archangel Michael (the most important monument) and take a four-wheel-drive safari from Quad Biking (96 335210, 99 049621, 99 740450).
If you want to stay in the village, then look for the stone built hotel Aristotelio (22 953334, from € 120 with breakfast) that will accommodate you in a magnificent area with unique décor.
For dinner go to the well-known restaurant Platanos (22 952518), where you will enjoy delicious food or Two Flowers (22 952372) for fragrant lamb souvla (€14).
PRODROMOS
However, you can also go to Prodromos, take an excursion to the Monastery of Panayia Trikoukia (2 km away from Prodromos), which is under the protection of the Department of Antiquities and spend the night at Prodromos Cottage Houses (99 207464, €80 / 4 persons / night), reminiscent of a European chalet.
For lunch go to the stone-built Restaurant Berengaria, a piece of the legendary hotel that survives in Prodromos (99 461179). Try steak with potatoes in the wood-burning oven (€12 with salad) or beef stew (€10). Louis’s restaurant (25 462049, 97 613521, 99 608050) is also known for makaronia tou fournou (€10 per serving).
Finally, visit the Monastery of Kykkos (22 942736, 22 942435), one of the largest, richest and most historic monasteries on the island, which has rooms to rest, a museum and a winery.
