Spend time in these 3 villages in the Solea Valley
What would you say about spending an autumn weekend in the most beautiful setting? Traditional festivals will give you the best reason for excursions this month. That is why we suggest a special route in Cyprus, through the mountains of the island to get to know 3 beautiful villages in the Solea Valley (Tembria, Galata, and Kakopetria) as well as suggestions for food, accommodation and activities.
The lush valley of Solea lies along the main Nicosia-Troodos road. It houses 12 picturesque villages, with the river Karkotis running through them giving the valley a rare beauty. Follow the route of Tembria, Galata, and Kakopetria, which reaches Troodos.
If you are coming from Nicosia then make a stop at Stemma Bakery (22 823923, Stylianou Lena, M-Sat 06.00-17.00 & Sunday 06.00-13.30) in Astromeritis to taste its delicious rustic halloumi pie (€2.80).
Heading up the main road, mind the signs, as you will at some point turn right to Tembria, a beautiful village worth exploring.
Walking around Tembria, you are bound to be captivated by the beauty of nature: the green of the trees, the fresh air, and the sweet song of the birds, as well as the old mansions, the four village fountains, the olive mill, and the churches.
Then continue on your way to Evrychou for a short visit to the train station, and then on to Galata, the village famous for its baked goods. Stop and buy something from the famous bakery named after the town, which you will find on the main road to Troodos. Do not miss the nature trail, stroll through the picturesque neighbourhoods of the village and admire the traditional houses with their famous wooden balconies, which gave the town the nickname ‘village of balconies’. You can even book and stay in the village, at Xenis’ House (22 922391, 99 419251, €50/2 people / day).
Next stop, the village of Kakopetria, one of the largest mountain communities in Cyprus that has it all: hotels and agro-touristic accommodation, restaurants, taverns and cafes, nature trails and beautiful natural surroundings. In the heart of old Kakopetria, you will find the Ennapion Apartments (22 924500, from €50/2 people), the Linos Inn (22 923161, €80/2 people with breakfast) and the Maritsa Lodge (22 923646, from €50/2 people).
Also check availability at The Mill Hotel (22 922536, from €95/2 people breakfast) or Crystal (22 922433, € 80/2 people breakfast). The area has many dining options. From the small tavern Potzei-Poda (99 102810) with a delicious Cypriot meze (€14) and the well-prepared souvlaki, Zoppis tavern (99 899062) also with well-cooked meze (€18) to the famous Mylous (22 922536), where you will go for trout (€18). Lamb souvla (€12), pork (€10), and chicken (€10) or steak, are served at Droseri Potamia (22 922439) and Chrysanthis (22 922202).
Leonidas’ Pines (97 725225) features lamb souvla (€11), boneless spit roast (€9) and marinated chicken souvla, also boneless (€9). After eating, it is worth a stroll by the river or the narrow alleys of old Kakopetria, to buy homemade sweets from the women of the area or from the Traditional Sweets shop Chrysanthos Kakopetria (22 922126).
Try the original spoon sweet made from beans and the new beetroot and raspberry (from €4). In the same shop, you will also find Clerides nuts, rose water and various squashes including the famous rose, made from genuine rose water. The delicacies in the café in Kakopetria Square will complete your excursion in the sweetest way. If you have kids, add Marinas Rope Park (99 998420) to your list, a recreation area, where you come in contact with nature and test your strengths.
If, however, you want to have more fun, you can continue on to Troodos Square as your final stop. There you can book accommodation at Troodos Hotel (25 420000, from €60/2 people with breakfast) or the traditional Jubilee (25 420107, €60/2 people with breakfast).
Go for dinner, to Kyria Eleni’s restaurant (99 349782) and try out homemade dishes, such as makaronia tou fournou, moussaka, souvla with potatoes, koupepia, etc., and sit down for a drink or coffee at 1725 Cafe-Bar (25 420000). In the square, you will find various shops with traditional products, such as Agathangelos Cyprus Nuts (99 443526) and Horaites Nuts with a wide range of products, such as sausage, wines, commandaria, pastelaki and other traditional delicacies.
