Three Spring escapes in Cyprus for a relaxing weekend
Weekends in Cyprus are about exploring and discovering the beauty of the island’s villages, and enjoying tastes of local life and nature.
In the villages of Kalopanayiotis, Askas, both in Nicosia and Ayios Theodoros in Larnaca, you can spend a great weekend exploring the island’s traditions, surrounded by natural beauty and the quiet charm of village life.
Kalopanayiotis – Nicosia
This village is rich in tradition and has become a quite popular destination to visit over the past few years, due to the wide-variety of places to see and things to do in the town.
Things to do and see
The monastery Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis is one of the town’s most popular sites, and one of the island’s UNSECO World Heritage Sites. You will find it on the eastern bank of the Setrachou River. After exploring the monastery, head closer to the river and explore the plant life and stop by the Venetian bridge for some pictures. The sulphur springs are also located near the bridge. The water is therapeutic and is used in the spa located in the town.
If you are looking for an adventurous day out, then the company Quad Biking is there to take you on a safari through the surrounding area. The tours start in the village and last three hours. Quad Biking can offer one to seven bikes, with a capacity of two individuals on each bike. The cost is €70 and it includes a meal at the restaurant Markos in Kalopanayiotis. For more information call: +357 96 335210, 99 049621, 99 740450.
Hiking in the village is also a great activity, if you are looking to explore nature and relax among the green landscape. You can start the trail in the village from the monastery and it leads to the mountainside across from the village and is approximately six kilometres long.
Places to eat
Kalopanayiotis has many dining options, including restaurants and cafés. The spa/hotel Casale Panayiotis has two restaurants that serve Cypriot cuisine, Vyzantino and Loutraki (+357 22 952444). They all offer stunning views of the valley below and serve Cypriot food with a twist. For a traditional Cypriot meze head to the Old Cinema (+357 99 130275). At Markos Restaurant (+357 22 952634 or 99 619375) you will be able to enjoy a buffet, coffee and desserts. Orkonta restaurant (+357 22 952425) offers a variety of traditional food, head to the restaurant Theoxenia (+357 22 952000) for coffee, desserts and food. If you are looking for coffee head to KafeOinos (+357 99 789331), or the snack bar Pantheon (+357 22 952444) which serves waffles and crepes.
Where to stay
Kalopanayiotis has a number of options for visitors looking to stay and relax for a few days, including the Kastalia Hotel (22 952455), Misirlou Mansion (70 009131), ATRATSA Mountain Apartments – Suites (99 464664), Polixeni’s House (22 497509, 99 790723), Anastasou’s House (99 823009), and Chrysomilos Inn (99 530540).
You can also stay at:
Ayia Marina, 22 952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Ayios Andronikos, 99 646151 / www.st-andronikosapts.eu
Ayios Kyriakos, 99 819242
Atratsa, 22 318543 / www.atratsa.com
Vyzantino, 22 952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Iliako 1-2, 22 952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Laouri, 22 952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Maison Elena, 99 447871
Maratho, 22 952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Pantheo, 22 952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Kastri, 99 582802
Vasiliki’s Palace, 22 491365
Polixeni’s House, 22 497509
Troullino, 22 952444 / www.casalepanayiotis.com
Askas – Nicosia
This is a quaint village with cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture that blends into the natural landscape of the mountain.
Things to do and see
Before reaching the village, head to the small fountain located near the river. Once in Askas, you can park your car at the town’s main parking area, and begin exploring on foot. A short distance from the parking area, you will find the village’s main square, which has a traditional café, a fountain, and an information board with all the sites around the town.
You will want to take your time and walk through the winding streets of the village, visit one of the island’s oldest police stations, and the church of Timios Stavros, which has stood in the town since the 1300s. There is also an old olive press in the town, where oil was made.
After strolling around, you will want to stop and rest in the square built by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation. It is a relaxing green space located among hazelnut and walnut trees.
Places to eat
Reserve a table at Lychnos (22 642642) for creative dishes, for meze head to Pernia restaurant (99 414016), and for traditional Cypriot dishes try the village tavern Steki tis Paradosis (97 616786).
Where to stay
Evgenia’s House (99 642393) operates all year round. In the town’s centre you can stay at Lychnos (22 642642), which offers rooms for board as well as being a restaurant.
Ayios Theodoros – Larnaca
A great option for a weekend away is the village of Ayios Theodoros in Larnaca, which is built along the banks of the Pentaschoinos River. Quaint, surrounded by nature, and featuring many taverns and close to the sea, the village provides a host of adventures.
Things to do and see
In Ayios Theodoros, you can see an old Venetian watermill, explore winding streets, the mosque, and the churches of Ayios Athanasios and Panayia.
Places to eat
The village is a food-lovers paradise. The town is known for creating traditional products and for its taverns. For meze you will was to try: Kali Eftychia (24 322690), Paliomouchtaros (24 323323, 99 477400) and Mama to Vasano Tavern (24 323022).
For fish head to the Limni Restaurant (24 440101) for a seafood meze with a view of the sea, or to Pentaschoinos tavern (96 236310) and Mamas (99 668896).
