Cyprus is full of surprises and getting out into the countryside reveals the island’s beating heart.
The Cypriot countryside is blessed with natural beauty, traditional villages, ancient heritage and unique, warm hospitality – that’s why rural tourism is a big part of the island’s unique holiday offering.
It means going nature trails, visiting ancient archaeological sites and getting away from it all to discover the real Cyprus.
See rare plants alongside waterfalls, watch for birds including flamingos at the salt lakes as well as egrets, herons, waders, bee-eaters, warblers and golden orioles.
And deep in the forests look for mouflon – the endemic wild sheep which roams freely – it is island’s largest mammal and catching a glimpse of this timid creature, with large curving horns, is a real treat.
Of course, there wonderful villages to explore or perhaps stay:
Kakopetria
Some 55km equi-distant from the capital Nicosia and the island’s second largest city Limassol, Kakopetria village is in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. At an altitude of 667m it is the highest village in the valley of the Solea with a population of 1,300 people. Enjoy rich pickings as the village is known for its quality apples and other fruit including pear, plum, apricot, peach, and cherry trees as well vegetable and vineyards.
Pano Lefkara
It’s the village of needlecraft and the famous lefkaritiko art is respected across the world. Lefkara owes its prosperity to the art which flourished from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The village is at the foot of the Troodos Mountains 45 km from Nicosia, 30 km from the Larnaca airport.
Omodos
Surrounded by mountains, the tallest Afames (1153 m) and Laona's Cliff (1092 m), Omodos is 42 km north-west of Limassol, in a region of wine-making villages. Near the west bank of the Cha-potami River see vineyards and orchards with apple, plum, pear, peach and apricot trees. Other nearly villages include Mandria (4 km) in the north-east and Vasa Koilaniou (3 km) and Malia (5.5 km) in the south west.