Cyprus: The island of hidden treasures

Ian Le-Fevre on 17 July 2020
Cyprus is one of my favourite year-round destinations - perfect for a few days right through to a long-stay and it goes without saying that it's an island of beautiful beaches lined by gorgeous wide promenades that bathe in warm sunshine all year, but there’s so much more!

Get out into the mountains alongside sparkling rivers and streams, visit pretty hillside villages each with their own traditional crafts and food specialities, and join wine route trails to meet a new generation of wine growers who are putting Cypriot wine firmly back on the map. Set foot on the Island and you too can enjoy the very best in traditional holidays; charming hotels and apartments where guests return time and time again.

Welcome to EDEN! EDEN, European Destinations of Excellence, is co-funded by the European Commission’s Tourism Unit and promotes sustainable tourism in emerging destinations something that I am passionate about.

EDEN or European Destinations of Excellence, feature across Cyprus where many villages have been awarded for sustainable tourism which includes natural beauty, individual charm and traditional crafts. This makes it a perfect destination to get out and about to explore these hidden gems? Driving is easy as it's the same as the UK, so I'd definitely hire a car – you can cross the island in a day – but don’t rush, as the verdant countryside, historic villages and mouth-watering cuisine needs to be savoured at leisure!

Here are some of the villages and regions that I would definitely add to your Cyprus road-trip...

Pitsilia Recognised for its gastronomy, the Pitsilia region’s verdant slopes are planted with vines and fruit trees – almonds, hazels, walnuts, apples, pears and cherries. The produce is rich and flavoursome so stop for rosewater, sausages, lountza (smoked pork), sweets, jams, liqueurs and bread.

Kalopanayiotis Wander through the narrow alleyways in this traditional spa village in the Troodos Mountains where many of the ancient houses have been declared national monuments. Explore the mountainside where the Setrahos River creates a magical scene and, better still, stay at the unique 43-room spa retreat, Casale Panayiotis, which is in the heart of the village.

Polis Many buildings in Polis have been renovated to preserve their traditional architecture. In the square, shops sell folk art and be sure to stop at one of the family-run coffee shops which serve fabulously sweet delicacies. Walk it off at nearby Akamas National Park, an area of natural beauty.

Platres This pretty village splits into two parts – Pano (upper) and Kato (lower). Join nature trails and see Caledonia, one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus. The village is graced with many charming old buildings, and has a winery in Kato, a chocolate workshop, an adventure rope park and a cultural centre.

Praitori Drive to this picturesque village in the Paphos District and try local wines such as Mavro Moschato while about 10km from Praitori is Salamiou, a village which is rich in traditional architecture and look out for Kyparissos, a huge 750-year-old tree. You can also wander to Lakria Ridge, an arid and rocky area planted with vineyards.

Foini Foini is one of the island’s loveliest villages. At the foot of the Troodos Mountains it is famous for craft traditions including pottery, wooden chairs and the Vourka tou Voskou, the shepherd’s backpack. Be enchanted by the charming brick and stone houses and head to the square where the Pilavakion Museum of Folk Art is housed.

As you can see there's more to Cyprus beyond the tourist resorts, stunning beaches and coves that can be enjoyed at any time of year - why not give Cyprus a try for your next holiday!