5 Best Villages to Visit in Cyprus

This guide to the five best villages in Cyprus will help you find off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit on your vacation. Cyprus is a gorgeous Mediterranean island between Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Syria. Known for its beautiful coastline, rolling countryside, and vibrant history, Cyprus is a major tourist destination that draws millions of annual worldwide visitors.

After exploring large cities, such as the capital, Nicosia, and Limassol, it’s refreshing to escape the hustle and bustle by touring the charming villages in Cyprus.

Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 

Best Cyprus Tours: Click here to check out the top Cyprus tours
Best Cyprus Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Cyprus
Best Cyprus Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Cyprus

5 Best Villages to Visit in Cyprus

Lania

One of my favorite Cyprus villages to visit is Lania. Lania Village is about 26 km from Limassol, situated at the base of Mount Troodos. Lania derives its name from Lana, a figure in Greek mythology who was the daughter of Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure. Given the origins of the village’s name, it’s unsurprising that Lania is famous as one of the country’s top wine producers! Winemaking has been a Lania tradition for thousands of years and plays a significant role in the local economy.

Lania Village is incredibly picturesque, with narrow cobblestone roads and traditional Greek architecture around every corner. It is the perfect Cyprus village to wander around and get lost for an afternoon. The area shines in colder months when Lania transforms into one of the cutest holiday villages in Cyprus. Lania Village offers various restaurants, museums, and shops, making it ideal for a day trip.

Where to Stay in Lania

Listed Villa in Laneia

Lefkara

A roundup of the best villages to visit in Cyprus would be incomplete without Lefkara. Thanks to its charming atmosphere and natural beauty, Lefkara is an idyllic getaway. Lefkara Village is about 56 km south of Nicosia, nestled among the Troodos Mountains. This quaint region is known for its centuries-old community of embroiderers and silversmiths who carefully craft intricate works.

Keep your eyes peeled during your visit to Lefkara, as it’s common to spot groups of women embroidering lace in the village’s narrow alleyways. There is a legend that Leonardo da Vinci visited Lefkara in 1481 to purchase lace cloth for an altar in Duomo di Milano, a prominent Roman Catholic church in Milan, Italy. 

Lefkara is a charming village where history comes alive with every step. Historic homes and shops can be found on virtually every street. One of the village’s central features is a “pigi,” or spring, that provides flowing water year-round and is often used for baptisms.

Throughout the rolling hills of Lefkara, you’ll also find an impressive number of almond trees. These trees produce vibrant pink and white blooms in January and February. A visit to Lefkara is sure to impress, which is why I rank it among the must-visit villages in Cyprus.

Where to Stay in Lefkara

I recommend staying at Garden Kamara, a traditionally restored house with a fully equipped kitchen and a living room with a stone-built fire! We LOVED our stay there, and you can read my full review here.

• Budget: Kozakos Luxury House
• Mid-Range: Lazaros Stonehouse
• Luxury: Archontiko Kiverniti

Omodos

Wine lovers searching for the best villages to visit in Cyprus will enjoy touring Omodos, another destination famous for its winemaking. This picture-perfect village is about 42 km northwest of Limassol, in the heart of Cyprus’s wine country. Omodos Village boasts natural vegetation and cultivated trees bearing fruits like plums, pears, and apricots, giving the area a lush and welcoming vibe.

One of Omodos’s main attractions is True Cross Monastery, a 17th-century monastery considered one of the most significant in Cyprus. The monastery is notable for allowing visitors to see a piece of the Holy Cross, upon which Jesus Christ is alleged to have been crucified. 

Tourists can explore many restaurants, bars, and historical sites throughout Omodos. A visit to Omodos must also include a trip to a local winery! Several in the area, such as Oenou Yi and Ktima Gerolemo, offer free wine samples.

Cypriot wine is relatively sweet and high in alcohol levels, similar to fortified wines like port and sherry. Even if you’re not a big fan of wine, Omodos is the perfect place to take a casual stroll and escape the chaos of the country’s larger cities. 

Where to Stay in Omodos

• Budget: Omodos Katoi Holiday Homes
• Mid-Range: Eidyllio Luxury Suites Omodos
• Luxury: Softades Cottage

Pyla

Pyla Village’s combination of Greek and Turkish influences makes it one of the best villages in Cyprus to experience the unique local culture. Pyla is a historic Cyprus village whose name is derived from the Greek word for “gates.” Many believe the village was named as such because it serves as the entry point to the Mesaoria Plain, which encompasses Cyprus’s central portion.

Pyla is unique because it is the only village in Cyprus still inhabited by the original Greek and Turkish natives. About 850 of Pyla’s inhabitants are estimated to be Greek Cypriots, while around 500 are Turkish Cypriots. This has resulted in a striking duality between the local Greek and Turkish communities.

Pyla is also one of only four Cyprus villages within the United Nations Buffer Zone, a demilitarized area patrolled by UN peacekeeping forces. While Pyla isn’t as visually charming as other villages in Cyprus, I suggest visiting because it offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

What to Wear When Touring Villages in Cyprus

Quick Tip: View my full Cyprus packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Cyprus Essentials shopping list here.

Pissouri

Last but certainly not least on my list of the five best villages to visit in Cyprus is Pissouri. Nestled between Limassol and Paphos on Cyprus’s southern coast, the beautiful village of Pissouri is a fantastic hidden gem.

This tranquil and picturesque destination is perfect for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. The village is perched on a hillside, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains.

You get the best of both worlds here, as the Pissouri Bay area allows you to bask in the Mediterranean sun and enjoy the clear waters. Whether seeking a serene retreat or an adventurous vacation, Pissouri caters to all.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Where to Stay in Pissouri

• Budget: Klimataria B2
• Mid-Range: Himonas Apartments
• Luxury: Columbia Beach Resort

If you need more recommendations, you can also check out this post.

Cyprus Travel Guide Planning

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance. I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise, Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight-searching platforms.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Israel?

I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options available!

🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?

I strongly recommend using RentalCars. They are available in more than 60.000 locations and customer service support in more than 40 languages.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.

5 Best Cyprus Villages to Visit

Cyprus is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, centuries-old history, and diverse cultural influences. One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the local way of life is by visiting one of the many charming villages in Cyprus. This guide to the best villages to visit in Cyprus is perfect for travelers who want to venture off the beaten path and experience authentic Cyprus culture.