Rural Destinations
Western Larnaca
Western Larnaka occupies the western part of
Larnaka District. Its principal spot, Lefkara, is only 35 kilometers
away from the International Airport of Larnaka. This destination is in
the most central spot of Cyprus, since it is traversed by the main
highway that connects the three large cities of the island, i.e. Larnaka,
Nicosia, and Lemessos.
Together with the outlying communities, the area
combines the picturesque traditional villages of Cyprus with the seaside
life our island can offer. The visitors have the opportunity to stay in
traditional agro-tourist lodgings and experience the local way of life
by participating in the customs of the villagers; or, they can stay in
the welcoming hotels of the area.
There are several traditional homes that feature
a rich folk architecture, which have been restored and are used as
lodgings for tourists. Such homes can be found in the villages of
Skarinou, Tohni, Kalavasso, Kato Dri, Lefkara, Psematismeno, and Maroni.
Lefkara also has hotels.
The mild climate of the area, in combination with
the rich culture and beautiful natural environment, give visitors many
options for vacation: they can watch the women of Lefkara embroider
their unique “Lefkaritika” embroideries right at their doorstep; they
can hike in the trails of Hirokitia, Agios Theodoros, and Vavatsinia;
they can learn about the civilization and history of the area by
visiting the Museum of Folk Art and the Wax Museum in Lefkara, the
Byzantine Museum in Psematismeno, or the Museum of Folk Art in Hirokitia;
they can visit many churches and admire their architecture, which
includes Byzantine and medieval elements.
Too, visitors can choose to do marine sports and
enjoy the sun and the clear, cool water of the sea. Trails that begin in
Agios Theodoros take hikers to the seashore where they can swim and
enjoy seafood in one of the numerous tavernas of the area.
In the summer months, there are several festivals
organized in the area, such as the Annual Lefkara Festival, and the
annual Folk Culture Festival, which takes place in a different community
on October 1st. In addition, there are various artistic performances
organized by the local councils in cooperation with the local cultural
associations of the area.
Tourists can buy local products such as
“Lefkaritika”embroideries, jewelry and genuine local crafts, local foods
and sweets such as “spoon sweets”
lukums, fig pies, hand-made spaghetti, carob
honey and powder, and the unique Lefkara ttava.
“Western Larnaka – The heart of Cyprus” can offer
rich and unique experiences to the tourist who decides to come here. The
area combines the calmness and dry climate of the mountain with the
coolness of the seaside. Its location in a central area, and its access
to the main highway of Cyprus, makes it easy for tourists to visit other
interesting places in the country.
Further information to be posted soon.
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