/ villages / A Y I A
NAPA AND PROTARAS
Slow down and get a taste of
RURAL LIFE IN CYPRUS
There are many ways to experience the beauty of rural Cyprus around the areas of Ayia Napa and
Protaras. Enjoy one of the many cultural, religious, cycling, or hiking routes, explore the many churches
and historical monuments or simply take in the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the villages. Villages
in this area are collectively known as the Kokkinochoria, or “red soil villages”, due to the red soil in
which potatoes and kolokasi (Cyprus’ famous root vegetable) are grown.
DERYNEIA
Deryneia is a predominantly agricultural area located
11 km north of Ayia Napa. It is known for its produce
production and is Cyprus’ largest producer of strawber-
ries. The village celebrates this every two years with
its Strawberry Festival. Deryneia has three important
churches: Agios Georgios, Agia Marina, and a church
dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagia). You can learn a
lot about the history of Cyprus at Deryneia’s two histori-
cal centres. The Folk Art Museum displays a collection
of historical agricultural tools and equipment used by
traditional farming families. There is also the Open Air
Traditional Folk Art Museum which showcases tradi-
tional professions such as tailoring, blacksmithing, and
fishing. You can also visit the Cultural Centre of Occu-
pied Ammochostos (Famagusta), which was created to
hold presentations in response to the “Cyprus Dispute”
following the Turkish invasions of 1974. From here, you
can see the occupied city of Ammochostos. There is also
a small photo exhibit and a handicraft market.
PARALIMNI
This small township became the administrative
centre of the district following the Turkish occupation
of Ammochostos. It is located 7 km from Ayia Napa
and is built on the shores of a shallow lake. At its centre
stands a large modern two-aisled 13th-century church
dedicated to the Virgin Mary alongside an older stone
church. The bustling village has many restaurants, cafes,
bakeries and bars. The surrounding countryside has rich
red soil and is known for growing potatoes. You will also
notice hundreds of windmills dotting the hills; these
were initially used to draw water but have mostly been
replaced by modern pumps. Check out the Folkloric
Museum which gives visitors a glimpse of the traditions,
art and everyday tools of historic rural life. If you travel
to the east toward the sea, you can relax at Trinity or
Kapparis Beach.
SOTIRA
Sotira is located 12 km west of Ayia Napa and has a
population of just over 5,500. The village is named after
Jesus Soter (saviour) and celebrates Soter’s Metamor-
phosis every August 6th. Sotira was an important village
during the Byzantine era and still contains five impressive
Byzantine churches: Agios Mamas, Panagia Chordakion,
Agios Georgios Chordakion, and Agios Theodoros. Other
46
DERYNEIA
Village
celebrates
this every two
years with its
Strawberry
Festival
PARALIMNI | The large modern
two-aisled 13th century church
dedicated to the Virgin Mary
SOTIRA | The medieval
Church of Ayios Georgios
Chortakion
churches and chapels also exist, including the church of
the Transfiguration of the Saviour (13th — 16th century)
in the centre of the village. The main industries in Sotira
are agriculture and livestock, most notablykolokasi culti-
vation. In addition to the many churches, Sotira tourists
can also enjoy the Ecclesiastical Museum or Poseidon
Beach on its southern coast.
Kolokasi
• 2018 EDITION