The Royal Apollonia in house magazine (issue 3, summer 2017) (issue 3, summer 2017) | Seite 36

VIL L AGES AROUN D LIMASSOL The Natural and Man-Made Beauty of the Cypriot Countryside Limassol is one of the most important cities in Cyprus, the country that easily merges modern sophistication with its ancient past. The relaxing beaches, the hip restaurants and bars, the busy shopping centres, as well as the fascinating archaeological sites and breathtaking views make Limassol a perfect holiday destination as well as number one business centre for people from all over the world. T he beautiful, lively metropolis is complemented by the tradi- tional villages that surround it, offering visitors not only the experience of an im- portant Cypriot city but also a glimpse at the natural and man-made beauty of the countryside. Lefkara — ​Where the Cypriot Folk Needlecraft Art Was Born Known for being the place where the famous “lefkaritiko”, where the Cypriot folk needlecraft art was born, Leftkara is a charming village that should be on every traveller’s must-see list. With amazing little roads, charming centuries-old buildings, beautiful and 36 ancient chapels (such as the church of Timios Stavros and the chapel of Arch- angelos Michail in Kato Lefkara), tradi- tional restaurants and welcoming people, Lefkara is definitely a fantastic choice for everyone who wants to understand life in the Cypriot countryside. Besides wandering around its lovely streets, the village also gives its visitors the chance to get in touch with its past by visiting The Folk Art Museum, the old fountain and the old olive mill. Foodies can pay a visit to one of the oldest places on the island that still makes the traditional Cyprus delights, loukoumia. Founded by Theodoros Kramvides in 1895, Steliou & Theodorou Kramvidou is a tiny workshop that car- ries a very long history. Omodos — A unique village built around a monastery. Built around the Monastery of the Holy Cross, Omodos village amazes the eyes of its visitors with the nar- row alleys, coloured flowerpots, charming buildings, but mostly with the joyfulness and the hospitality of its inhabitants. Besides admiring the beautiful surroundings, history aficionados can visit the interesting museum of Byzantine Icons, the Museum of Folk Art, as well as the National Libera- tion Uprising Museum. On one of the beautiful alleys, a welcoming but unpretentious res- taurant greets hungry tourists with a delicious menu written on a board outside. Makrinari Tavern has a spa- cious and airy roof terrace and deli- cious traditional dishes like afelia, pourgouri, mousakka or koupepia. In addition, those who want to have a unique experience can spend a night in one of the lovely refurbished traditional homes and guest houses. T H E R O YA L A P O L L O N I A M A G A Z IN E • 2017 summer edition