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