CYPRUS: Mountain Villages

They say the mountain villages of Cyprus offer a glimpse into the island’s traditional way of life.

Nestled in the Troodos mountain range they are known for their stone-built houses, cobbled streets and stunning views.

In the summer they are popular as the cooler mountain climate provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

 

Lefkara is one of Cyprus’s most famous mountain villages, renowned for its traditional lace-making and silver craftsmanship. Nestled in the Troodos foothills, it has narrow cobbled streets and stone-built houses with red-tiled roofs.

Skilled artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of handmade lace. It brought a smile to my face as it made me think of my grandmother who used to do intricate lace work and embroidery. 

Dierona is known for its vineyards, citrus orchards and olive oil production. We went to Dierona on the recommendation of our friendly parking attendant who told us there was an Orange Festival that weekend. 

There was traditional dancing in the central square. 

It looks like this little guy had no choice in joining the festivities.  

 Lofou, another village, is nestled at an altitude of about 800 meters with a history dating back to the Byzantine period. 

I was fascinated with the construction of the stone walls. 

 

 

 Lofou is home to the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. 

No village is complete without the local craft brewery.  

The drives up to the villages are very pretty looking at mountains, vineyards, citrous and olive trees.

 

 

If the mountains could talk it would be interesting to know what they have to tell us about what they have seen over the centuries.