Picturesque narrow streets, stone-built houses, colorful gardens, traditional handicrafts of lace embroidery and filigree silver. This paradise exists, even more vivid than what you imagined, located in Larnaca region.
By Pantelis Panayiotou
Lefkara is derived from a combination of the Greek words “lefka” (white) and “ori” (hills). The mountainous village is split into Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara and it features cobbled streets, picturesque architecture, stone-built houses and chapels, traditional taverns, coffee shops and agrotourism houses. The embroidery of Lefkara is the ultimate form of Cyprus’ folk tradition, a sublime work of art with patterns inspired by the environment and nature. The popular annual Lefkara Festival takes place each August, and includes a programme of music, dance, theatre and handicraft exhibitions.
As for the idyllic landscape? The almond trees are in full bloom in spring, and are definitely worth the trip in Lefkara to admire their blossoms!
Among the village’s other interesting sites are the ancient chapels of Timios Stavros and Archangelos Michael in Kato Lefkara, with frescoes that date from the 12th and 15th centuries, the Local Ethnological Museum of Traditional Embroidary and Silversmith, as well as the old, famous olive mill. Also, do not miss the workshop of Cypriot loukoumi called ‘Ta oraia Lefkara’ (24342525, 99644989), situated near the area where most shops are located. Here, you can choose among the many flavors: bergamot, rose, orange, cherry, lemon, almond and many others.
Read More: Lefkara Village
Where to stay
However, I have to admit that it’s the people that make Lefkara special! Just explore each hidden corner of the village and you will find genuine, friendly interactions with warm and open people, set to introduce you to the tradition of their place! In Lefkara, there is a variety of agrotourism accommodation options, from traditional old mansions, to luxurious maisonettes. Kozakos Luxury Houses (99676704) offer unique heritage accommodation, while at Red Blue Door (22446552, 99420984) you will be enchanted by its elegant, neoclassical design. Other options are Lefkara View (96359101), Iosiphis Stone-built House (24664677) and Aunt Maria’s Apartment Lefkara (24343099). Prices vary according to the services provided by each accommodation.
Where to eat
At famous cafe ‘Marikkou pou ta Lefkara’ you can drink great coffee and grab a sandwich or dessert, (99117143 Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-23:00), while at Tasties you can find delicious, homemade meals, surrounded by authentic rural décor (24343411 Saturday – Sunday 11:30-18:00).
Lefkara Coffee Yard Bar-Restaurant (24105115) is another excellent choice for coffee, snacks and grilled Cyprus dishes.
