Tochni in the Larnaca district, is a village whose roots delve deep into a history spanning over a millennium.
Its modern transformation into one of Cyprus’s premier agrotourism destinations is a tale of community revitalisation and cultural preservation.
The village’s foray into agrotourism, catalysed by strategic investments, has been pivotal in fostering development while safeguarding its quaint, traditional essence.
Today, Tochni, with its 500 inhabitants, boasts the highest number of agrotourism accommodations relative to its population on the island, offering 11 licensed establishments with a total capacity of 132 beds, alongside ten additional lodging options.
The seeds of Cyprus’s organised agrotourism were sown in Tochni during the 1990s, a vision that has since flourished under the nurturing hands of its pioneers.
Among them is Sofronis Potamitis, often hailed as the “father of agrotourism,” who shared his journey with Phileleftheros from the inception of Tochni’s first accommodations. “When I returned in 1988 from my studies in the USA, I liked the idea of agrotourism, upgrading the architectural character of the houses, and providing an authentic experience to the tourist,” Potamitis recounted. His initiative marked the beginning of Cyprus’s venture into agrotourism, bridging traditional living with modern tourism.
Potamitis’s efforts, alongside the Cyprus Agrotourism Company, laid the groundwork for the sector’s growth, a task fraught with challenges in the pre-digital era. “Back then, we operated as agents for all the agrotourism nationwide. We had about 500 beds,” he explained. The advent of the internet revolutionised advertising, allowing platforms like Booking.com to showcase these hidden gems to a global audience.
Now, Tochni is home to approximately 40 agrotourism accommodations, enriched with activities designed to offer guests a holistic experience.
From horse riding and cycling centres to cooking classes and wellness retreats, Tochni extends an invitation to immerse in the Cypriot way of life. “We made the restaurant that also offers breakfast, we made a horse riding centre, a cycling centre, and cooking classes,” Potamitis added.
The village’s agrotourism allure is complemented by its burgeoning sports tourism, particularly appealing to cycling enthusiasts. Pantelis Charalambous, the community leader, emphasised the vital role of agrotourism in sustaining Tochni’s vibrancy. “If it weren’t for agrotourism, Tochni would have been abandoned,” he stated, acknowledging the year-round tourism that breathes life into the local economy.
The community’s ambitious plans include the development of a cycling track to Olympic standards, a first for Cyprus, promising new horizons for sports tourism.
Tochni’s religious heritage, encapsulated in the 19th-century church of Saints Constantine and Helen, built, according to legend, by Saint Helen upon her return from the Holy Lands, adds a layer of mystique to its charm.
The village’s recent initiative to beautify the Kamara riverbed marks another milestone in its journey towards sustainable development. This €2.5 million project, set to be inaugurated by the President of the Republic, has transformed the heart of Tochni, introducing an amphitheatre, event spaces, and lush green areas, further enhancing its appeal as a destination that harmoniously blends nature with culture.
As Tochni continues to evolve, its improved road network and attractive property prices are drawing more residents, particularly from bustling cities like Limassol, in search of tranquillity and a connection to nature. “The greatest interest comes from residents of Limassol, who choose our area due to the rise in rents and property prices,” Charalambous noted.
