02/06/2025

Traditional Cyprus: Discover the Villages Near Ayia Napa

Authentic Day Trips from Faros Hotel into the Heart of Cypriot Culture

Ayia Napa may be world-renowned for its beaches, nightlife, and coastal charm-but if you're looking to experience the authentic heart of Cyprus, venture just a little inland. Scattered across the countryside are picturesque villages, each one a window into the island's rich history, rural life, and warm hospitality.

From lace-making traditions and medieval churches to botanical parks, river taverns, and craft workshops, these villages offer more than a photo opportunity-they offer a story. Whether you're a couple seeking culture, a family wanting a quiet day out, or a solo traveler in search of real connection, these day trips are worth every kilometre.

Here are 8 of the best villages near Ayia Napa to explore during your stay at Faros Hotel, each offering something truly unique.

a couple of women looking at clothes on a wall

Lefkara - The Lace-Making Capital of Cyprus

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 1 hour | Best for: Craft lovers, photographers, foodies

Perched on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, Lefkara is Cyprus' most famous traditional village. Its reputation for lace embroidery ("Lefkaritika") and silver filigree dates back to the 14th century, and legend has it that even Leonardo da Vinci visited Lefkara in 1481 and bought lace for the altar of Milan Cathedral.

What to See and Do:

Visit the Lefkara Handicraft Center to learn about traditional techniques.
Explore the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silver, located in a beautifully restored house.
Wander narrow limestone streets framed by vine-covered balconies and bougainvillea.
Shop for handmade lace, jewellery, and local sweets like glyko tou koutaliou (fruit preserved in syrup).
Enjoy a hearty meze lunch or coffee at a family-run courtyard café.

Sotira - Village of Churches and Halloumi

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 15 minutes | Best for: Religious history, food lovers

Sotira is a small but culturally rich village that's home to five historic churches, each showcasing a different era of Cypriot religious architecture. It's also one of the best places to sample fresh, locally made halloumi-and if you're lucky, you might witness it being made the traditional way.

What to See and Do:

Visit Agios Mamas Church, a 15th-century Byzantine treasure.
Explore the quiet village streets and admire traditional architecture.
Buy or taste fresh halloumi or anari from local producers.
Visit during August's annual Cultural Festival, featuring folk music, dance, and village food.

Insider Tip: Combine Sotira with nearby villages like Frenaros and Avgorou for a mini-village-hopping day.

Avgorou - Agriculture, Herbs, and Cyherbia Park

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 25 minutes | Best for: Families, nature lovers, herbal wellness

Avgorou may be small, but it's packed with interest. It's one of the few villages in the Famagusta district that still relies heavily on agriculture-particularly citrus fruits and potatoes-but it's best known for being home to Cyherbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth.

What to See and Do:

Spend a few hours at Cyherbia, which includes:
- A lavender hedge maze
- A fairy-themed forest walk
- Herbal workshops for tea blending and soap making
Visit the small Folk Art Museum inside a traditional Avgorou home.
Browse local farmer stalls for carob syrup, olive oil, and spoon sweets.

Frenaros - Laid-Back and Local

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 20 minutes | Best for: Tranquil walks, fruit picking, casual dining

Frenaros is a charming, slow-paced village perfect for those who want to feel a little closer to local life. Known for its fertile land, it produces some of the region's best seasonal fruits like figs, grapes, and watermelons.

What to See and Do:

Visit the Church of Archangel Michael and Agios Andronikos with its ancient frescoes.
Walk or cycle through surrounding orchards and green spaces.
Dine at a small kafeneio or taverna, where you'll find generous plates and friendly service.
Stop at roadside stands for freshly picked figs and prickly pears in summer.

Liopetri - Basketry and Riverside Dining

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 15 minutes | Best for: Crafts, riverside meals, scenic peace

Liopetri is a beautiful and historically significant village, known especially for its hand-woven baskets, a craft passed down through generations. The nearby Liopetri River (Potamos) is lined with rustic tavernas and traditional fishing boats.

What to See and Do:

Visit the Liopetri Basket Workshop to see how these time-honored baskets are made.
Walk along the tranquil riverbank where fishing boats bob gently in the breeze.
Enjoy a seafood lunch at a riverside taverna-try calamari, octopus, or grilled seabream.
Visit the Memorial of the 1958 EOKA fighters, for a moving piece of local history.

Deryneia - Strawberries and Culture

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 25 minutes | Best for: Museums, viewpoints, food festivals

Located close to the Green Line, Deryneia offers a mixture of modern resilience and deep tradition. It's also Cyprus' "Strawberry Village", hosting a biennial festival with dancing, desserts, and more.

What to See and Do:

Stop by the Deryneia Folk Art Museum to learn about traditional village life.
Visit the Outdoor War Museum and Cultural Centre, with views of the abandoned city of Famagusta.
Try seasonal strawberry treats, jams, and liqueurs.
Visit in May of even-numbered years to catch the Strawberry Festival.

Kato Drys - Small Village, Big Character

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 1 hour | Best for: Hidden gems, history buffs, peaceful walks

Just next to Lefkara, Kato Drys is lesser-known but brimming with charm. Its peaceful streets, historical buildings, and quirky museums make it a wonderful stop-especially for those who appreciate Cyprus' rural heritage.

What to See and Do:

Tour the House of Patsalos, a restored traditional home now serving as a museum.
Taste local honey, herbs, and homemade liqueurs sold in village shops.
Visit the Bee & Embroidery Museum, combining two of the village's oldest crafts.
Walk to the small Agios Minas Monastery nearby.

a cobblestone street between stone buildings

Vavla - For Nature and Olive Oil Lovers

Distance from Faros Hotel: Approx. 1 hour 15 mins | Best for: Peaceful nature, bird watching, culinary lovers

Vavla is a tiny stone-built village surrounded by olive groves, pine trees, and walking trails. It's especially popular with nature lovers and those seeking quiet. Some boutique producers also offer olive oil tastings and workshops.

Activities include:

Visit a local eco-farm or participate in an olive oil tasting session.
Go for a walk in the nearby nature trails, part of the Natura 2000 network.
Stay for lunch at a farm-to-table taverna offering organic, seasonal menus.

a stone archway with trees and a tower in the background

The Story Behind Ayia Napa's Monastery & Square

Tucked away behind bustling tavernas and under the shadow of ancient trees lies a landmark that has quietly witnessed the transformation of Ayia Napa from a tranquil fishing village into one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant destinations. The Ayia Napa Monastery and the town square surrounding it are more than just picturesque attractions, they are the soul of the town.