Kakopetria And Galata – Tips To Explore These Picture- Perfect Villages in Cyprus

Tia — Wed, 26 May 2021 19:27:18 +0000

Welcome back! In this episode, we get to know Kakopetria, one of the most famous villages in the province of Nicosia.

Kakopetria is located in the valley of Solea, at an altitude of 667 meters above the beautiful Troodos Mountains. It is 55 km from Nicosia, and 46 km from Limassol.

Next to it, is the beautiful and underrated Galata village, which’s drowning in green and nature!

The wonderful natural environment, the rich greenery, the cool waters, and the ancient traditional heritage are just a few of the things you can admire in the villages. 

In Kakopetria, we cannot forget the ancient Byzantine churches, such as the monastery of St Nicholas of the Roof, the traditional Mill, and the colorful houses that invite you to admire them.

The warm hospitality that distinguishes its inhabitants, the beautiful hotels and the excellent food, are pervasive here, and so,the hours pass quickly and beautifully.

So let’s go and discover together, all the beauties of Kakopetria and Galata Villages in the Nicosia Province!

What are the top attractions to visit in Kakopetria?

Old Kakopetria Village

The old part of Kakopetria is without a doubt the most picturesque and photogenic part of the village. You will simply adore taking photographs of every inch and corner of the village!

Here you can observe beautiful traditional old stone and wooden houses, and narrow cobbled streets! You will see rows of spoons sweets resting on wooden porches, smiley locals, and pristine houses decorated with colorful flowers.

In fact, Old Kakopetria is so gorgeous, that it has been classified as an ancient monument by the Department of Antiquities, and because of this, many houses have been restored to perfection.

It is here, that you will find most of the things to explore in the village too

Klarios River Kakopetria

If you park at the Mill Hotel, you will find the beginning of the glorious Klarios River stream. The Klarios river, which has a length of approximately 25 km, stems from the Troodos Mountain and passes through the entire Solea Valley until it stops at Morphou Bay.

This mighty stream is the reason Solea Valley, is so rich in fruit trees and vegetation. The scenery here is wonderful and there is an outdoor cafe, serving refreshing, delicious lemonade too – which I rather enjoyed!

Linos Museum

The Linos Museum consists of three thematic rooms devoted to wine, bread, and oil and can be found on the main road of Old Kakopetria, right past the church.

You can observe the mangers, where donkeys used to eat, and the large tanks that were used to produce wine hundreds of years ago in Cyprus! Furthermore, there are photos and films that beautifully present the history of the Museum.

To Visit: call ahead at +357 22922323. Hours & Days: Monday – Friday 07:30 – 15:00

Elena Park

This little park is great to let little ones let off some steam and play! There are cute little ducks in the area too. You will find it right at the entrance of the Old Kakopetria Village.

Petra Tou Antrogynou (Androgyne Stone)

The “Petra tou Antrogynou” otherwise known as the ”stone of the married couple” is situated in the entrance of Old Kakopetria, and although I didn’t think it was anything amazing, it is the poster child of Kakopetria!

The stone comes with many old folk stories behind it; One says, that if newlyweds sat on the rock, they would have a long and happy marriage.

Another story says that the stone once moved, crushing some visitors, which then gave the village its name ”Kakopetria” – which translates to ”Bad stone”

Vateri Nature Trail Kakopetria

Vateris Nature Trail is one of my absolute favorites! It is an easy 1-kilometer-long trail, that was built on the west bank of Klarios river and passes through the dense vegetation of plane trees, alders, and oaks.

The scenery is gorgeous, and further enhanced by the small wooden bridges that are used as exit points into the old village, and also penetrate into the river and the trail.

There are many benches in different spots within the trail to take a rest while enjoying the sound of the flowing water blending with the sound of singing birds.

Towards the end of the trail, you will find the old water spring of Vateri, that gave the nature trail its name. If you are looking for a moment of peace and tranquillity in nature, don’t miss a walk here!

Agios Nikolaos Tis Stegis Unesco Church (St Nicholas Of The Roof)

St. Nicholas of the Roof is one of the nine Troodos churches that belong on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.

The frescoes that cover its interior are excellent examples of Byzantine and post-Byzantine monumental paintings.

This magnificent church dates back to the first half of the 11th century and in it, wonderful art frescoes from the 11th to the 14th century are preserved.

Platania Picnic

Picnic lovers, barbeque lovers, and nature lovers rejoice! At Platania picnic site, you will find benches, and barbeque stations in the shady pine grove, to enjoy picnics and feasts with family and loved ones.

The biggest selling point is the kid’s play area where little ones can keep themselves entertained, giving moms and dads a much-needed break haha!

Finally. while it is not known to many, is that there is a camping site here too, with every modern facility, like toilets, shower blocks and disabled facilities.

Kakopetria Square

Kakopetria square is also known as ”New Kakopetria” . The distance between Old and New Kakopetria is small- you can walk it in 10 minutes! Here, is the village’s school – which is the most colorful and stunning school I have ever witnessed!

There is a numerous coffee shops and restaurants, a kiosk, an ice cream shop and many more! You will probably end up there after you spent a few hours exploring Old Kakopetria Village for a drink, coffee or dessert!

Kakopetria Hotel Options

Enipnion Apartments

This agritourism complex is situated in the heart of Old Kakopetria, and consists of 4 completely renovated and comfortable apartments!

Enipnion offers single, double, and family room options! All apartments have:

Fully equipped kitchen (refrigerator, electric hobs, kettle, toaster)
Free high-speed internet access (wired and wireless)
Air conditioning (hot and cold air)
Autonomous electric heating
Possibility to place a cot for small children
LCD cable TV
Safe (which can hold a laptop)
Extra towels and bed linen

Information

Address: Παλαιάς Κακοπετριάς 66, Kakopetria 2800

Phone: +357 22 924500

For reservations, click here

Linos Inn

This lovely Inn is also located in the heart of Old Kakopetria and it is a complex of beautifully restored traditional old houses transformed into rustic little Agrotourism apartments.

The old and new co-exist beautifully here, and so, you will find the rooms decorated in the traditional old Cypriot village way, with four poster beds, wooden-beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and Jacuzzis too. At the Inn, there is a restaurant and bar, as well as a sauna too, perfect for those chilly nights!

Information

Address: 34 Palea Kakopetria Street, Kakopetria 2810

Phone: 22 923161

For reservations, click here

Kakopetria Restaurants

I had some incredible food in Kakopetria, and if you are a foodie like me, you will want to know the details!

First up is a Cypriot tavern with a twist, and also a traditional family establishment, that will have locals and tourists alike, licking their plates!

Ais Giorkis Tavern

”Where Cyprus meets Crete, and together, they form a beautiful symmetry of culinary excellence!”

This tavern was gorgeous! At Ais Giorkis, you will find a perfect mix of Cypriot and Cretan cuisine, and every mouthful is a culinary journey!

The tavern serves grilled food and meze, made of seasonal ingredients from the Cypriot and the Cretan cuisines, such as snails, the feta saganaki in tomato marmalade, and the Cretan «antikristo», while the homemade orange pie dessert steals the show.

10/10 for service, as well as cleanliness and very polite staff and owners!

Open every day except Monday, from noon to evening.

For bookings: +357 99646310

Stou Zoppi Tavern

Upon arriving at Zoppis Tavern, I immediately feel like I am home. Or better yet, that I am at my grandmother’s house, surrounded by family and delicious food.

The outdoor seating area and garden are large, and spacious, yet feel homey and inviting!

A quick inspection of the inside, reveals treasures from generations past – in the form of a huge collection of Cypriot household vintage memorabilia, that are as good as any museums!

The food is…incredible. The almighty Cyprus meze is elevated beautifully, and no dish is left unserved, from Cyprus souvla, to keftedakia (fried meatballs), vine leaves, and more!

As mentioned above, the tavern is a family business and everyone is all hands on deck! As a result, you will feel like you are sitting at a large family gathering, eating delicious food.

For bookings: + 357 99782031

Galata Village

United with the neighboring community of Kakopetria we find Galata built on both banks of the Clarion River and literally immersed in green. Galata receives thousands of tourists every year, because of the villages a special natural beauty.

In Galata’s square, we relax under the shade of the old oak and the plane trees with the sound of the gurgling waters of the Clarion River.

We see the grace of traditional houses, with their wooden balconies and stairs; we visit taverns, and discover nature trails!

Of course, we do not fail to experience up close the exquisite cultural heritage of Cyprus through the 6 Byzantine churches of the 16th century and mainly, the one of Panagia Podithos.

Galata is a beautiful surprise, so let’s go and discover it together!

Galata Bakery

The Traditional Galata Bakery is perfect for a quick snack on the road, that looks, tastes, and smells like Cyprus! as it is also known, is a traditional choice for sweet and savory snacks on your way to Galata or Kakopetria (Or Troodos in general)

Galata bakery has been in business since 1953 where Mrs. Anna Kyrillou and her husband Mr. Iakovos Kyrillou started baking bread during the summer months.

Slowly but surely, business picked up and in 1975, the modern bakery we see today was built. It is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and equipment and produces of the finest bread products available on the market.

Don’t forget to try the fresh loukoumades too (fried dough dipped in honey), the halloumi pie, and the various cookies and crackers!

Archangelos – Mylos tis Rodous Nature Trail

An unexpected surprise, this nature trail is a wonderful path of Nature called Archangelos – Mill of Rodous, and it is a must!

The 1km trail starts from the chapel of Archangelos and ends at Mylos of Rodous.

The linear path trail passes by Panagia tis Podithou (a Unesco Heritage Site church), as well as the Rodous watermill with its imposing arches and restored mill house.

You have the beauty of Karkotis river, rich Cyprus flora like walnut and carob trees, plane trees and poplars too!

Starting point/ or finishing point : Archangelos Church (galata village)

Finishing point/ or starting point: Rodous Water Mill

Duration- 20 mins. Level of Difficulty, 1

Galata Churches

Panagia Podithou Unesco Church

Located in the village of Galata, the church of Panagia Podithou is one of the nine listed UNESCO World Heritage Site churches in Troodos, Cyprus.

Once belonging to a monastery, the church was built in 1502 through the donation of Demetre de Coron and his wife Helen.

The building is single-aisled with a steep-pitched beautiful timber roof. The mural paintings that cover the interior belong to the Italo-Byzantine style that appeared on the island towards the end of the 15th century.

To visit: +357 99671776

Entrance ramp and disabled toilets are provided

To Spiti Tou Xeni – Galata Village

“Spiti tou Xeni” is located in the center of Galata village and although it was built in 1906, it has also been renovated in 2004.

It is a traditional stone house that consists of two independent studios. Each studio (one located on the ground floor and the other on the opposite side of the building on the first floor) have their own balcony with magnificent views of the mountains.

The gurgling sound of water from the nearby stream gives you the feeling of utter peace and relaxation!

Both studios are fully equipped with a double bed, with the possibility and space to add one more if needed. The rooms also have a kitchen, bathroom, and TV. The kitchen is equipped with an oven, coffee maker, fridge, and toaster.

The studios also have a separate bedroom, dining room, and living room.

The furnishings are traditional pieces such as iron beds and wooden beams on the ceiling, which will take you back in time.
Address: 03 Georgiou Zacharia Street, 2827 Galata
For reservations click here!

Thank you for discovering Kakopetria and Galata with me today! I am confident you will have a wonderful time exploring the natural beauties of them both. Cameras at the ready, its time for epic road trips!

Love, Tia

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