Phini Village – 12 Exciting Things To Do In Phini, Cyprus

Tia — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 10:39:02 +0000

Welcome to beautiful Phini – a village in the province of Limassol, on the beautiful island of Cyprus!

In this article, I am giving you not one, not two, but 12 unique and exciting things to do In Phini, whilst exploring the village and agrotourism scene in Cyprus.

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A little bit about Phini Village

Phini is built at an average altitude of 920 meters, between steep slopes and high, mountain-green mountain peaks.

For instance, the altitude means you can escape the scorching Cyprus heat, with cooler temperatures all year, and additionally, little to no humidity!

The beauty of Phini with its picturesque houses and taverns is completed by the waterfall Chandara and the impressive Trooditissa monastery located in the north of the village.

Additionally, I recommend trying the local Loukoumi and of course, taking part in a pottery workshop – an art for which the village of Phini is famous.

Furthermore, the difficult but interesting nature trail of Phini-Trooditissa is worth it for hiking and cycling lovers alike!

In addition, a visit to the village but also to the neighboring villages of Prodromos and Lemythou will bring you closer to nature, tradition, and the simple and unpretentious way of life.

So let’s dive right, into the 12 most exciting things to do in Phini!

1. Eat homemade Loukoumia at Ourania Delights

Loukoumi, otherwise known as ”Turkish Delight” is a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar chopped into bite-sized cubes and topped with icing sugar.

At Ouranias Delights, you can enjoy fresh loukoumi that is made traditionally every day!

For instance, Loukoumi in Cyprus can be found in a huge array of flavors, but here, you can choose between bergamot or rose, with almonds or without.

Trust me, you will thank me for proposing the ones that are fresh and authentic and not made in a factory!

To visit, call Mrs Ourania Pissourou (+357 99 379989)

2. Walk around Phini village

After a bite ( or ten) or loukoumi, it’s time to walk around the village and soak up the culture!

Here you can walk down the old streets, admire the traditional stone-built homes, and see the locals taking care of their courtyards and gardens ( all immaculate).

Be prepared to be invited inside for coffee and sweets – the people at Phini are extremely hospitable!

Whilst walking, you will see the bell tower of the Timios Stavros church, which has stood in the village for approximately 155 years, and definitely deserves a visit!

After that, If you love museums then the small but unique Pilavakeio Museum of Traditional Art (+357 25 421508), is located in the village center.

The museum is displaying traditional farming instruments and vases and photographs of the Cypriot life from many years ago.

At the Pastra traditional coffee shop (+357 99 066783), you will find most of the locals enjoying their Cypriot coffee and interacting with each other.

Try frape (iced coffee) or a good strong Cyprus coffee ( like espresso, Turkish or Arabic coffee)

3. Take part in a Pottery making workshop

The village of Phini developed an extensive tradition in pottery, the history of which goes back into the centuries.

The pots manufactured until today in this village are red, porous, and similar to those of Kornos.

In the past, this craft was a profitable occupation for a large number of inhabitants that supported entire families.

Nowadays, pottery is mostly a women’s profession, but back then, the men were mainly jar makers, and the women manufactured objects for the house and for carrying water.

During the weekends, you can take part in a pottery workshop – by the wonderful Giota Aristidou.

With her guidance and infectious energy, you can learn to create clay masterpieces too!

Giota is determined to preserve pottery art in Phini, and in conclusion, she is not doing this for profit per se. She only charges 4 euros per workshop, which lasts up to 2 hours – an absolute bargain!

Alternatively, you can visit her shop simply to admire her art or buy some of her creations – priced equally cheaply in my opinion!

To arrange a visit, call Giota Aristidou at +357 99136262

4. Eat steak or meze at PHINI TAVERN AND RESTAURANT

If you have followed any of my travels, you know I am a steak fanatic. So I was very pleasantly surprised to find a restaurant in Phini, that specializes in…steak!

So yes, definitely do eat at Phini Tavern, if you fancy juicy, perfectly cooked steak in a beautiful courtyard surrounded by forest and green!

For bookings: 25 421828

5. Explore the beautiful Chantara Waterfalls

An absolute highlight in Phini is undoubtedly the Chantara waterfall, found on the river Dhiarizos, just north of the village.

The waterfall emerges through a wild landscape filled with all sorts of trees – like plane trees, ivy, pine trees, golden oaks, sage, and lavender, giving guests wonderful scents.

Chantara is an 8meters high waterfall. The sounds of the water falling into the small lake below, along with the birds singing are truly magical.

There are little benches you can relax on, and a small nature trail so you can witness the waterfall from the top.

What I love even more is the fact that access to this is SO easy. Simply drive a few meters down a dirt road, park and you are there!

No hiking or walking is necessary, therefore perfect for people with disabilities too.

6. Find Peace and Serenity at Trooditissa Monastery

Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, you will find the 13th-century picturesque Trooditissa Monastery

The small but beautiful church of the monastery was built in 1731. Inside, you will find a priceless silver-leaf-covered icon of the Virgin Mary.

It is said, that the icon helps childless families produce heirs.

The church, as well as the monastic buildings, can be dated back to the 18th-20th century!

This is a male monastery, where everyone peacefully coexists on the grounds and contributes with chores – like fruit picking, gardening, and cleaning.

Rules of Conduct

Trooditissa monastery is open to visitors only. Please dress modestly when visiting, although I would suggest that call ahead before you visit.

Practice being quiet and respectful, and avoid taking any pictures or videos with any monks in your shot!

Operating Hours:	Daily: 09:00 – 12:00 / 14:00 – 16:00 (church only)
Operating Period:	All-year-round. Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee:	Free
Disabled Access:	Wheelchair accessible.
To visit:	+357 25421663

7. Hike or bike the Phini-Trooditissa Nature Trail

Are you ready for a challenge?

The linear nature trail of Phini- Trooditissa, is a 4.5km hike through the forest, that takes approximately 2hours to hike!

It crosses the Trooditissa River, Chantara Waterfall, and Phini Village. Nature lovers will spot many bird species as well as golden oak and strawberry trees and Calabrian pine!

8. Take a road trip to the neighboring villages

Phini, like so many Cyprus villages, is connected to many other villages that are super easy to access by car!

Prodromos is only a 13km drive, Lemithou village is 14 km away, and the beautiful village of Platres ( there are so many amazing things to do in Platres) is a mere 4km drive!

Prodromos Village

Prodromos is a village that became a popular tourist resort thanks to the creation of the Berengaria hotel, as well as various mountain excursions.

The village boasts a wonderful climate and impressive natural beauty, as it is surrounded by lush greenery and the wonderful, fresh scent of pines.

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Lemithou Village

Lemithou village is one of the highest in Cyprus at an altitude of 1200 meters in the heart of Troodos.

The sleepy village only has a mere 25 permanent residents! It is located in a unique natural landscape with magnificent evergreen forests and exclusive deep valleys.

This is the village I chose to stay in for 2 nights. I needed some peace and quiet after 2 full days of fab road trips and exploring! ( Keep reading for more on my accommodation)

The village’s main attractions are the 16th-century church of Ayios Theodoros and the church of Panayia Iamatiki which houses the 17th-century icon of the Virgin Mary.

Activities in Lemithou

Lemithou is great for hiking and cycling enthusiasts as there are numerous nature trails and paths to explore. As for the ski fanatics, in the winter the Troodos ski centre is located only 8 km away from Themis House.
As far as religious tourism goes, you are also in luck! The famous Byzantine Monasteries of Kykkos, Trooditissa and Trikoukkia, are located very close to the area.
Wine lovers will also love exploring the wine villages of Cyprus, through an endless wine route, near Themis House. You can visit the wineries, take tours and taste the local wines and other local varieties from the unique vineyards.

9. Check out the haunted Verengaria Hotel – Prodromos Village

Built in 1931 Berengaria was a legendary hotel that was a haven for Royals and Presidents from all around the world.

It used to have a built-in casino, and nightclub, that attracted a beautiful and eclectic crowd! The gatherings, parties, and meetings at Berengaria were legendary!

This majestic hotel is now a shadow of its former self, and many urban legends say that the hotel is haunted.

Currently, the hotel has been sold for a reported 2million Euros and access to it is impossible.

Bear in mind, that it is barely standing! There have always been warning signs not to enter it for your own safety but people took the risk just to walk its grounds.

Now, It is impossible to access it, as it has alarm systems inside.

We were able to fly our drone on top of it and use the camera to take a look at it!

Locals in Prodromos village say that the hotel will be rebuilt from new to look just like the original, and I will be the first to book a room – especially in the ”haunted rooms”!

10. Fuel up with a Cypriot Buffet at The Byzantio Restaurant

Byzantio restaurant is a great place for lunch if you are in Prodromos village! Close to practically everything I mention in this article, and located right in the middle of the square too.

At Byzantio, you can find a spot for coffee, sweets, and a gorgeous Cypriot buffet too for lunch!

The buffet is extensive and filled with traditional Cypriot dishes you won’t find in all tavernas on the island!

In this family business of over 20 years, you can enjoy both an indoor and outdoor space for seating. In the winter, a big plate of hot homemade soup in front of the open fireplace is pure heaven!

For bookings: 99 430132

11. Discover the Prodromos Reservoir and its picnic/camping site

This is a fantastic spot for picnics and camping with a gorgeous view!

You can combine a relaxing stroll in nature or even a hike in the 2 nearby trails. Meanwhile, the views of the Prodromos Dam that contains 122.000 cubic meters of water are super soothing!

The whole area is nestled in a pine forest, providing fantastic views and shade. The picnic site alone, with its kiosks and wooden benches, can host up to 250 guests.

This area is also great for children as it has a fenced playground that they can safely play in.

The facilities of the picnic site are accessible for people with disabilities.

Find it here

12. Experience true Cypriot Hospitality and comfort at Themis House Lemithou

Themis House is a restored beautiful stone-built guest house. It is hidden in the lush natural landscape of Troodos in the beautiful village of Lemithou.

There are 10 studios for rent in this 2-floor complex, that can be rented individually or all together for larger gatherings and parties!

The Rooms

Each room is fully equipped for comfort, with free wifi, central heating, and TV. Of course, there’s a kitchen too, although you will hardly need to use it when you taste the deliciousness of the kitchen downstairs!

Two of the rooms feature their own jacuzzi! all of the rooms open to their own private terrace with panoramic views of the Troodos mountains.

The view is truly magical! The prices are insane, you can literally rent a room for two, with a jacuzzi for 60 euros a night!

6 of the rooms are on the top floor that is completed by an outdoor pool. The other 4 are situated downstairs next to the large stone-built courtyard, with views of the entire village.

In the summer, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the courtyard. This is a space that people love to use as it is surrounded by shade and perfect for relaxation.

In the winter, the indoor communal space with the fireplace is perfect for cozy nights with wine and board games.

The courtyard is fully equipped with everything one needs for a classic Cyprus barbeque. The amazing thing is, guests have full access to the facilities to cook their own barbeque on the premises!

The Food

The breakfast is priced at an extra 5 euros per person – that is worth every mouthwatering bite.

Eggs, cereals, cold meats, and cheeses! Then, jams, freshly baked bread, olives, and so much more! All this is served daily, and it’s all the fuel you need for a full day of exploring!

There is no set menu during lunch and dinner, but Mrs. Giannoula – the tireless host and owner never let us go hungry!

First, you are presented with a couple of food options. Then, off she goes to cook up a storm in her kitchen and create magic!

We ended up eating dinner there both nights and it was fantastic each time.

The hospitality is immaculate from everyone involved, but especially from Mrs, Giannoula, which is simply outstanding!

It comes as no surprise that Themis House, is constantly booked, and guests keep returning time and time again. 10/10 definitely recommend it!

Book Themis House here

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