Pano Lefkara Things to Do

The whole Larnaca district is beautiful.

Lefkara is an unspoiled picturesque, full of character village which I love visiting.

You can have some panoramic views of the Larnaca District and the photo I have on this tip shows how beautiful Lefkara is today.

4 more images

One of my favorite things to do in Lefkara, is to walk through the narrow out of the way alleys of the little town. It is relaxing and rewarding. No cars pass by, no merchants to call me in, flowers seem to thrive in pots set along the stone walls of the old buildings and the air feels fresh and clean. Through the open front doors I can marvel at the architecture of the old stone built houses, the charm of the inner courtyards with the big arches and colorful flowers. It is indeed a taste of the good old times, the way things used to be in rural Cyprus, preserved and unspoiled.

The village is dotted with little centuries-old chapels, both inside the village and the surrounding hills. On a clear spring day, I can't resist the urge to ascend to the top of the Sotira hill. From there south central Cyprus is on my footsteps, all the way to the bays of Larnaca and Limassol. The red tile roofs of the villages in the area and the saint Minas convent are scattered in the pristine countryside. Just opposite the Stavrovouni hill, with the monastery on top, faces me. It is as if the two hills compete, I do want to say I am higher, but I am not sure. And to the north, the Troodos Mountains and the Kionia peak are just a short distance away.

When in Lefkara, a must do is the walk from the center of Pano Lefkara, passed the old fountain, 'Piyi', to Kato Lefkara. The views on the way are fantastic. Do visit the 11th Century Chapel of the Archangels in Kato Lefkara and look for glimpses of the marvelous frescos that once adorned it. This was the seat of the bishop of Limassol during the franiksh era.

Lefkara is famous for its embroidery and silver-smithing tradition. A few tourist busses arrive everyday for a short visit, hardly long enough to walk through the main street. You really need more time to get the feeling of the beautiful village and appreciate it. Plan to spend a good part of the day there. Do visit the handicraft museum in the house of Patsalos. The house itself and the exhibits will give you a good sense of the Lefkara architecture and traditions.

I am glad 'progress' did not reach Lefkara. I hope the village will be preserved for generations to come, and I urge you to visit Lefkara when in Cyprus and walk through the narrow stone-paved alleys for an experience you will cherish.

2 more images

If you come to Pano Lefkara, have a walk through the narrow lanes, and admire the architecture.
Some of the houses are really of excellent style, architecture and colour.