Cyprus-Forum.com

[ALISON]

Sorry if I'm repeating myself but does anyone know about this village or can give us an insiders view??
Cheers

[purdey]

If it is the one Nr Larnaca ? there are a few families from the Uk living there.

[GG]

I know I am very late to respond, but I know everything about this village.

Ask away.

[Nikitas]

Skarinou was the half way villae between Nicosia and Limassol on the old road, the one we used before the highway was built. It was a major stop for coffee and refreshments on this "long journey".

It has gone downhill since the new road opened.

[kafenes]

Skarinou was the half way villae between Nicosia and Limassol on the old road, the one we used before the highway was built. It was a major stop for coffee and refreshments on this "long journey".

It has gone downhill since the new road opened.

My father used to take me hunting when I was a young boy and I remember we used to meet other hunters there and have the morning soup at 5am and later for a coffee before going home. Ahhh sweet memories.

[Buccaneer]

Built amidst the hillsides and with an average altitude of 190 metres above sea level, Skarinou is the heart of Cyprus. It is located on the island's road-network axis that connects Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca.

According to tradition, the village received its name during the Medieval times. In old maps it is found marked as Scharino but also as S. Harino, the letter S standing for "Saint". However, it is not certain which is the name of the Saint (perhaps Chariton), since it is a name misquoted during the Frank domination era. Therefore it is possible that the original name of the village referred to a Saint during the Byzantine times, e.g. Saint Chariton, today's corrupted name originating from it.

According to another point of view that Nearchos Clerides mentions, the village's name has its origins in the name or a characteristic of the first settler, which he assumes was named Skarinos (means shepherd that took his flock to pasture during the night). (Encyclopaedia of Cyprus, Andros Pavlides). Whichever of the above interpretations we choose to accept, the conclusion is that the village of Skarinou was probably founded before the Frank domination era and during the Byzantine days.

Because of its geographical position, the village has gone through a continuous increase of population from 1881 until 1921. In 1881 its inhabitants were 227, increasing to 341 by 1921. In 1941 the inhabitants decreased to 335, increasing to 411 in 1946. As a result of the urban pull and emigration, the village's inhabitants gradually decreased, dropping down to 181 in 1982. Today, in 2004, Skarinou's permanent inhabitants amount to 250.

Skarinou, built at the hillsides with the "Panagia i Odigitria" (the Guiding Virgin Mary) church being the dominant building, is one of the most picturesque villages of Cyprus. Its houses are made of local stone and preserve their traditional folkloric architecture to a rather great degree.

Apart from the "Panagia i Odigitria" church, there also are another two country churches, dedicated to Saint George and Apostle Luke. Another note-worthy spot in the village is the old fountain, which is located at the community's centre.

The village became well known throughout Cyprus for its station (road stop). The Station of Skarinou is found on the old Limassol - Nicosia highway.

During the past few years the village, because of its picturesque quality and its privileged geographical position, the very good climate, the amazing natural beauty, and the traditional hospitality of its people, has started to draw the attention of several foreigners and Cypriots that bought land in the region so as to build their country houses and cottages. The development of the community is general. There are also several Agro-tourism quarters operating in Skarinou today.

Marvellous embroideries of the "Lefkara" type are made in the community, which are on offer in the village's small shops. (You can find more information in the special "Traditional" page).

http://www.skarinou.org.cy/english/message.shtml

The website is old. They are supposed to be updating it soon

[GG]

It has gone downhill since the new road opened.

In what way do you feel its gone downhill?

There are many more small tavernas, more picturesque, the mayor insists that all houses built there are built in the old stone. Agrotourism is big there and the tourists pay crazy amounts of money to stay in the old houses. In my opinion its a smaller and more picturesque version of Lefkara and in terms of its Location, its halfway to all 3 big cities except for Paphos. It has a great community feel, its own little bank, little church, 3-4 cafes, a few locally run shops. And only minutes by car to Governors beach. Its the kind of village that after being there just a few days everybody knows your name.

Admittedly, they all drive around in brand new Mercedes instead of tractors which kind of surprises you but I wouldn't call that downhill.

[pissouri]

Dear Alison, what would you like to know about the village?

[Nikitas]

Once a village switches its economy to tourism, whether agro or not, and it is no longer part of the regular production process, in other words the village goes from primary production to services, that I interpret as downhill.

[pissouri]

Nikitas, another one, who doesn't know what he is talking about and just likes to post garbage.

Actually with the old road, the village was somewhat isolated, as the road upto Lefkara was located down in the river bed and did not pass near the village. The new road has actually helped the village, as it passes almost through the village, the village is viewable from the new road and thus attracted visitors and residence what would have normally not known the village. Also the fact that the village is approx. 25 minutes to the 3 major towns of Limassol, Larnaca & Nicosia, many villagers who had moved to the towns have actually return to the village. Also there is a number of ex-pats living in the village, as it is an easy commute to work or kids attending school. Even a number BA pilots have property in the village as it is so close to Larnaca Airport.