Cyprus-Forum.com

[mohassib]

I would like to visit tho most Traditional Cypriot Villages, Can anyone let me know which is the best.

[pissouri]

Lefkara, Skarinou, Tochni, Omodos, Ayios Vavastina, Kornos

[Gasman]

Thanks from me for that Pissouri - I am ALWAYS being asked (I look after a few holiday lets). Cheers.

[Get Real!]

I suggest Tseri… the home of the last Choirokitian!

[denizaksulu]

I suggest Tseri… the home of the last Choirokitian!

Tseri twinned with Kakopetria.

Good bye GR. As you said CF has hit rock bottom.

[halil]

I would like to visit tho most Traditional Cypriot Villages, Can anyone let me know which is the best.

I can recommend village called Kalavaç in North Cyprus.

A VILLAGE MORE THAN WORTHWHILE A VISIT
Kalyvakia (Kalavac), one of the most traditional Turkish Cypriot villages, now shines in new splendour after the completed upgrade project. It is a truly authentic Cypriot village, displays traditional cultural values and enjoys an island-wide reputation.
The completion of the project, initiated by Mukhtar Ömer Merakli and accomplished with the financial aid of the UN and the EU, has made Kalavac to a well-kept and attractive, yet entirely authentic Cypriot village, which attracts much attention and many visitors.
The village’s century-old culture, tradition and history is finally being cherished and appreciated. Now, after their recent restoration, many historical buildings and sights have accomplished a museum-like character arousing the admiration of visitors and locals alike.
It is not only the completed restoration and upgrade project of the city and its buildings, which makes Kalavac so attractive, but also its residents, who are so appreciative of their village’s traditional and historical values.
Even the Mukhtar, Ömer Merakli, is as open, friendly, hospitable and welcoming as one would only expect one’s grandfather to be.
The upgrade project has turned Kalavac into a single open-air museum, which has attracted many visitors and hopefully will continue to do so in future.
LIKE AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
The village’s Mukhtar Ömer Merakli, who we conducted an interview with, tells us about traditions and customs at Kalavac.
The village in its complete authenticity, including old round millstones, large round rocks about which experts say they have fallen from space, hand-woven carpets, historical Muslim houses with harems and rooms reserved only for men, traditional Cypriot clay bee skeps and century-old trees and countless legends, seems like it was reborn.
Walking through a village with old women weaving in front of their houses, hunched old men selling and buying goods on the traditional marketplace, and sheepherders out on the fields, makes one feel like a traveller in a time-journey.
We visit Adil Merakli, who has a small, but lush garden with just enough crops for herself and her husband. We see that, although it is January, there are still grapes on the small vine. Adil bey picks a bunch and offers them to us. His wife, Tomris Merakli, invites us into her tiny, but comfortable house and offers us some of her fresh halloumi pastries. We have never tried pastry with Gara coccolu in its dough before; it tastes great, but very unique. We thank her for her hospitality and generosity and get up to leave.
She says goodbye, but does not let us leave before handing us a bouquet of flowers from her garden. We leave with a large smile on our faces and a warm tingle in our hearts.
Kalavac may be a tiny village, but its villagers make up for its size with their great hospitality, friendliness and warmth; they simply have a heart of gold. If you would like to experience real conviviality, you should not miss out on a visit to Kalavac.

http://essentialcyprus.com/north/regions/lefkosa/
http://www.northcyprus.net/hoteliersass ... 0A%20VISIT

[Tim Drayton]

I think the villages in the hills leading towards the Troodos mountains have retained more of a traditional feel than those near the coast or close to the large cities. My favourites amongst those I have visited are Lofou (quite touristic), Vouni (where there is a donkey sanctuary), Koilani, Pera Pedi and Louvaras (where there is a very old church with priceless icons on display).

[purdey]

The one's Pissouri mentions are all tourist traps which rely on tourism to survive. Maybe try Lania, Doros and a few others up the Kouris Valley. Not very touristy but some lovely old houses and the villages still rely on the land for income.
Very old church in Doros with some lovely frescos.

[purdey]

I will go along with TD's as well. Although Lofou is no longer a self sufficient village, and Vouni now serves cream teas.

[Tim Drayton]

I will go along with TD's as well. Although Lofou is no longer a self sufficient village, and Vouni now serves cream teas.

I would agree that Lofou is a bit of a tourist trap and most people there probably commute to jobs in Limassol, but on the other hand the meze restaurant there is good and it has the look and feel of a real Cypriot village, and the surrounding scenery is great.
Funny - I was in Vouni this spring and only found a splendid example of a traditional coffee shop where they definitely do not speak English and two little restaurants. I remember having a huge portion of chicken and chips plus a sparkling mineral water in one of these and getting change back from a ten euro note - hard to do now in Cyprus. Cream teas? I didn't see that.