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Simou

Situated some 2 km's from The Yurts, the village community of Simou is the closest we get to a nightlife with less than 200 inhabitants! There are indications of an archaeological site in the village's wider area. Indeed, a few items from the Prehistoric times were discovered, as well as the oldest Venetian in Cyprus – the Bridge of Skarfou.

The over 1000 year old Pitstacia Atlantica (Atlantic Mastic Tree) is situated in the Simou Village Square, and along with the village church, Panagia Chryseleousas Church, built in 1949, dominates the square and the village skyline.

Istinjo

Istinjo was a Turkish Cypriot village from the Ottoman period. During the British period, the population of the village increased from 166 in 1891 to 220 in 1946. However there was a significant drop (to 155) recorded in 1960. It is now an abandoned little village, with an active farm, just east of Filousa. You won't find it on Google or Bing Maps, unless you opt for satellite view and locate it manually.

Currently the village is empty and in ruins. Well worth a visit.


Lysos

Lysos is a beautiful village located in the outskirts of Paphos. The name itself has archaic origins and originates from the Greek word "liono" as it was an industrial area for the melting of metals. The archaeological findings here indicate settlements of Greeks from Asia Minor. This village is a gem for tourists and for fellow Cypriots. It is the largest village in Paphos.

In Lysos village square you will be able to admire a 15th century Franco byzantine church that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary Chryselousa.  Lysos is a very hospitable village where locals are willing to give you fresh fruit and coffee at one of the local coffeshops. Every village has their own charm but there is something unique about Lysos. It has it's own own specialty in food that originated here the "maxilles". "Maxilles" is a type of dried fig that can be eaten with almonds or walnuts.

SEE: http://www.cyprusalive.com/en/lysos-a-village-with-a-breathtaking-view


Evretou

Evretou Village is located right next to Evretou Dam, the third largest dam in Cyprus. There is also access from the village Tremithousa. The abandoned Turkish-Cypriot village of Evretou is north of the banks of the river at a high location above the lake. According to Goodwin Evretou means “place where something may be found” in Greek. However, Turkish Cypriot sources state that the name comes from the word evrima or evredi, which in Cypriot Greek means “hidden treasure.” Later on in 1958 the Turkish Cypriots accepted the substitute name of Dereboyu, which means “along the stream.”

Filousa

Filousa Village, also known as Filousa Chrysochous Village and Philousa Village, lies close to Simou, Zacharta and Sarama Village. The two abandoned villages of Evretou and Trimithousa are also nearby. Filousa Village was at one at the centre of 5 surrounding Turkish Cypriot villages in the area. The village, with its some 30 permanent residents, acquired it's name, according to legend, from the two large trees that grew by the town square. They were very large trees and became entwined, as if they were kissing. The village thus became known as Filousa Village, the kissing village. Filousa in Greek mean kissing, so this does makes sense.

Filousa Village has magnificent views, and has managed to keep it's traditional architecture and charm, part in thanks to the local Mukhtar (community leader). He has a plan to allow renovations in the centre of the village, but they must stay in tune with the character of the village. This means, the homes must be built with local stone and have wooden doors and windows.

Fyti

At an altitude of 680 metres, the village of Fyti has existed since Medieval Times and preserves its traditional folkloric architecture and local handicrafts, including that of weaving. As the main weaving centre of the Pafos region, the hand-woven pieces are known locally as ‘fythkiotika’, and are distinguished both for the variety of their patterns and their rich and vibrant colours. The village’s Museum of Traditional Weaving showcases this custom, and is one of its main places of interest.

Other interesting sights include a series of traditional fountains, and the church of Agios Demetrios, which is located in the village square and features a beautiful, well-preserved 19th century altar screen.

Steni

It’s still a bit of a mystery how the village of Steni (Στενή) got its name but there are two versions of events that get told by the locals. 

There is no exact information on how old the village is. However, the ruins of the old mill by the river that traverses the Steni region mean some local historians feel they can authoritatively declare that the building dates back to the 16th century. It follows that the village must have sprung up around the same time. Others tend to believe that Steni is of a much more an impressive age: it could well have existed when the nearby monastery of Panagia Chrysolakournas was being built in the 12th century.  Steni houses a beautiful museum with great reviews, charting Cyprus's history;  

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190384-d3378455-Reviews-The_Steni_Museum_of_Village_Life-Paphos_Paphos_District.html

Peristerona

All visitors to Peristerona will notice that the roads are planted with local trees to add to the green feel of the area. This is a tradition carried on through the ages. Many of the locals work for the Cyprus Forestry Department and indeed the Pafos regional Forest Chief comes from the village. The surrounding countryside is also very picturesque and an extremely romantic place. At approximately 300 meters above sea level the soft undulating hills are covered with vines, olive trees, wild flowers and herbs, and fruit trees while most of the locations offer views to the sea and the Akamas Peninsula or to the Evretou dam. It is highly recommended to take the old road from Peristerona to Lysos village and then down to Pelathousa and on to Polis -the drive is absolutely beautiful.  The village has a perfect climate for the local delicacy of wild mushrooms which are very much sought after. Try asking a local to take you on a mushroom picking day out. Its and unforgettable experience (December to April).


Trimithousa

Tremithousa, or Trimithousa, is a small traditional Cypriot village situated in an elevated position between mountains and sea, thus giving rise to panoramic views over the Paphos area. Tremithousa takes its name from the Terebinth tree which grows in abundance in this locality; the resin from this tree is used to make Pafitiki Pissa - Paphian Chewing Gum.

Tremithousa is interspersed with many small mountain streams and springs which provide irrigation to the walnut and almond groves, citrus orchards and vegetable crops and is also noted for the fragrant honey it produces.


Skoulli

Skoulli is a small mountainous village, very close to Evretou dam and only a few minutes drive from Latchi or Polis. Well known for its friendly locals and many fruit orchards. Enjoy a visit to the Skoulli Village Snake Exhibition.

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