As the city and coastline trail towards rural and mountainous communities, a different side of Larnaka region emerges; tranquil, traditional and dotted with villages full of unique charm! 

Part of the Larnaka Tourism Board ‘Annual Action Plan’ is to help maintain this authenticity through projects that honour the proud heritage of the local communities, with the support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. Several of the 2025 projects have been completed, with more on the way! 

Lefkara - Old Fountain

Lefkara's historic fountain area has been restored and given an artistic touch in harmony with the traditional character that earned it the status of 'Best Tourism Village' by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). 

Famous for its intricate handmade lace linens ‘Lefkaritika’, the restoration includes elements of this tradition. 

Village highlights: Church of the Holy Cross (explore the church virtually here as part of the route that Saint Helena took in the area), lace making and silversmithing traditions, which are showcased at the Local Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmith-work, Lefkara and Lefkara Handicraft Centre, or simply strolling along the cobbled lanes and savouring the pretty mountain views!

Tochni – traditional swings 

Countryside Tochni village has three, new, traditional wooden swings, along with landscaping and planting around them to create picturesque spots to stop and relax or take a photo with a scenic view. 

Village highlights: The Church of Saints Helena & Constantine; uniquely positioned on a bridge, and also incorporating an Ecclesiastical Museum (available as a virtual tour and part of the virtual Route of Agia Eleni & The Holy Cross in Cyprus). The village is highly popular for agrotourism and cycling (Route 1 of the Larnaka Thematic Cycling Routes passes through), whilst its traditional architecture is truly local as the 'Tochni Stone' is quarried nearby.

Choirokoitia - Landscaping of Traditional Arches

Choirokoitia village's historic arches have been spruced up with landscaping and traditional details, creating nostalgic focal points.

Village highlights: Neolithic Settlement,  Petros Nicolaou Basketry Museum and workshops, old olive mill and nature trail. The village is highly popular for agrotourism and cycling (Route 1 of the Larnaka Thematic Cycling Routes passes through).   

Larnaka Rural Honey Villages – Mosaic Planters 

Nine mosaic planters have been handmade for the nine villages that collectively comprise the Larnaka Rural Honey Villages: Kato Drys, Kato Lefkara, Layia, Melini, Odou, Ora, Vavla, Vavatsinia and Agioi Vavatsinias.

Each cheerful planter has a different nature and bee theme to reflect the identity of the village, and has been placed at a key point – see if you can spot them all during a self-guided tour of the area! A second project for a bee-themed covering for the annual bee and honey festivals is also completing soon.

Village highlight: Explore the villages with the Virtual Honey Villages Tour.