Before us stands a large, freestanding wood-fired oven. Such ovens were built in villages for cooking food, sometimes serving the entire village or nearby homes. In this oven, one can slowly cook lamb to perfection, experiencing one of the most delicious dishes of Cypriot cuisine: kleftiko. For those with a keen ear, the name of this dish may remind them of the word "kleptomania." Indeed, there's a connection: both derive from "klepto," meaning to steal. Historically, mountain dwellers would descend into the valleys to steal a lamb and then slowly cook it in a tightly sealed oven to ensure no smoke was visible. The result is meat that is tender, delicately flavored, and falls right off the bone. Although no one steals lambs nowadays, the traditional method of cooking in an oven continues.
Villages in Cyprus represent a unique cultural and historical layer that reveals the true soul of the island and its people. On this brief journey, you can visit the villages of Vavatsinia and Fikardou, immersing yourself in a plethora of stunning views, stories, tastes, smells, and sounds from the eastern region of the Troodos mountain range.
Vavatsinia, named after the mulberry trees, is one of the cleanest ecological zones in Cyprus. As soon as you step out of your car or bus, the air itself tells you of its purity. Strolling through the village and enjoying the views, you can then head through the pass into the enchanting Machairas Forest. From several lookout points, you'll be treated to breathtaking views, including the picturesque Machairas Monastery nestled in the Troodos Mountains' scenic gorges.
Finally, the village of Fikardou, considered the best European heritage village in Cyprus, stands out with its entirely stone-built and superbly preserved architecture. It features a single tavern run by the village’s only permanent resident. Here, you can end your journey by savoring halloumi cheese, fresh salad, and chilled homemade white wine, truly experiencing the authentic flavors of Cyprus.