As you approach the village of Lefkara, you'll be kindly instructed to park your car at the entrance. The locals will help you find a spot, citing the narrow streets ahead that can be difficult to navigate. While this might seem like an exaggeration, you can drive deeper into the village, but it's not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, ample parking at the entrance makes it convenient to leave your car there. Secondly, starting your journey on foot lets you leisurely explore the area's beauty, appreciating the charming streets and local architecture.
Moreover, as you park, you might notice a nearby shop where the owner steps out to greet you. They'll likely offer you a selection of Lefkara's renowned lace and silverware, two of the village's most celebrated crafts. This initial step provides a less touristy experience than the bustling souvenir shops in the village centre. Thus, parking at the entrance avoids the hassle of navigating tight streets and enhances your visit by giving you a more authentic and relaxed introduction to Lefkara's artisanal heritage.
This guide will introduce us to Larnaca and Lefkara, a seaside city and mountain village revealing Cyprus's essence. Larnaca is an ancient city with a rich history of Greeks and Turks, where the Church of Saint Lazarus—one of the most important sanctuaries of the Orthodox world—coexists with the Mosque of Umm Haram, the fourth most significant mosque in the Muslim world.
We will stroll through the streets of Larnaca, admire the murals, and experience the charm of this Mediterranean city undergoing renewal.
Next, we will visit perhaps the most famous village in Cyprus—Lefkara, renowned for its unique embroidery and silver craftsmanship traditions, and the church that houses a relic of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Beyond these significant historical sites and events, you will be captivated by the charm of Cyprus, its peaceful nooks, enduring traditions, and serene atmosphere.
Cyprus is embodied in its mountain villages, where its heart and soul reside.