Most foreign people prefer to acquire a permanent/holiday home near the beaches and this is quite understandable. We are surprised however to ascertain that very few, mainly foreign people, holiday makers or otherwise explore Cyprus mountains, especially that of the Troodos range. Part of the attraction of buying property in Cyprus, are the short distances from just about anywhere and with a diversity of scenery. Even ourselves, who are locals, are pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the local villages, the upgrading of the local character and their development that has taken place over the years.

A number of villages has been tastefully developed and renovated, (mainly thanks to a great extent by the foreign market who is more appreciative of the local architecture than the locals). In addition to the summer cool climate and attractive natural environment, mountain villages have plenty of attractions to offer, from old churches and monasteries to small coffee shops and family runned restaurants and at very reasonable prices.

The road and infrastructure is getting better and better and especially over week days there is so little traffic that one can enjoy a drive at his own space (with no hurrying, usually young people at the rear car). Try also to avoid excursions during the shooting season (Wednesdays), since not only the gun shooting noise is objectionable, but loose dogs and traffic can be a problem for some. There are endless pedestrian footpaths through wooded areas (our favorite route is from Troodos -Platres and from Trooditissa Monastery to Fini village - both down hill!!), whereas a recent experience from Kourris Dam to Moniatis village (through the valley) having a local donkey and a guide, was an experience reminisce of the wild west (but with the local horse-donkey). The top footpath is that of the Troodos-Olymbos perimeter, which is reasonably level and it is a circular-footpath ending back where you start. Usually the problem with our own favorite walkways is who and how we will get back to the car (usually we hire a local taxi to take us back). For those who deal with ecological destinations, the most known is that of Akamas, but an experience with the Troodos range is by far the best.

A downhill footpath which is from Trooditissa monastery (a very old ancient monastery with most hospitable monks), walk through this forest and waterfalls, you reach a local trout farm (Christakis), which is an experience in itself and end up to Fini village local café next to a stream. Should you wish lunch or dinner, go to the local French type restaurant (Avgoustis) runned by a Limassol Chef and his Russian wife. Excellent quality and value for money. Should you choose the Troodos to Platres route, you will end up at Kaledonia waterfall and rest at Psilodentro restaurant (sougla + fish) where you can have locally grown up trout, but, if grill food is your fancy, try John’s place (there are others also) at Platres (for pork chops try The Village Tavern). If local home made food is what you like, go to Petit Pales hotel at Platres (ask for Mrs Dimi the cook, who must be one of the best Cypriot cooks ever). If you want to explore the north eastern range of the mountain, start from Pinewood hotel at Prodromos and end at Kakopetria village (“The Mill” is the place for the most imaginative trout, plus others).

If you are more of the car-driver as opposed to walker, explore the Pissouri-Paphos road, through Erimi village (leading to Platres) or the route from Nikoklia. At these routes on your way you will come across at least 4 local wineries and you can stop for a taste (you will be made most welcomed) – There are other numerous family runned restaurants in all sorts of villages and information is available under agrotourism through the Cyprus Tourism Organization. The problem in all these excursions, with wine and dining, is who will drive afterwards!! Should you wish to spend an evening the Agrotourism projects (small family hotels with 3-5 rooms) done up in local architecture and experience the feeling of difference.

We are surprised through our local travels the number of new housing that is being built for locals and foreigners and villages such as Lofou, Pachna, Omodos, Platres, Moniatis are the more well known. Foreign couples to be married choose some of these villages (as Lofou is most popular for the Swedish people and Pachna for the British). In a visit to a mountain village, the village square was made up by a British person who covered all the expenses “in loving devotion for his wife” – We thought this was very romantic and touching. We have reported in this column in the past of the Swiss millionaire’s experience at Pissouri village, with his coumbaros “Thanasis”.

With a little open mind, a few basic words in Greek and some sweets for the grand children can open numerous doors of friendship and a new experience about living in Cyprus. We know that petrol costs a lot, but instead of staying at home doing nothing or do the everyday things, make an effort to explore. Whatever route you use, if you use the Limassol-Larnaca highway don’t forget to make a stop to a local fish tavern at Zygi village (there are very good ones and admittedly some bad). A local reader reported to us that she visited a village (20 houses out of which 4 were livable) and there it was a small one room local café. She stopped for a coffee with giagia (grandmother) who was looking after a 4 year old girl. She got out of the car the camera and some sweets for the child and she got in exchange a gift comprising of a pack of halloumia, a jar of local sweets and a never ending friendship. Can you beat this?

Property prices in mountaineous villages range from €2.200-€3.000/sq.m. Platres is more expensive. Should you decide to build, an ordinary plot will cost approximately €50.000 and building cost is around €1.800/sq.m. Be careful on the building cost, since if the plot I not flat, you must budget for another €20.000 for retaining walls etc - Explore the village before you buy, since distance to towns (depending on age) can be a problem, whereas cold weather for the high up locations may not be to the liking of all. If you decide on an old cottage, the cost of renovation is considerable when trying to make it up, unless you are a handyman and have plenty of time ahead. If the cottage is a listed building, you can claim up to 40% of the total expense, but it is a hassle with the authorities.

At the end of the day see what you like and make a theoretical program how you intend to spend your days/nights, because it can get lonely in small and isolated places.

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