Elpida's Stone Houses
Alternative Tourism in Cyprus
Home Page About The Area Activities Photos/Accommodation Contact us Book Now Navigation menu
Places of Interest
 
 
 
 
 Goudi Village

Goudi is a village in the Chrysochous valley of the Pafos district nestled on the banks of River Tzelepis. It is situated 100 meters above sea level and is spread over a mild hillside between 60 and 120 meters. Cereals, pulses, tobacco, vegetables, vines, citrus, almonds, olives and carobs are grown in the area. One olive press still working in the village.

Although, this tranquil village is the perfect base for you to explore the surrounding areas, it worth spending some time to walk around the village:
bulletEnjoy the traditional stone-build houses of the village
bulletHave a coffee at the local traditional coffee shop
bulletExplore the village river and discover the great nature of the area
bulletThe nearby villages: Chrysohous, Choli and Skoulli are in a walking distance and we strongly recommend extending your walk to visit them.
bulletThere are, also, a lot of old Churches and Chapels that you may discover in the area.
bulletBuy some local fresh fruits from the street benches that can be found on your way. The village is famous for its olives (and olive oil) and its citrus fruits.


 
 
 
     The City of Paphos

This mystical city that once belonged to the Gods and Goddesses of ancient Greece has become a hot tourist destination in Europe. Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty, and the city bears many relics and monuments to worship her.

Paphos is a town in Cyprus whose history dates back to the Neolithic period. It was in Paphos that the mythological goddess Aphrodite was born and along with her came the legendary upsurge of cult worship that lasted for many centuries.

The Myceneans were the first who built a temple in her name in 12th century B.C. Today, the architectural and cultural remains, dating from Hellinistic times to the Roman periods, are a proof to the city`s long forgotten extraordinary historical value.
 
There are "tones" of Sightseeing & Landmarks in Paphos: There are plenty of things to do and see in Paphos like the Tombs of The Kings, Paphos Mosaics (The House of Dionysos), Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa Church, etc. Paphos is also well-known for its wineries and wines of the region are relished around the world.

 
 
 
     The Nearby Town of Polis Chrysochous

Polis which in Greek means town, is one of the most beautiful areas in Cyprus , near romantic sites, close to where Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, used to meet her beloved Adonis. Polis is built on the northest of Cyprus , near Akamas Peninsula with its renowned Baths of Aphrodite . Akamas is a nature reserve of exceptional natural beauty and eventually become a national park. The whole Polis area has been beautifully blessed by nature and combines the beauty of mountain, sea and plain. It's seas are clean and cool summer nights. The area is especially suited to people with special interests who enjoy activities when on holiday. Polis is a perfect refuge for mental and physical relaxation and recreation. Those wishing to escape the stress and routine of daily life, will find an ideal place of calm and rest, in an environment of unparalleled beauty.
 
 
 
      Latchi

Latsi/Latchi with its coastal paved walk, is the picturesque harbour of Polis, known throughout Cyprus for its fresh fish. In the past it served as a small port for shipping carobs. The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation. From Latsi, travelers to Polis can go on short cruises to the Akamas , a must for all visitors. At Latsi there are also water sport facilities.
 
 
 
        Akamas Peninsula

The Akamas peninsula, as described in the Conservation Management Plan of World Bank/EU, covers about 230 square km and is located on the western tip of Cyprus. It is an area of great natural beauty unaffected by development. The uniqueness of the area for Cyprus, and for the whole of the Mediterranean, is centered on its precious ecology. The diversity of flora and fauna living in this relatively small area is truly impressive. Rare endemic plants grow there and foxes, snakes and other reptiles as well as many types of migratory birds live in Akamas or use it in their movements.
 
 
 
     Kritou Terra Village

The village was originally known as “Kritou”, since the search for the origin of the village`s naming shows that the name Terra is a subsequent addition. Kritou has existed ever since the Frankish occupation and possibly since the Byzantine period.

The Old Casino: The first casino in Cyprus operated in our village, Kritou Terra. It was housed in a building which had been constructed between the years 1860 and 1870, and which is located east of the school. The casino began operating during the Turkish occupation, in particular in 1878, and stopped operating at the beginning of the 20th century. The maintenance of the building has been undertaken by the Department of Antiquities.

Kefalovryso and Watermills: The Kefalovryso (fountain) of Kritou Terra was built in 1908 and it was actually the fourth biggest “kefalovryso” of Cyprus. In particular, the ‘kefalovryso` was classified fourth behind the ones of the villages Kythrea, Lapithos and Karavas, whereas it was classified third as far as the volume of water was concerned.

Old Laundry: The village`s laundry, an area especially shaped for washing the villagers` clothes, consisted of six circular cavities in a rock. The women of the village would gather there to wash the clothes up until the 1960s. In addition, as Arkadiou remarks, the women of the village would even bathe there and more specifically in a cavity that had been carved on the rock. On that day, as Arkadiou also notes, men were forbidden to walk by the road bordering the laundry area.

Kremmiotis Waterfall: Located at the northeast part of the community is the river of Kremmiotis, through which plenty of water used to flow in the past throughout the year, whereas today water only flows mainly during the winter months.

Watermills of Tzimenos: They are located in the area of Tzimenos, approximately 100 metres from the chapel of Agia Paraskevi. The watermills were restored in 1992.

Cave of Kefalovrysos: Located near the Kefalovryso and by the entrance of the community is the Cave of the Kefalovryso. It is 50 metres long and its lowest height is half a metre, whereas its interior reaches a height of 2 metres.

Primary School: The Primary School was built in around 1850 and is located next to the church, at the northern edge of the community, whereas it is one of the first primary schools of Cyprus. Presently, the Environmental Studies Centre (ESC) is housed in this building.

Museum of Peoples Life: Its exhibits include scenes of loom weaving and ploughing, and presentations of tools and equipment, handicrafts, kitchenware, pots and jars and traditional clothing.

Natural Environment: Nature Study Trail / Kremiotis waterfalls / Kremiotis Picnic area / George Poyiatzis Playgrounds

 
 
   Steni Village

The village Steni is found in the northwestern part of Cyprus, five kilometers from the sea of the Gulf of Chrysohous. It is built at an altitude of 200 meters above the sea and its climate is ideal during all the seasons of the year.

Museum of Village Life: This museum is highly representative of rural life in Cyprus for the time period 1800 until 1945 and it would be good if it was included in the organization`s brochures and excursion programmes. It constitutes an adornment for the area and I believe that in combination with the other villages of the area which have been beautified, it can be an attraction magnet for both Cypriots and foreigners.

 
 
 
  Wine Testing at Kathikas Village
Vasilikon Winery: is one of the first local wineries of Cyprus, established in 1993 by the brothers Heracles, Georgios and Giannis Kyriakides. Its successful operation is based on the excellent quality grapes of Kathikas and the Akamas Laona areas of Paphos, which are mainly picked from the family`s vineyards. Furthemore, the knowledge, dedication and care exhibited by these winemakers, together with the technologically advanced special machinery used, make Vasilikon one of the most accomplished wineries in Cyprus.
 


 

Sterna Winery & Museum: is one of the first local wineries of Cyprus, established in 1993 by the brothers Heracles, Georgios and Giannis Kyriakides. Its successful operation is based on the excellent quality grapes of Kathikas and the Akamas Laona areas of Paphos, which are mainly picked from the family`s vineyards. Furthemore, the knowledge, dedication and care exhibited by these winemakers, together with the technologically advanced special machinery used, make Vasilikon one of the most accomplished wineries in Cyprus.
 
 
 
      Evretou dam
Evretou dam is 8-9 minutes drive from Elpida's Stone Houses. Birdwatching and Hiking is very common in the area, while the dam itself stands as the third largest on the island. Just a stone`s throw away from the abandoned Turkish Cypriot village of Evretou, it`s a great place to take fabulous pictures, while the small yet pretty Skarfos Medieval bridge is also close by - a feat that will surely impress lovers of history and architecture - as you meander through the unkempt countryside.
   map Map