TRADITIONAL HOUSES

While Cyprus certainly has much to offer those in search of the sea, sand and fun, the island also has a great deal to offer those looking to get away from it all. Cyprus has always held its traditional heritage and cultural history close to its heart, so it is fitting that these qualities are growing increasingly important both to the economies of local communities and to visitors looking for more than just a beach holiday.

Rural Tourism or Agro tourism as it is officially known, is an increasingly successful attempt to encourage visitors (and locals) to enjoy the tranquility of Cyprus villages and engage in some of the island’s traditional countryside pastimes. In common with much of the developed world, Cyprus suffered an exodus of youngsters from villages over the years, as they left the countryside in search of jobs in the larger cities. Faced with the potential loss of much of the island’s traditional culture, the government, in cooperation with the private sector, set out to revitalize the Cypriot countryside – offering employment to local communities and also a unique opportunity for tourists to really get away from it all.

Offering accommodation in keeping with the local history and environment is a key factor in providing tourists with a complete rural experience. Indeed, traditional techniques are brought into play when restoring the houses and, where possible, original materials are used so that any additions are extensions of the traditional Cypriot architecture. It is impossible to describe the sense of traveling back in time one enjoys when visiting a traditional village.

Within the villages one will enjoy many of the traditional activities available, which vary according to the time of the year. Tourists can head out into the fields and pick olives, watch the making of Halloumi cheese, get involved in harvesting grapes and wine-making.

Village festivals invite everybody to join the Cypriots for free food, traditional games, horse and donkey rides and more. In this way the travelers are brought closer together with the local community and make them feel welcome.

Alongside the traditional activities on offer, there are also programmes for those keen to get out and explore the countryside.

There is no doubt that rural tourism is a terrific way to experience traditional Cyprus and a unique opportunity to explore the peace and tranquility of the island’s villages. Agro tourism might be far removed from the typical sand and sea holiday promoted by many, but the two should be regarded as complimentary – further bolstering Cyprus’s ability to offer the complete holiday for everyone.