Cyprus
Pissouri in Cyprus is a traditional Cypriot village halfway between Limassol and Paphos. Situated on a hill, the village overlooks vineyards and is set against the backdrop of the Troodas Mountains. There are panoramic sea views over the clear blue Mediterranean ocean which is just a few steps down the hill. The town square has a couple of banks and several mini markets along with the usual offices for car hire agencies etc. Most of what you need for everyday life is available, including a pharmacy and gas station. There is even a local police station in the village, giving Pissouri an air of a self-contained community. There are many taverns and restaurants in the town, as well as in the beach area, so you won’t be short of food either. In fact, you could have a truly relaxing holiday right there in the village without needing to venture anywhere else in Cyprus.
Pissouri is ideal for those looking for a holiday away from the busier tourist centers and offers a more traditional Cypriot lifestyle. Daily life in the village continues in the same way as it has for decades and the pace is relaxed to say the least. The main employment in the area is, of course, the vineyards and wineries scattered throughout the landscape. Be sure to try the local wine in some of the restaurants in town if you get the chance, and don’t be put off by the fact that it’s so cheap. Cyprus wines are among some of the best in the Mediterranean area. If you like local dishes like meze and kleftico, you’re in the right place. Restaurants in town tend to do a better job than those near the beach, but it’s all a matter of what you prefer.
If you’re desperate for a big supermarket or the bustle of city life, the main road is only a mile inland. The thriving metropolis of Limassol is a twenty minute drive with more hypermarkets and shops than you can imagine. In fact, the modern motorway network links the quiet village of Pissouri with the main tourist centers and the capital, Nicosia. If you want culture and history, Paphos is also just a short hop further north on the motorway. There you’ll find a busy tourist center and town all rolled into one with some of the most coveted ancient sites on the islands. Roman ruins, a restored amphitheater, and a medieval fort are just a few of the sights you can visit a short drive from the port of Pahos. The port itself is full of modern cafes where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the beautiful view of the Mediterranean.
To the east of Pissouri, along the same motorway, is Larnaca and the islands’ main airport. Larnaca town is also a mix of resort and thriving town with a wide variety of shops in case you need to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. Larnaca’s artificial beach is one of the best in Cyprus and a modern promenade runs along its entire length. At one end is the pretty marina and at the other stands a medieval fort. The waterfront area is packed with cafes and restaurants, including several major fast food outlets such as Macdonalds. There are many places of interest to visit, including several museums, one of which is situated in the square next to Larnaca Church. The Church of Saint Lazarus is alleged to be the final resting place of the same Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead and the church is claimed to stand on the site of his tomb.
You may choose to use Pissouri as a base to explore the rest of Cyprus or perhaps just spend a day visiting. Whatever you do, the charm of this sleepy town just minutes from the highway is sure to leave its mark. It is a taste of the real Cyprus, in many ways untouched by the hustle and bustle of the modern age. After spending some time there, you can’t help but wonder how long it will be before the pressures of the outside world break in. Maybe they never will and people will keep coming to recharge their inner batteries in this oasis that is Pissouri Cyprus.
