The Very Best Things To Do In Lympia and Skarinou Villages In Cyprus

Last Updated on August 4, 2021 by Tia

Welcome to Lympia, Skarinou, and Ayios Theodoros villages. Together, we will discover street art, incredible food, adorable donkeys, and breathtaking nature and hiking spots.

When I first took on my travel show Tia Does Agrotourism, I thought I knew Cyprus. But noooo. not really. Although local, how many of you truly know your country off by heart?

My birthplace, the insanely beautiful island of Cyprus, held so many hidden treasures deep within it, and the minute I started touring it, I realized that all these years…well I hadn’t even scratched the surface!

Stick with me, while I peel off yet another layer of Cyprus, and hand it to you on a beautiful Greek plate.

me feeding a donkey in Skarinou, a village close to Lympia in Cyprus

Why you should visit Lympia

Lympia is actually perfectly located between Larnaca and Nicosia. Staying in Lympia, means you are super close to Nicosia, with its historical sights and classy restaurants, and Larnaca too, with the LCA airport, the beach, and its beautiful villages!

30 km from Nicosia
Only 25 km from Larnaca Airport
A short 35km from the gorgeous villages of Lefkara and Kato Dris
Such a colorful village with plenty of character and color
Cheaper accommodation than Nicosia!

me posing in front of beautiful street art in Lympia, Cyprus

What to See and Do in Lympia

Lympia village has recently had its 15 minutes of fame for its beautiful ”love steps” – a set of colorfully painted steps at the entrance of the village.

But hear me out, because I have a question for you! How many of you, have visited the ‘’ Love steps in Lympia, and left, before exploring the village? If you are one of these people, then keep reading!

In the village, they are planting trees and vegetable gardens, adding street art and splashes of color, and revamping old traditional houses!

beautiful colorful streets corners in Lympia, Cyprus

At the same time, we find fresh halloumi and anari cheese, stone-built guesthouses, and colorful cobbled streets full of flowers in full bloom.

To top it all off, there is excellent Cyprus brunch, olive picking experiences, and many more. So come with me, and let’s take a walk together!

Explore the street Art on the streets of Lympia

Look how gorgeous all this street art is! I totally didnt expect to find such excellent pieces on the streets in Lympia – it reminded me of walking the streets of Instabul!

You will no doubt want to enjoy a walk and take in the work that was put in to these pieces of art!

interestin g street art in Lympia, Cyprus

Happy snapping at ”The Love Stairs” aka Τα Σκαλιά της Αγάπης

Did someone say Cuba? Coz this sure looks like it! The love steps in Lympia is such a Instagrammable and photographed sport – and you will find it at the entrance of Lympia Village.

The previously monotonous gray staircase was turned into a colored, piece of art by a group of young painters in the village.

This way, you are far more likely to walk to the top, and enjoy panoramic views you might have otherwise missed!

Tia’s Tip: If there are too many people there, walk around the other way to its opposite entrance, and that’s usually empty 🙂

Also, avoid visiting during times when the sun is really strong, as the colors won’t pop that way! My pictures below were taken at 5 pm!

”Love Steps” Location

Buy The Best Halloumi Cheese at P. A. Irakleous Ltd.

In Lympia, I tasted the most incredible halloumi and anari cheese. And when I say incredible…I really mean it! People from Nicosia, Larnaca, and all parts of Cyprus drive down to Irakleous to buy these dairy products – it was super busy when I visited.

If you are renting a cottage house or airbnb then a few of these will be excellent for breakfast!

Address: Archiepiskopou Makariou Tritou 14, 2566 Lympia
Lefkosia – Cyprus

fresh halloumi cheese production in Lympia

Souvenir Shopping at Panos Atelier

I really enjoyed my visit at Panos Atelier! This tiny shop is filled to the brim with handmade traditional artifacts you will surely find something to take home as a souvenir, or to your loved ones!

To contact: 99 634453

Wood carvings?

I adore discovering businesses that elevate the Cypriot culture and religion, and when this business is passed on from generation to generation, that is the icing on the cake!

Costas Kaounaris, has been making Ecclesiastical Wood Carvings for over 20 years -and upon entering his workshop, I am in awe. There are thousands of pieces of art here, many of which I recognise from my religious tourism tours on the thousands of churches on the island.

It is practically inconceivable to imagine how these are made by hand – but one look at Costas and his two sons at work, and I am convinced that wood carving is even harder than I ever imagined!

Lympia Dam

This particular dam was built in 1977 and although hard to find (due to lack of signs), it is home to rich and rare biodiversity in Cyprus. Anything from plants, fishes, insects, and many more live here on this little unexpected oasis!

This particular dam it a fisherman's paradise - here you can fish for carps, albino, red-winged, crayfish, sea bass, perch, and many more. There is a relevant permit secured by the Department of Fisheries.

Click here for the location

Where to stay in Lympia

Olympia

Located in Lympia, Olympia Traditional Houses provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, and access to a garden with a barbecue. Each unit is equipped with a patio, a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.

For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. The apartment offers a continental or à la carte breakfast on the beautiful large terrace, where on Sundays, a huge Cyprus brunch is served!

I loved the traditional detail in the rooms – that is what agriculture is after all!- from the stone walls to the beds, furnishings, and so on. There is even a small display of traditional tools used in agriculture from the previous century!

Despite the fact you will get the feeling of a different era, all the houses are fully equipped with modern amenities, like Flat-screen TV, fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi in all areas and outdoor furniture.

BOOK A STAY AT OLYMPIA TRADITIONAL HOUSE

Where to Eat In Lympia

Sunday Brunch at Olympia Traditional House

Now THIS is what a I call a Cyprus brunch! I was fortunate enough to be invited for brunch at Olympia and i can safely tell you, you will unlike need another meal on the day!

This is a buffet service, and it is bursting at the seams with all the goodies Cyprus is renowed for!

Fresh organic eggs and vegetables, homemade jams, and bread that’s made in the wood fire oven! We sampled 3 different types of pies: Cheese pie, pumpkin pie, and olive pie! The famous ”mahalepi” (eggless cream with rose water) is on offer too and fresh fruit and lemonade and coffee.

Find the address here

Lunch – Peiragmena Restaurant

Peiragmena – which means ”tweaked” – is a restaurant in Lympia that offers a seasonal, but non-traditionally Cypriot-style menu with a “twist!”.

The dishes here are a modern adaptation of Cypriot and Mediterranean cuisine inspired mainly by seasonal ingredients and high-quality local produce.

As for the menu at Peiragmena Restaurant, It changes each season to ensure maximum freshness and the fullest flavors and aroma to each dish. These adaptations as well as the affordable prices are welcomed by regular diners and gastronomes alike.

Find the location here

Skarinou Village

At the heart of Cyprus, 190 meters above sea level and surrounded by hills, lies the picturesque village of Skarinou. Connecting the main towns of the island, Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaka, Skarinou combines the qualities of country life with the modern amenities and luxuries of life in town.

The houses are old traditional stone buildings and the old-style identity of the village remains intact with its narrow streets leading to squares and natural openings. The villages dominant landmark is the church of The Guiding Virgin Mary (Panayia I Odigidria) which stands proud and tall at the entrance of the village, welcoming both locals and visitors.
In this small village, architectural structure and nature co-exist with tradition, culture and customs.

Top Sights in Skarinou

Golden Donkeys Farm

Love animals? Then you will love this!

A family business, with a simple philosophy: that the history and heritage of each country, are its real treasure and so, their purpose is simple – to share this treasure with each and every visitor, thus showing him, the real side of Cyprus.

me and stella Georgiadi at Golden Donkyes farm

My first impression is that the Golden Donkeys Farm was built with a love for our tradition and a keen eye for detail.

The entire farm is flooded with the delicate aromas of rosemary and thyme and beautifully framed by a large olive tree that is over 1500 years old.

Here we find a donkey museum, a farmhouse, but also a wax museum. The wax museum shows classic and traditional images of what life in Cyprus looked like in generations past – so it is a great way to immerse yourself in Cyprus culture!

In this beautiful farm, you can meet the 200 or so adorable donkeys they host, learn all about their wide range of award-winning donkey milk products, but also enjoy food and coffee in their restaurant.

donkey milk products at the Golden Donkeys Farm

The restaurant is a spacious space, that includes both outdoor and indoor space and seating. The menu is simple, there was a choice of 4 dishes – and we ordered one of each as you can see below in the pictures. The food was very good, basically, it is well- cooked Cyprus food dishes that you will very often find in Cypriot homes.

Golden Donkeys Farm Address

Dipotamos Reservoir

I love the element of water. It soothes me, calms me, centers me. And Cyprus has a LOT of water – it is an island after all!

We have paradisical beaches, that stretch as far as the eye can see. But during this tour of Cyprus, I have had the pleasure to visit plenty of dams too.

Dams are great for fishing, (when allowed), and many come attached with a nature trail so also great for walks in nature, and bird watching too!

And Dipotamos Dam is pretty gorgeous, as you can very well see. Sunsets are beautiful here, with gorgeous panoramic views!

The Dipotamos dam is located east of the village of Lefkara and north of Skarinou. It is approximately 15 minutes by car from the Golden Donkeys Farm. Dipotamos dam was built in 1985 and to this day, it provides a water storage volume of 15,500,000 cubic meters.

The river is home to 8 species of fish, but fishing is not allowed!

Find the location of Dipotamos Reservoir here

Panagia Odigitria

The central church of the village is the church of Panagia Odigitria. Its construction started by the local community in 1950 and was completed in 1953.

There used to be another church which was demolished. The church celebrates on the 8th of September.

panagia odigitria church, skarinou village

Agios Theodoros Village

The small but beautiful village of Agios Theodoros is found in the province of Larnaka, 8.6 km away from Skarinou and 3km from Kofinou village.

It is built at the banks of the river Pentashoinos, 80 meters above sea level.

Akakia Beach

If you want to combine a village visit with the beach, head down to Akakia Beach! This is an organized beach, with its own beach bar, sun loungers, umbrellas and toilets.

Think of lazy moments away from the manic buzz of the central Larnaca beaches, cocktails, food, and soothing lounge music. Bliss!

Find it here

Local Market of Larnaca Producers

Welcome to the Local Market of Larnaca Producers in Agios Theodoros! The Women’s Rural Association of Larnaca has put together an open-air Plastic-free traditional market that brings freshness from the producer, directly to your table!

Here we find fresh Cypriot fruits and vegetables, poultry, fresh honey and all its derivatives, jams and spoon sweets, nuts, herbs, medicinal teas, and much more! Because when women unite … they truly perform miracles!

fresh honey jars in an open air market in Cyprus

Have a Picnic at the Orchard of the village

A quiet picnic area, surrounded by orange and jasmin trees, that provides you with plenty of shade! There are picnic tables here, and there are quite a few – about 20 of them!

The only downside is that the trees attract a few bees, so if you are allergic, you might want to give it a miss!

Find it here