Tochni, Choirokitia, and Kalavasos Cyprus -Exploring Larnaca Villages

Last Updated on March 4, 2021 by Tia

Tochni, Kalavasos, Choirokitia, Ayios Theodoros, and Psematismenos! Those are the 5 villages that we are exploring today on the 7th (yes 7th!) episode of my online TV show Tia Does Agrotourism. If you are new here, then know that I am working alongside Cyprus’s Deputy Ministry Of Tourism, in an attempt to highlight the hidden beauties of our gorgeous Cyprus. Now, Cyprus is typically known for its incredible beaches, top-notch hotels, and vibrant nightlife. But there is soooo much more to this island – like seriously! – and it is my job and pleasure to showcase each and every one of them!

WATCH THE VIDEO EPISODE NOW

In this article, I am exploring a slice of Larnaka’s finest villages – that are all riiight next to each other – so hopping from one to the other is super easy – and that way you get to experience the best of what each has to offer! Basket weaving, organic brunch, cycling, Cyprus meze, archaeological sights, and more are waiting ahead so let’s dive right into the good stuff!

Kalavasos Cyprus

They say that in order to know a place well, you have to see it through the eyes of someone who loves it very much. Such is the case with Kalavasos, that I saw and loved just as much through the eyes of my good friend Stefanos

A village that is rich in history and nature, smiling people, archeological sites, and picturesque alleys. At the same time, it is a growing community with all the comforts of modern times. So follow me, and let me show you Kalavasos through our eyes…I am sure you will love it too!

Sightseeing in Kalavasos Cyprus Retro tavern

Church of Panagia Titiotissa

Panayia Titiotissa otherwise known as Evaggelistria church, is the central church of the village which is dedicated to Panagia Titiotisa is built in the center of the village square among its traditional houses and shops. The church is dedicated to the Nativity of Theotokos which is celebrated on 25 March. I adored the blue ceiling, and its intrigate details!

Tenta Archaeological site.

The side of Tenta is possible the most significant settlement of the period in this side of the valley. The architectural remains excavated on the site belong, to the later phase of the period, and many findings, point us to the assumption that Tenta was first occupied contemporarily with the Early Aceramic Neolithic phase (ca. 7500-7000 BC).

The Tenta site comprises a small village with houses clustered around the upper part of a small natural hill. Virtually all of the architectural elements at Tenta are curvilinear, if not circular, and rectilinear domestic structures are unknown on the site. As elsewhere in this period, structures are built of mudbrick, stone or a combination of both materials.

Within the area bounded by the wall, the settlement was quite densely built up with rows of basically domestic structures occupying the whole of the eastern side of the top of the site. And a building or complex of structures of unusually large size or elaborate plan taking up the whole of the preserved area on the west side of the top of the site. In the lower southern area of the site, the structures within the boundary wall of the settlement appear to have been more spaced out. 

Mines / Quarries   (metallio).

The piles of rust and other mining leftovers found in the Kalavasos region provide proof of note-worthy mining activity during ancient times, attributed to the Phoenicians and -later on -to the Romans. Free entry!

Kalavasos Train Park (treno)

This is a tiny little park – don’t imagine anything grande – but what is impressive is that it features a train, which is considered to be the only train in Cyprus. The drone shot that i took below shows it in all its glory! Free entry.

Minares = Turkish mosque. The mosque served as a worship place for the Muslim minority that lived in the village. To be more specific, the mosque was deserted in 1967 when all Muslim inhabitants moved to the neighboring village of Mari.

Kalavasos Dam

Kalavasos Dam has located about 5 km from Kalavasos Village and near the Kalavasos Mines, within the Larnaca district of Cyprus. This water dam was constructed from 1983 until 1985, and it’s 62 meters in height and 500 meters in length.

Where to eat in Kalavasos Cyprus

Retro Tavern. A gorgeous tavern right in the center of the village that offers indoor and outdoor seating – a beautiful setting and even better food! This is a favorite with both visitors and locals alike, primarily because of the quality of the food and the modest prices!

This isn’t a ”simple” tavern serving meat meze alone. There is also a rather sizeable a-la-carte menu and I adored their willingness and ability to change dishes on the spot to suit vegetarians and lactose-free eaters!

At Retro tavern, you will also find a fish meze – but because everything served is fresh, it is required that you book 1-2 days ahead!

Bookings:  99 649476

Opening Hours: 5 pm-11 pm except for Mondays where it is closed! *Covid hours are different*

Choirokitia Village

What to do in Choirokitia

Basket Weaving Museum & Workshop

What else is there to say about this hospitable, well-traveled animal-lover man, who also known as the King of basket weaving!

His house is an oasis of fountains with running waters, bunnies, parrots, birds, and various other animals. Both his farmhouse and his Weaving museum are packed full of tradition, detail, and everything made of reed.

In its courtyard, the wood-fired oven brings out steamed bread and traditional delicacies, and in its kitchen, fresh anari and hot halloumi drive the visitors crazy. His excellent brunch is completed with fresh produce such as eggs and vegetables from his yard and farm.

Petros Nikolaou loves tradition, adores authenticity, and never sits still!

In his museum you will see numerous examples of his perfect basket weaving technique (13 techniques in total) – an art that he learned from his grandparents and you can also learn how to weave yourselves

An incredible and genuine experience that no one should miss!

Archaeological Site of Choirokoitia

As quotes from Unesco.com, The Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, occupied from the 7th to the 4th millennium B.C., is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Its remains and the finds from the excavations there have thrown much light on the evolution of human society in this key region.  It is one of the most well-known archaeological sites in Cyprus, and deserves a visit!

Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 5 pm 7 days a week

Bookings – 24 322710. Admission Fee: 2.50 euros

Tochni – Where to eat nearby Choirokitia

Paliomouxtaros Tavern – Ayios Theodoros

You might think that if you tried one traditional tavern in Cyprus, then you have tried them all. Wrong! What makes them different lies in the details. Paliomouxtaros was recommended to me by a fair amount of people (thanks guys!) and now I know why! As soon as I entered I felt at home – the fireplace was burning inside, and the staff and stone-built restaurant – although large- seemed welcoming and friendly.

We were quickly seated (we had reserved a table that i suggest you also do, as it gets packed during the weekends) and food soon started pouring out! There are no menus during the weekend – its strictly meze and it is GOOD! The macaroni is made by hand, the sausage is marinated in wine, and every item served is freshly cooked and utterly delicious. 10/10 for the food, and service!

Opening Hours

(Covid times will vary)

Monday: CLOSED. Tuesday: 12:00 – 00:00. Wednesday: 12:00 – 00:00. Thursday:12:00 – 00:00.

Friday:12:00 – 02:00. Saturday:12:00 – 02:00. Sunday:12:00 – 19:00

For bookings (essential) 24 323323

Tochni Village

A quaint and utterly irresistible little village that begs to be explored! Tochni is located in the Larnaca District and only a 5-7 minute drive from Kalavasos! Tochni is among the oldest villages in Cyprus, with a history of more than ten, perhaps twenty centuries.

Today the village promotes agrotourism and the restoration of the original village houses in order to preserve the traditional Cypriot stone houses.

There are the ruins of a Latin church in the center of the village, overlooking the Orthodox church of St Constantine and Helena. The current church has been reconstructed on the site of the original, interestingly over a bridge. It is said that the church was founded by St Helena when she returned from the Holy Land from which she brought with her a piece of the Holy Cross.

There are narrow alleys to photograph, bridges to cross, and hills to walk on! Additionally, there are cycling routes, nature trails, and beautiful churches. Yes, Tochni is indeed beautiful and a visit is a must!

Tochni – Activate Cyprus

So I’ve been trying to find a bicycle the entire season of this show! I couldn’t believe that this proved so difficult – why doesn’t the government fill these incredible villages with bicycles?

Activate Cyprus thankfully came to the rescue! They not only have tons of bicycles for hire, they also organize bike tours and adventure events too! Activate Cyprus is a leading company-promoter of high standard Outdoors Sports Services in Cyprus. Their specialized field is the organization of events for several Outdoors sports such as Road Cycling, Mountain biking, Running, Triathlon, Hiking, etc.

I had the hardest time trying to ride through the narrow cobbled streets (I was screaming, people were laughing) but once I got the hang of it – it was so awesome!

I am definitely returning, this time armed with a picnic lunch or I might even join a biking adventure too! You can find Activate Cyprus in Tochni (HQ), Troodos (@ Troodos Hotel), and Paphos (@ Olympic Lagoon Resort)

Thank you for seeing Tochni, Choirokitia and Kalavasos Cyprus through my eyes, and i hope you get to enjoy and explore them to their full potential! You will find plenty of photos and news on my Instagram, and travel discounts when you subscribe down below

Love, Tia

Save this post for later!

Related Cyprus Articles

Tia Does Agrotourism Series

• 1. Episode 1 Wine Villages in Paphos – Cyprus Agrotourism in Pano Panayia, Letymbou, Lemona and Amargeti (And Video)
• 2. Episode 2 Culture, Nature and Wine in Kathikas, Arodes and Akamas Peninsula in Paphos (And Video_)
• 3. Episode 3 Omodos, Arsos and Ayios Amvrosios – the most picturesque villages in Limassol (And Video)
• 4. Episode 4 Vouni, Lofou and Koilani Villages – exploring Limassol Province (and Video)
• 5. Episode 5 Kalopanayiotis, Kykkos, and Pedoulas – Nicosia’s hidden village gems! (and Video )
• 6. Episode 6 Agrotourism in Cyprus – Farmakas, Palaichori, and Askas – Wine, Safari, and Nature! (and Video )
• 7. Episode 7 Tochni, Choirokitia, and Kalavasos – Basket Weaving, history, and cycling activities! (and Video)
• 8. Episode 8 Lefkara, Kato Drys, and Vavla – Lefkara lace designs, wineries, brunch, and bees! (and Video)

Exploring Cyprus Content

• When to Visit Cyprus – A guide to choosing the season to visit Cyprus
• Where to stay in Cyprus – The Best hotels And Cottages In The Villages
• Cyprus Meze – The best Cyprus Taverns in the Villages and Mountains of the island!
• Cyprus Travel Blog – Everything you need to know to visit Cyprus. Start with this first if you are not local!
• A city by city guide to Cyprus. Decide which city in Cyprus suits you best!
• Incredible food in Cyprus to try. You will most likely drool at this article!
• Edem’s Yard – Best Brunch in Cyprus – Larnaca. The best brunch spot in Cyprus- hands down!
• Hamam Omeriye – Stunning Turkish baths in the heart of Nicosia– A Hamam Experience you are unlikely to forget!
• The best beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras. The best blue flag beaches on the island – say hello to paradise!
• Cyprus Passport Visa Free Countries – Travel to paradise without a visa!

Beautiful Seaside Hotels in Cyprus

• Hotel Napa Suites – Gorgeous, Central, with infinity pools
• Almyra Hotel Paphos – Luxury, elegance, and class.
• King Jason Hotel Protaras – Modern, central, fun, breathtaking!
• Napa Mermaid – The most incredible hotel in Ayia Napa– Looking for a proper hotel in Napa? Say no more!
• Apartment for rent in Protaras – Sofias Seaview review. A gorgeous apartment in the heart of Protaras square!
• Protaras Villas – The Incredible Villa Oniro. A huge and luxurious villa in Protaras!
• Limassol Hotels – A Beautiful stay at The Crowne Plaza Limassol. A modest hotel in Limassol that you will highly appreciate!
• Alasia Boutique Hotel- Luxury and elegance. Elegance and understated luxury in the quiet part of Limassol