Lefkara

Lefkara is a village in Cyprus, Larnaca district, referred to by Cypriots as "Lefkara the beautiful". The name Lefkara refers either to the area or the larger of the three vilagges in the area, Pano Lefkara. Pano Lefkara is a picturesque, unspoiled little town, with lots of history and tradition, in the southern foothills of the Troodos mountains. It boasts a unique architecture preserved to this day. It is famous for its lacemaking tradition (Lefkaritika Kentimata). Population around 1000. Within walking distance is the village of Kato Lefkara, population about 100. A designated nature trail connects Lefkara to Kato Drys, another picturesque small village in the area, via the Sotira mountain peak.

Get in
Located ten kilometers off the Nicosia - Limassol highway in the center of Cyprus, at a distance less than 50 km from the major cities of Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca and about 20 km from Governor's beach, a blue flag beach in the countryside. Access only by private car or taxi.

Get around
There are no traffic lights in Lefkara. Just park and walk to museums, shopping places, and restaurants. It's a good starting point to explore Cyprus. A good road network joins Lefkara to the major cities and villages in the Troodos Mountains and the coastal areas.

See
Lefkara Handicraft museum, Wax museum, Saint Minas Convent, Machairas Monastery, Kionia mountain peak, old churches and chapels, some dating back to the 11th century. Beautiful unspoiled countryside. Picturesque narrow alleys with old stone built houses, preserved to this day. Women making Lefkara lace. The area is especially beautiful in late February, when almond trees bloom.

Do
Lefkara is a beautiful village with a long tradition in the art of lacemaking and silversmithing a picturesque little town with lots of character and exquisite architecture preserved to this day. Stroll the narrow stone paved of the village, enjoy nature walks. An excellent starting point for a cultural journey in the heart of Cyprus. Visit medieval convents and monasteries, the beach, historical sites, the Troodos mountains and the major cities of Cyprus. Nature walks, hiking, sample traditional Cyprus dishes.

Buy
Lefkara lace, hand-made silver artifacts, locally produced Turkish delight, local honey and almond preserves.

Eat
Several restaurants in the town and vicinity offer traditional Cyprus dishes. Fresh fish is offered in the nearby coastal areas. Lefkara tava, a traditional Lefkara dish, offered exclusively in the area. Most restaurants serve mpourekia, a pastry filled with anari, the Cyprus ricotta cheese equivalent, a must taste.

Drink
Restaurants and coffee shops serve alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, local Cyprus wines and beer. Try 'soumada' a refreshing drink made with water and almond extract.

Sleep
Aunt Maria's, Iosiphi's House, RedBluedoor, Traditional stone-built houses that were renovated with the support of the Cyprus Tourism Organization. They offer comfortable self-catering apartments, with all modern amenities, listed in the agrotourism (ecotourism) program.