Kato and Pano Lefkara, Cyprus: An Impressive Village in the Larnaca District!

Kato and Pano Lefkara, Cyprus…(lower and upper Lefkara)…

…What an impressive mountain village at the foot of the spectacular Troodos Mountains!

The picturesque village of Lefkara is split into Pano Lefkara, and Kato Lefkara (upper and lower Lefkara). Lefkara is comprised of the Municipal District of Pano Lefkara, which broadly incorporates Kato Lefkara.

(Here, we are going to talk mostly about Pano Lefkara).

This magnificent village should be on your holiday radar, especially if you are visiting the Larnaca district.

Why?

Please read the important note below to find out…

Lefkara – especially Pano Lefkara – is so picturesque and traditional…perfect for agrotourism!

The village preserves our culture and traditions! It’s an outstanding example of our historic rural tourist industry… that’s why it was awarded the status of “Best Tourism Village” by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)… read on to hear what they think, if you haven’t already heard about it! :-)

From the beautiful stone-built houses with overhanging wooden balconies and decorative doors, the narrow-cobbled alleyways, and above all the Lefkara Lace (Lefkaritiko) that is included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritages!

Apart from the wonderful architecture of the traditional houses and the lace embroidery affectionately known as “Lefkaritiko”, which is well known and admired throughout the world, the village is also known for its filigree silver!

What a wonderful experience to walk through the exciting village of Lefkara! We have visited this magnificent village quite a few times, so we have first-hand knowledge that it’s a must-see destination on the island!

So, have you decided to explore Lefkara during your holidays?

If so, then take a look at the links below to help you plan your adventure. Just click on the link you need, to go down the rabbit hole.

Quick links:

• About Pano Lefkara, Cyprus
• Accommodation
• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• How to Get to Pano Lefkara, Cyprus
• Getting Around

About Pano Lefkara, Cyprus

The Location of the Village

The magnificent village of Lefkara clings on to the hillside, affording spectacular views of the surrounding panorama. Located in the Larnaca district it is split into Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara as we have already mentioned.

To be more precise, the village is located at the foot of the awesome Troodos Mountains, that reach heights of 2000m AMSL (well worth a visit).

Lefkara being at only at 650m AMSL, the village still remains warm, and you shouldn’t need any oxygen yet.

The Name of the Village

Lefkara means White Mountains.

Lefka = White, Ori = Mountains.

The village took its name from the surrounding white lime stone rocks that you will see as you climb into the mountains to reach the hidden gem.

The Village is World Acclaimed

Its traditional handicrafts of lace embroidery “Lefkaritiko” and quaint filigree silver give the feeling of past times gone by!

Visitors can choose to learn about the crafts which have been practiced and passed down through the generations in the village since Venetian times by visiting the Lefkara Handicraft Centre, the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing; and workshops.

In these workshops you can watch the lace and silver being made! They might even let you have a go if you ask nicely.

Legend Has it…

… that the world famous “Leonardo da Vinci” an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance era who was active as a painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect had visited the village of Lefkara in 1481. He took with him a lace altar cloth, which he donated to the Milan Cathedral upon his return to Italy.

The Architectural Beauty of the Village

Wonderful, traditional, stone-built houses with wooden balconies and doors, narrow cobbled alleyways and amazing views!

The village is so photogenic that you must take a camera with you! Stroll the narrow streets of Pano Lefkara and admire the architectural beauty of the houses. What a wonderful experience!

Agrotourism in Lefkara

This impressive village is perfect for agrotourism! You will definitely love it there!

Tranquility, friendly locals, delicious local food and views to die for (spectacular scenic surroundings)!...

…and let’s not forget the quaint shops that sell all the traditional finery – including the lace embroidery and silver.

For more information on where to stay and what to do in Lefkara, click on the links below…

• Lefkara accommodation
• Things to do in Lefkara

…or read on.

Overall, Lefkara (and specifically Pano Lefkara) is an impressive village steeped in tradition and culture. The friendly locals will welcome you in with warm open arms and a smile that will make you feel like you’re at home with family!

Renting a car? Visit this magnificent village, it’s well worth it!

Accommodation

The Agora Hotel – Small, Luxury, Hotel of the World – Adults Only

This small, luxury, 4-star hotel is ideal for those who are looking for tranquillity. We love the décor, and the location of the hotel. A very clean hotel, ideal for couples! Excellent service, and delicious well-presented food! 5 out of 5 stars! :-)

Things to Do

A Trip to the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) Church in Pano Lefkara

This church, of which the architecture is magnificent, dates back to the 14th century. It’s dedicated to the Holy Cross and is located in the centre of the village of Pano Lefkara.

The temple was renovated and a wooden iconostasis was carved in 1740. In 1761, the iconostasis was gilded, the celebration was attended by the – at that time – Bishop of Kition Makarios.

The impressive bell tower was constructed in 1857; and the bells were donated by devout Lefkarians living abroad. 

In 1867, the Church was extended in order to be able to accommodate a larger congregation.

In 1909, the Church underwent renovation. Along with the repairs, the entrance was constructed as is appears today. The South door was also built.

In 1953, a beautiful fresco was added to the dome.

The Silver Cross: The iconostasis has an invisible cavity. The cavity is the crypt where the large wooden Cross is safely kept. According to tradition, the centre of the Cross contains a piece of the True Cross of the Lord. The Cross is entirely covered in Vermeil (Silver Gilt)!

Whether you are a worshiper or not, this Church is worth a visit, so you might want to include it in your holiday plans. Besides, the panoramic view from the Church is one to behold!

Visit the Chapel of Archangelos Michail (Archangel Michael) in Kato Lefkara

This small Chapel is located in Kato Lefkara village and it has fresco’s that date back to the 12th and 15th centuries. It’s one of the many chapels that were built throughout the island during the 12th century, it’s a wonderful example of the Byzantine architecture.

Renovations were completed in 1984.

Enjoy Terra Oliva, an Organic Olive Farm (Sophocleous Farm) in Pano Lefkara

This is a beautiful organic olive farm with more than 7000 olive trees, hundreds of which are eternal olive trees (aged between 300 and 1000 years) is a wonderful destination in Pano Lefkara.

The views from up there are spectacular and the olive products are of a very high quality!

The Terra Oliva farm was created in 2001 by the Sophocleous family and exhibits an eternal olive tree which is more than 1000 years old! It has a “Special Certificate” and is protected by the Government of the island! It’s impressive, isn’t it?! :-)

The signature product of the farm is extra virgin olive oil which can be purchased (along with other olive products) from the farms shop.

Pay it a visit, you won’t regret it! It’s a wonderful experience to walk around the olive farm, admire the views, and the olive trees that are hundreds of years old. Also, don’t forget to visit their shop! You will find fantastic olive products of the very highest quality!

Try Also the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing in Pano Lefkara

This beautiful local museum is located in Pano Lefkara within the “House of Patsalos”. It was named after its last owner who was a member of one of the richest families in the village. The Antiquities Department purchased the House in 1983 and after its restoration opened its doors to the public in August 1988.

This wonderful, Traditional House dates back to the 19th century. It’s constructed out of local white limestone, containing several rooms built from the 19th to the early 20th centuries.

You will find silverwork, local embroidery “Lefkaritiko” (Lefkara lace), jewellery, and traditional costumes in the three rooms on the upper floor. Also, these rooms contain traditional furnishings from a grand Lefkara house dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries!

Additionally, in a separate building, you will find a reconstruction of a blacksmiths forge “smithy” complete with original tools and authentic sounds of the blacksmith at work.

It’s an amazing House and the Museum within the House is very interesting! So, you might want to include it, as it’s already close at hand.

The Manmade Dam of Lefkara

The capacity of the Lefkara Dam is around 14 million cubic metres (494405334 cubic feet), and it is one of the largest dams on the island.

Why visit the dam?

Because it’s so picturesque! Nature lovers flock there, usually taking a camera to record the wildlife and panoramic scenery! :-)

The surrounding landscape of the dam and the dam itself resemble the Norwegian Fjords or the Swiss lakes! Magnificent! Send us some of your photographs and some lucky pictures may make it into future publications.

Fishing the Dam: You must obtain special permission from the Fishing Department in advance to be able to fish the Dam of Lefkara.

Exploring the Village of Pano Lefkara on Foot

What an amazing experience to walk around the narrow, cobbled streets of Pano Lefkara and explore this picturesque village at your own pace.

If you love architecture, you will awe at the beautiful, quaint, stone-built houses of Lefkara. Stone and wood…that’s the main materials they used to use to build their houses in Lefkara. Beautiful colourful wooden doors and balconies. The stone-built houses captivate every day the visitors to the village!

So, if you decide to explore the village on foot, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience! Take it from us, we have strolled the streets of Lefkara quite a few times, every single time we find something new to capture on camera!

If you love exploring on foot, then put on your most comfortable hiking boots. Take your camera, if it’s summer take a bottle of water with you, you’ll need it to keep yourself hydrated, and go and have some fun! :-)

Tasty Local Food

The local food is delicious!

Locally sourced fresh ingredients, cooked with love…

“Voila”…Tasty, wonderful local food on your plate!

There are quite a few “chique” restaurants that serve the locals and visitors to the village. You will find two of them here…just click on Restaurants to check them out.

Exploring more of the Mountain Villages near Lefkara

If you have a rental car, a marvellous idea is to explore the surrounding villages…like Kato Drys village! One more picturesque village to add to your holiday adventure! :-)

Check out Route 17 (Cyprus Routes) for some inspiration.

If you need information on renting a car visit Car Rentals in Cyprus.

Food & Drink

Lefkara’s Coffee Yard Cafe-Restaurant (Bar, Café, and Restaurant - Mediterranean, European, and Greek menu, also Vegetarian friendly)

Address: Pano Lefkara, 7700 Lefkara, Larnaca, Cyprus

Tel: +357 24 105115

Delicious, freshly made home cooked food! Great service, hospitality at its best! Tranquil atmosphere and reasonable prices! Excellent experience! It’s 5 out of 5 stars from us.

The Lefkara Da Vinci Pizzaria & Cafe (Pizza, and European food, also Vegetarian friendly)

Address: 28 Timiou Stavrou, Pano Lefkara, 7700 Lefkara, Larnaca, Cyprus

Tel: +357 97 660551

Fresh made pizza and pasta! Delicious! Excellent service, very nice atmosphere, good prices. 5 out of 5 stars.

How to Get to Pano Lefkara, Cyprus

You will need a car to get to the picturesque village of Pano Lefkara.

To find a reliable quality car to rent, visit – Car Rentals in Cyprus for more information.

The beautiful village of Pano Lefkara is located in the Larnaca district, where you will also find the largest airport on the island…Larnaca International Airport (LCA). If you haven’t booked your flight yet, you might want to take a look here…Flights to Cyprus.

Once you have booked your flight tickets (Flights to Cyprus) and your airport transfer, come back here to read about the road directions to the picturesque village of Pano Lefkara.

Getting to Pano Lefkara Village, Larnaca, by Car

If you’re in Larnaca Airport, take the A3, A5, then A1 motorways heading towards Limassol (the road sign says Lemesos (Greek = Λεμεσός) not Limassol). Don’t forget, we drive on the Left in Cyprus.

While you’re still in the Larnaca district, you will see a road sign saying Skarinou, take that exit. Follow the road signs to Skarinou, then the road signs to Lefkara. It’s that easy to get to!

(For some marvellous road trips around the district of Larnaca, check out Routes 16 and 17 of the Cyprus Routes/Road Trips).

Getting Around

You can explore the amazing village of Pano Lefkara on foot, there is a bus to get you there, but we recommend a car (the bus ride is 3+hrs).

To book a rental car, visit – Car Rentals in Cyprus for more information on renting a car on the island.

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…That pretty much wraps up our in depth look at Lefkara (Kato and Pano Lefkara) Cyprus.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday here on our island.

Maybe we’ll bump into you while we’re on another one of our adventures, look out for us as you walk around and don’t forget to say Hi!! :-)

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