Agritourism and historical villages in Cyprus; Platres & Panagia

Agritourism or agrotourism has turned into a fancy way of traveling. As we already know, Cyprus is blessed with natural and human-made beauty and with an abundant historical heritage. Its beautifully unique natural environment is complemented by its traditional villages and architecture, which give it a special character. The visitors on the island, are always welcomed in the traditional warm and hospitable Cypriot way.

Some people prefer the sea, while others prefer the mountains; whichever your preference is, Cyprus can offer you a unique opportunity to enjoy the agritourism and live the local experience. Take in the aromas of the natural life and the wondrous scenery, visit monasteries both ancient and contemporary, walk on nature trails, admire the archaeological sites, and elevate your spirit via a real-life country experience. 

Platres Village

Platres are divided into "Pano" Platres, that refers to the upper part of the village and "Kato" Patres that refers to the lower one (the neighboring village of Tornarides). It’s a misperception that Platres is an entirely new village founded during recent years. On the contrary, Platres is an ancient village and is even mentioned among the list of the 119 villages of the Limassol district that existed during the Lusignan (Frank Rule, 1192-1489 AD) and the Venetian Era (1489-1571 AD). 

Platres Village

Platres, Chipre

The location of the Village is ideal. Platres has a perfect climate during the summertime because the weather is dry, with little or no humidity, with the temperatures well below the average of those on other areas on the island.  Also, everyone that visits Platres can taste the traditional Cypriot cuisine and of course, live the hospitality that will be well etched in one's memory.

Regarding the name's etymology, it is said that three possible ways are explaining its origin: 1. Platres (in plural) took its name from the word "platra" (pratria) which means "the one that weaves and sells sheets used by the farmers." 2. There are written reports of Platres being a feud during the Frank Rule and had that name ever since. In the French language, there is the word "platre-s", which in Greek translates to "white," "plaster', and other words. There's information that during the Frank Rule, on the Southside of Troodos, there was a Frank Monastery, whose monks were dressed in white and called by the name of "Platrai." 3. The last one is that the village took its name from the word "platsa", which then became "Platra" and then "Platres" (in plural). 

Panagia

Panagia, known as Pano Panagia, is a picturesque mountainous village in Cyprus, located in the Paphos mountain range. Panagia owes its name to the many churches and monasteries, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Various churches are located around the village area and are all named after the Virgin Mary. In the center of the village, there is the ancient church of Panagia Eleousa. One mile east of the village, you can find the chapel of Panagia of Sarkas. Fifteen miles east of the village, through the dense forest of Paphos, is the historic and famous Byzantine Monastery of Panagia of Kykkos and many more. 

Panagia Village

Panagía, Panagia, Paphos, Chipre

One tradition says that the village was just below its current position, at the location "Pelekaniaka." The few inhabitants, shepherds then, woodcutters and lumberjacks, were cutting wood from the nearby forest which they used in woodcraft, and manufacturing vessels for kneading bread, and other tools. It is called "Pelekaniaka" because almost all the inhabitants of the village cut wood and produced various household items, which they then sold. A terrible earthquake destroyed the beautiful village of Pelekaniaka a couple of years later. Today there is a towering cliff, called “the cliff of koukos,” south of the village, and as tradition says, a large part of the cliff tore away due to a strong earthquake and covered the village.

Today the village is known for its unique wildlife, amongst which is the Mouflon, species which is protected by Cyprus and International laws as it is in the category of the endangered ones. It is also known for the viticultural zone Vouni Panagias, which is considered by the wine connoisseurs’ in Cyprus as one of the best on the whole island.

Coven Photo Credit © iStockphoto/Sergii Petruk