I’m Cypriot, I live in Cyprus but hence there are a few small villages that I don’t know yet, and one of them was Vavla. I was searching for a place to stay for the weekend with some friends, something traditional with a fireplace, away from the city center, something for Argotourism. I came up with a few results in various villages but this particular accommodation caught my attention – Vavla Rustic Retreat in Vavla village. I checked the map and it’s located within the Larnaca district, in the foothills near Kato Drys and Lefkara, only 30 minutes away from Limassol. It’s an authentic Cypriot village in the countryside suitable for a quite holiday.

The Village

Vavla is a small village built with white stone from Lefkara and combined with traditional features. It has been declared by Town Planning and Housing Department as a “preserved” village. The architecture is very similar to its neighbouring village, Kato Drys and Lefkara. The few inhabitants used to grow carobs and were mainly engaged in other agricultural occupations. During the first decade of the 20th century, most of the population left Vavla and immigrated to the UK, US and Australia. We asked a lady how many people live there and she said only 30.

The natural environment of the village as well as the hospitality and kindness of the few residents make Vavla an ideal destination for any visitor. Walking around the village you’ll notice that it’s very quiet and you might see a few people. The coffee shop is located in the entrance of the village on your left. There’s a staircase which takes you up the coffee shop where you can make your own coffee and pay by leaving your money there.

In June 2000 there was a big fire in Vavla that destroyed the natural environment of the village. In memory of this, there’s a burns wood and plants which symbolize death and new life.
There are 3 churches of Saint George, Archangel Michael, and Panagia tis Agapis. This raises a lot of interest because of its name, Lady of Love.  3km away from the main village you can drive up to “Panagia tis Agapis” a chapel, located in an idyllic landscape.  This is the only church in Cyprus and around the world with this name. The church operates once a year, one week after Holy Friday; however, it is open daily for visitors all the time. If you’d like to walk there from the village be prepared, it’s a long walk, maybe an hour but I think it’s worth going there by car. The road is good enough for a salon car.
You should know that in case you wish to stay in the village, there is no kiosk or supermarket to purchase things. The nearest store is Alphamega in Skarinou so if you wish to spend the night there be prepared.
 
  
If you love Cyprus Villages make sure to visit these 10 Charming Cyprus Villages