Aquatic Destinations
Kato Pyrgos
Kato Pyrgos is a small village of only 1500
people lying in the Tylliria area of West Cyprus. Built on the roots of
Troodos Mountain Range, on the largest and most enchanting valley of the
area, along a beach of unparalleled beauty and crystal clear blue
waters, its natural environment remains virtually untouched and still
preserves its natural splendor.
The name Kato Pyrgos originates from the local dialect word “troulli”,
which describes a small, Venetian era, observation and signalling tower
built on a nearby coast side hill, overlooking the area and whose ruins
can still be seen today. “Troulli” stands for small tower or “Pyrgos” –
the Greek word for tower - and thus the name of the village became “Kato
Pyrgos” (Lower – Tower).
Three winter season rivers run through the area. “Flevas”, “Potamoudes”
and “Katouris”, which enter the village and wind up through it to reach
the sea. For everyone who wants to marvel the area’s sights on foot the
Tylliria water dam just outside the village, is an ideal spot for fresh
water fishing and a bit of hiking.
The Community of Kato Pyrgos administratively belongs to the Nicosia
District even though it is more than 111 km away from the island’s
capital of Nicosia, only about 25 minutes drive away from the occupied
town of Morphou and about 1½ hours from the town of Pafos. Before the
Turkish occupation of 36.8% Cyprus territory in 1974, the driving time
necessary to reach Nicosia was only about 45 minutes, but since the main
access road has been closed, visitors to the village from Nicosia are
obliged to take the winding road through the Troodos mountains needing
approximately 2½ hours to reach the village. Though long and winding,
the drive from the capital is worth every single minute of it. Take a
minute to absorb the breathtaking scenery overlooking the Tylliria
Valley as far as the eye can see and marvel at the horizon merging with
the sea. Appreciate the untouched natural beauty of the mountains, with
the abundance of foliage ranging from pine trees at the higher
altitudes, maple trees especially alongside streams, to shrubs along the
road and indigenous flowers doting the route with all shades of green
and beautiful colours.
Begin your journey early with the sunrise and take in a deep breath of
the mountain’s fresh air. Open up your senses to all the aromas of the
herbs and the trees accentuated by the morning dew, listen to the
running streams, the leaves rustling and the birds singing the most
beautiful of songs. One of the most beautiful and exciting moments of
your journey may be a meeting with the Mufflon, Cyprus’ wildlife
protected indigenous wild sheep. Living gregariously in their family
group, so sweet and graceful in their presence and naturally curious,
they will stop to look at you and pose for only a second for its picture
to be taken and then gallop with unmatched agility back into the safety
the forest provides them.
The nature and climate in Kato Pyrgos are generous and ideal for many
cultivations and orchards. The fragrant lemons, the soft peaches, the
oranges, the spring gardens and so many other fruits and vegetables find
the ideal environment to grow and tempt everyone with their unparallel
flavours! The village is particularly famous for its delicious and
plentiful figs, either fresh in season or dried to be consumed
throughout the year. Visitors are commonly welcomed and encouraged by
villagers to help themselves to some of these delicious fruit straight
from the huge fig-trees that are abundant in the area!
The village small and picturesque fishing port is a promising shortest
distance landfall for most of the tired sailors from the Aegean. The
port’s tranquil environment surrounded by mountain hills and a small
archaic type theatre offer unparalleled sunrises behind the shade of the
Limnitis rock and the ancient kingdom of Soloi which tend to underline
the long and mystifying history of the island. Visitors can choose
between both sandy and pebbled beaches for some sunbathing, romantic
leisurely strolls or simply to relax and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
The beaches in the area are some of the cleanest on the island and if
you are lucky you might spot a school of dolphins playing far out in the
sea! A handful of tavernas and hotel restaurants offer freshly caught
fish from the rich underwater valleys of poseidonia.
Walking up and nearing the pine tree forest, the tiny chapel of Virgin
Mary “Galoktisti” can be visited. Another small chapel in the area is
the one dedicated to Prophet Elias and visitors there can also view the
archaeological finds adjacent to it. Kato Pyrgos is also renown for its
characteristic traditional charcoal production process which in another
era used to supply the entire island with charcoal.
Words are too poor to describe the beauty of the village of Kato Pyrgos,
its scenery and natural environment. Rich in history, tradition and
natural heritage, the Community of Kato Pyrgos invites everyone to enjoy
a rare sea and mountain combination with second to none hospitability of
its local inhabitants!!! So, please “Kopiaste” (welcome and join us)!
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