Vouni
Panagias
Winner 2009 in the Tourism and Protected
Areas category
With its winding countryside roads and
picturesque settings, the area is renowned for its walking and
hiking trails. The Vouni Panagias Nature Trail, with its varying
altitude and rugged terrain, covers an area of about 10
kilometres.
Hikers who reach the top are rewarded with
stunning panoramic views of Panagia village and the Akamas
Peninsula as well as sunsets over the Troodos Mountains.
Walking along the wine routes is another
“must do” in Vouni Panagias. The region hosts three vineyards
which produce some of the island’s most exquisite wines. Pairing
the wine with local cuisine such as mezze (an assortment of
traditional small dishes) is highly recommended.
For a trip back in time, visit Agios
Nikolaos Monastery. It was built in the 4th Century AD and is
founded on top of the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to
the Goddess Hera.
Rare species of predator birds and wildlife
inhabit the Vouni Panagias area. The four largest mammal species
indigenous to Cyprus roam the mountain sides. One of them, the
Cyprus Mouflon, is found only in the more quiet parts of the
forest. For nature lovers, there are over 650 plant species,
including trees, shrubs and rare herbaceous plants. The natural
splendor of the vegetation is prominent all year round forming a
magnificent landscape.
Panagia village is the birthplace of one of
the most-prominent personalities in recent history, Archbishop
Makarios III, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus. And
let’s not forget about the hospitality of the people. Visitors
rave about how receptive and friendly the locals are to
tourists. The preservation of the area and its ecological value
are significant factors to the region’s inhabitants. The locals
understand and appreciate the cultural heritage and are
committed to preserving its authenticity. Effective methods to
develop sustainable tourism, which raises the quality of life of
the locals and at the same time helps the environment, are
constantly being promoted.
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