Pissouri in Cyprus is a traditional Cypriot village about half way between Limassol and Paphos. Positioned on a hill the village overlooks vineyards and is set against the back drop of the Troodas mountains. There are panoramic sea views over the clear blue Mediterranean Ocean that is only a short walk away at the foot of the hill. The village square has a couple of banks and several mini markets along with the usual car hire agency offices etc. Most of what you need for day to day living is available including a pharmacy and a petrol station. There is even a local police station in the village too giving Pissouri an air of a self contained community. There are plenty of tavernas and restaurants in the village as well as down on the beach area so you won’t go short of nourishment either. In fact you could spend a real relaxing holiday right there in the village without the need to venture anywhere else in Cyprus.
Pissouri is ideal for those seeking a holiday away from the more crowded holiday resorts and offers a more traditional Cypriot lifestyle. Daily village life there goes on much the same as it has for decades and the tempo is laid back to say the least. The main employment in the area is of course the vineyards and wineries scattered all over the landscape. Be sure to sample the local wine in some of the village restaurants if you get the chance and don’t be put off by the fact that it’s so cheap. Cyprus wines are amongst some of the best in the Mediterranean area. If you enjoy local dishes like meze and kleftico you are in the right place. The restaurants up in the village tend to make a better job of it than those near the beach but its all a matter of what you prefer.
If you do get desperate for a large supermarket or the bustle of city life the main highway is only about a mile inland. The thriving metropolis of Limassol is twenty minutes drive with more hypermarkets and shops than you can shake a stick at. In fact the modern motorway network links the sleepy hamlet of Pissouri with all the major resorts and the capital Nicosia. If you want culture and history Paphos is only a short hop further north along the motorway too. There you will find a busy resort and town all rolled into one with some of the Islands most coveted ancient sites. Roman ruins, a restored ampitheatre and a medieval fort are just a few of the places of interest you could visit within walking distance of Pahos harbor. The harbour itself is lined with trendy cafe bars where you can relax with a drink and take in the beautiful Mediterranean view.
East of Pissouri along the same motorway is Larnaca and the Islands main airport. Larnaca town is also a mix of resort and a thriving town with a great choice of shops should you need to indulge in a little retail therapy. The man made Larnaca beach is one of the best in Cyprus and a modern promenade runs along its full length. At one end is the pretty marina and at the other stands a medieval fort. The sea front area is thronged with pavement cafes and restaurants including several major take fast food outlets such as Macdonalds. There are plenty of places of interest to visit including several museums one of which is situated in the square next to Larnaca church. The church of Saint Lazarus is alleged to be the final resting place of the same Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead and it is claimed the church stands on the site of his tomb.
You may choose to use Pissouri has a base to explore the rest of Cyprus or maybe just spend a day visiting. Whatever you do the charm of this laid back village just a few minutes of the highway is sure to leave its mark on you. Its a taste of the real Cyprus, in many ways untouched by the hustle and bustle of the modern age. After spending some time there you can’t help wondering how long it will be before the pressures of the outside world burst in on it. Maybe they never will and people will continue to come to recharge their inner batteries in this oasis that is Pissouri Cyprus.
