The old quarter
Stone lanes and timber balconies.
Héctor Ochoa 'Robot8A' — CC BY-SA 4.0 · F.Higer — CC BY 3.0 · F.Higer — CC BY 3.0 · Petros3 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · F.Higer — CC BY 3.0
Kakopetria is a mountain village on the northern foothills of the Troodos range, 55 km southwest of Nicosia. At 667 m it is the highest village in the Solea Valley, and people come for its old quarter, cool air and small rivers among the forests. It dates at least to the Frankish period, between 1192 and 1489, and finds from the Archaic and Classical eras have come to light nearby. Its name has two explanations: it may mean «bad stone», or it may come from a legend of a rock near the bridge that rolled onto a newly married couple. Close by stands the 11th-century Church of St Nicholas of the Roof, listed by UNESCO with the other painted churches of Troodos. The village is built along the Kargotis and Garillis rivers. The old quarter lies between them, with stone-paved lanes and houses with sloping tiled roofs and timber upper balconies. Today it holds restored houses, cafes and small shops, while the new village spreads across the eastern side of the valley. It is 8 km in a straight line from Troodos village, and longer by road. Enter the old quarter on foot, as its lanes are narrow, and wear comfortable shoes. It is milder than the coast in summer and can turn cool at night, so bring a jacket. It combines well with the nearby Church of St Nicholas, though check its opening times first.
Stone lanes and timber balconies.
They meet inside the village.
An 11th-century church nearby.
Solea Valley, northern foothills of the Troodos, Cyprus
It may mean «bad stone», and a legend ties it to a rock near the bridge.
Yes, it is milder than the coast, and evenings can be cool.