Panagia: the beautiful and picturesque village

The island of Cyprus offers a wide range of beautiful towns and villages that deserve to be known. One of them is Panagia. It is a lovely village in the middle of the mountains, on the outskirts of Paphos. It is less than 40 minutes from the homonymous International Airport.

This town gets its name due to a large number of churches and monasteries found in the city and its surroundings. All of them, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It should be noted that in the center of the village is the famous old church of Panagia Eleousa. The other remarkably close chapels dedicated to the Virgin are Panagia de Sarkis, Panagia de Karyon, and the monasteries of Panagia Chrysorroyiatissa and Panagia de Kykkos.

The town is located about 1,000 meters above sea level, nestled in a unique mountain and dense forest setting. Hundreds of years ago, the village was situated below its current location, but an earthquake destroyed it. This town, called Pelekaniaka, had a few inhabitants who were dedicated to herding their animals and gathering firewood from the nearby forests. In addition, they were committed to pottery, among other activities.

One night, an earthquake destroyed the village and forced its former inhabitants to move to their current location. At present, this town is characterized by its wild environment, where different animals and species of trees and plants are protected. In addition, it is well known for being a wine-growing area par excellence, where the area of Vouni Panagias stands out. According to experts, it is one of the regions where one of the wealthiest wines is made.

As you can see, Cyprus is an island with multiple resources, which is worth knowing and enjoying. Panagia has much more to offer, as its official page indicates.

Among the main attractions, we highlight the following:

• The Forest of Panagia
• The Panagia Forest is a part of the great Paphos forest.
• It is covered with Pines, among other varieties.
• Panagia Vineyards
• As we explained, the vineyards are mainly located in "Vouni Panagias" and its surrounding areas.
• They are 1,000 meters above sea level and give rise to famous wines such as Lakota, Pamela, and Agios Elias.
• The birthplace of Archbishop Makarios III
• One of the illustrious citizens of Panagia is Archbishop Makarios III.
• His birthplace is in the center of town and can be visited.
• The archbishop was born on August 13, 1913.
• And he died on August 3, 1977, in Nicosia.
• Kannaviou Dam
• With a capacity of 18,000,000 m3, the Kannaviou dam is fundamental to rinse the area surrounding Panagia.
• Its construction dates from 2005, from the Ezousa river reservoir.
• In addition to using, it for irrigation, it is used as a drinking water intake.
• Cedar valley
• This beautiful site is located northeast of Panagia, about 25 kilometers from the town.
• Undoubtedly, those who visit this site will be amazed by the beautiful view from the road, from where you can see the cedar forests, which multiply with the scenery until they are lost in infinity.
• Stavros tis Psokas
• It is a forest station with a place prepared for camping.
• It has a capacity for more than 500 people.
• It is one of the most visited places among the citizens of Paphos, who come to Stavros tis Psokas to disconnect from city life.
• Mouflon herds
• Near Panagia, there is a population of around 3,000 animals of this subspecies of wild sheep.
• Many may not know it, but it is an endemic species found in forests.
• Vouni Panagias
• In Vouni Panagias, an incredibly famous trail is ideal for hiking in the mountains and getting to know the forest up close.
• It is perfect for those looking for authentic contact with nature, away from the city's noise.