The Enclosure of Agios Neophytos
The other day we set off to find the Enclosure of Agios Neophytos. We had seen a video of it and it looked interesting. A remote monastery in a cliff? That ticks all the right boxes. However, there wasn't much to see when we found the enclosure. We had neglected to pick the key up, and our view through the gate didn't reveal much. Fortunately, the journey to and from the place was so much fun that yet again I find myself having to cherry pick the best pictures rather than pad an article out. So enjoy our journey, and with the map at the end to guide you, why not plan your own route...?
Glorious Countryside
Agios Neophytos is on the edge of Oreites Forest, above Kouklia. We set off from Polemi and opted for the scenic route. We came across the Ezousa Valley and headed towards Maronas. This shot, (A) on the map, shows us looking back to Episkopi and Minthis Hills.
Colourful Countryside
We haven't really explored the countryside this side of the Ezousa Valley yet. Between Letymbou, Lemona and Nata is quite a large area we need to investigate. That will be another time though.
Spring Flowers
The poppies are out in force too.
Fasoula
We went from Nata to Choletria, then cross country (on a good track) down to Fasoula (point B on the map). Now, Fasoula will get it's own blog in due course, as it is a lovely little village. However, as we were taking some photographs, we met the local priest, so thought it worth a mention.
The Local Priest
In true Cypriot fashion, he invited us to sit down and have a coffee. We also had some oranges and some very nice cake. We passed the time of day talking politics and discussing the weather.
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Related Blogs:
Fasoula
Fasoula is nestled in the Diarizos Valley, between the abandoned villages of Souskiou and Maronas. We visited it in the Spring time, but have saved the blog for now, so you can remember how green Cyprus was just a few months ago, as you sit by the pool relaxing in the summer heat...
The Church of Saints Kerykos and Ioulitta
It's time for another guest blog from Max. He's taken a break from enlightening us about crystals and rock formations in the Paphos area, and has gone in search of some interesting church murals in Letymbou.
Ayios Georgios Koumanon Monastery
The Paphos Countryside is full of surprises. On any journey, you can guarantee that you will pass many interesting places without realising it. However, sometimes, if you go in search of a known location, it can prove elusive. Join us as we stalk this elusive old church through the Diarizos Valley countryside, before finally succumbing to its mysterious charms...
Abandoned Villages - Maronas
Last saturday my wife and I were in Paphos with a couple of hours to kill. So we decided to take a trip up the Diarizos Valley. Being on the Paphos / Limassol border, this valley is on the edge of the Paphos Life radar. However, it has a wealth of sites to visit, as you shall see over the coming weeks. Our specific destination was the abandoned village of Gerovasa. There is a fascinating bridge near to it, and we visited the village itself a few years ago, to do a geocache. However, on our way up the valley, we spotted some ramshackle buildings on the other side of the valley, and decided to take a detour...
Abandoned Villages - Souskiou
It's time to return once more to the Diarizos Valley, which lies on the border of Paphos and Limassol. Before Easter we had been exploring the abandoned villages and sleepy hamlets, and I want to show some more of the pictures we took, before the approaching summer heat makes them unrecognisable. So on this blog we shall visit Souskiou. Easy to miss as you drive up the valley, it is nevertheless one of the largest abandoned villages you will likely meet on your travels in Cyprus.
St George's Church and Shrine Caves
Near the shops on the Paphos / Geroskipou border, is a little track that runs below a cliff through some farmland. A sign indicates that there is a church down there, so one day I thought I would investigate. Sure enough, there was a little church, but there was so much more besides...
Agios Charalambos
Let's take a little break from flowers. I know that Cyprus looks lovely in the Spring, and that it abounds with colour and life. But it' time to take a break. With the Polemi Tulip Festival fast approaching, and the knowledge that another road trip from Max is just around the corner too, I think we need to look at something without petals.Good Pages To Visit
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eBookCyprus Road Trip 01: the Kathikas - Panagia Loop
Let me take you on a journey around the region of Paphos, Cyprus. Starting at Paphos itself, we travel to Akoursos, then Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Simou. We continue past Lasa and Kannaviou, before taking in the delights of Panagia. Getting a bit more adventurous, we visit the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Fotios, before passing through Choulou, Letymbou and Polemi, and rejoining the main Paphos - Polis road.
The route is suitable for all types of vehicle, and requires no off-roading. The guide contains about 130 photographs including shots of all the road signs you need to pay attention to, as well as some of the highlights you may experience along the way.
There are also several maps which will help you keep your bearings.
You can do this journey in a day, or you can break it up into chunks. You can also do it in reverse, to get some completely different views. It is entirely up to you.
