Paphos Country Sightseeing
Published 15th of May, 2025
Vretsia Tavern
Whenever I take visitors to Vretsia, I normally begin at the burnt out shell of the tavern. Up until a few years ago, this still used to open occasionally, in the hunting season. However, a fire put paid to that venture. It was cleaned up afterwards, but no other attempt has been made to restore it to its former glory.
New Cultivations
The village isn't entirely dead though. Some of the fields have had fairly recent crops planted.
Pretty Clouds
As the morning progressed, the weather became more overcast. In this shot, you can see the clouds beginning to coalesce into a rather dull grey sheet. For the time being though they still looked interesting.
Vretsia Mosque
Like a lot of abandoned villages in Paphos, the residents of Vretsia left after the Turkish invasion of 1974. Being Turkish Cypriot, they were moved by the UN to the Illegally Occupied Area in the North.
Warning!
Outside the mosque there was a sign. At the time I couldn't read it, but on translation I can reveal it says:
CAUTION SPRAYED
ENTRY IS PROHIBITED
T/C ASSET MANAGEMENT SERVICE
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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.
