Foinikas in 2024

[Dominic]

Foinikas can be found on the banks of the Asprokremmos Reservoir. Hundreds of years ago, it was the base of the Knights Templar, and it is not difficult to imagine them here when you look at the fantastically bleak countryside.

Of course, in those days there was no reservoir. That arrived after the Turkish invasion of 1974. Foinikas had been a Turkish Cypriot village, and its inhabitants were moved to the North when the island was split in two. They did put some Greek Cypriots in the village who had been evicted from the North, but its lack of essentials (no electricity etc) meant that they didn't stay long. The village then became abandoned, and when the valley was dammed, its fate was sealed.

We will shortly publish two films showing you how to get to Foinikas, from both directions. You really need a 4x4 though, and shouldn't attempt the route in a hire car unless the renter gives you express, written permission.

We have published many articles on Foinikas in the past. For more information, see our virtual tour:

https://www.paphoslife.com/foinikas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWA6CfnKPbE