Vavatsinia Nature

At the village of Vavatsinia you can enjoy an amazing climate, in one of the cleanest area of Cyprus, where its climate is semi-arid. The landscape is spectacular, covered with closed broadleaved deciduous forest. The climate is classified as mild with dry and hot during the summer season, which is the usual climate that you can find in the mountain villages of Cyprus, following the climate of Mediterranean.

Village Square

The square of the village is situated at the entrance of the village. It has been constructed paved after the initiative of the Community Council and the funding of the District Administration Larnaca.

The square and park

The square and park to be found within the area of the village stream, and where the first well of the village is situated which was the main source of drinking water at the time. There where also dug a number of other underground sources of water to augment the village’s water supply. From the square the visitor can walk along the footpath which crisscrosses the stream and can then rest on the platform to be found at its lower part.

Athasia (almond tree) footpath

This is north of the village and one comes across it on travelling to Machairas Monastery. Signposts are to be found giving directions leading to the Athasia cave. The area where the cave is located is called Kakarmata and is within the forest of Machairas. The cave was excavated during the Frankish period by prospectors for copper.

Village Architecture

At Vavatsinia village you can find traditional houses and buildings, were you can explore the ancient architecture of the village, discovering at the same time the ancient history of the village through centuries of history.

Distillery

This is to be found at the centre of the village and was renovated in 2007. The distiller is a gift from Kyriakos Agathokli and is used by many villagers for the making of zivania.

The indigenous tree called ‘Vavatsinia’(mulberry tree)

The indigenous tree called ‘Vavatsinia (mulberry tree) from which the village took its name. This tree exists at the lower end of the village towards the stream. Above the stream passes the road which links the village with other villages. From statements which have passed down from generation to generation the tree was in existence prior to the growth of the village.

The old pine tree

The old pine tree, the trade mark of the village. It s to be found on the grounds of the Saint George coffee house. The building which houses the coffee house was the first schoolhouse of the village. From statements made by the village elders the school preceded saint George’s church and the pine tree was planted by school children.

Machairas Cycling Route

Vavatsinia village is a great point for cyclist. The most popular cycling route is the Machairas route. This 25 kilometres excursion ascends into Machairas forest and on to the Pitsylia area. From Machairas Monastery the route heads west passing through the small villages of Lazanias and Gouri, where it turns south to Farmakas. From Farmakas it heads southwest, descending towards the main Lefkosia (Nicosia) - Palaichori road, with Palaichori dam to the left. From there the road turns left to go through Apliki, climbing steadily for 5 kilometres until it reaches Palaichori itself.

Start Point: Machairas monastery

End Point: Palaichori

Total Distance: 25 kilometres

Difficulty Rate: Although the entire route is on paved roads, there are several steep uphills. It requires a street bicycle with at least 14 speeds or a mountain bike with 21 speeds.

Road Conditions: For the most part this route is on paved roads.

Height Gain: 240 metres

The School

This is to be found on the eastern part of the village. It was built in 1945 by HadjiSocrates Papaloizou who had emigrated to Egypt but always had the interest of the village at heart. The regeneration of the school gardens was undertaken by volunteers from the village.

The sanctified Place (‘Agiasma’) of Saint George of Vavatsinia.

It is to be found at the centre of the village near the main church and the spring water at its site is held to be reverent

Vavatsinia Camping Site

The camping site of Vavatsinia it’s been used by visitors and tourists, both foreign and Cyprus residents, especially during the summer season. The site it’s located about 2 to 3 km from the village and it is in the heart of the forest near Vavatsinia.

Elenis traditional dairy

Situated behind the main church this dairy run by Eleni and her family produces excellent halloumi cheese, anari and trachana.

Tel: 00357 24342812

Events

The Events of the village, Christmas, Easter and Summer (Panagias Name Day celebrate the Community) organized by the Community Council and the Youth Centre and supported by the Association of Expatriates and Friends Vavatsinias.