Discover Cypruss Hidden Marathassa Valley

Cyprus may be blessed with sandy beaches and dreamy waters, but it’s far more than just a beach lover’s paradise. Take the winding journey inland and quiet roads will lead you through sun-kissed slopes and up towards the peaks of Troodos Mountains for a taste of rural life at its best. Also known by locals as the ‘land of a million blossoms’, the lesser-explored Marathassa Valley is brimming with ancient treasures, old coffee shops, restaurants and some of the island’s finest monasteries and churches.

Stay in the stunning historic spa village of Kalopanayiotis

Kalopanayiotis is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque villages in the area, and was once a glamorous retreat for kings and queens who bathed in the healing sulphur springs near Setrachos River. Kalopanayiotis has experienced a recent revival, with many of the beautiful homes and their intricate flower-strewn wooden balconies painstakingly restored.
In the heart of the village, Casale Panayiotis gives you the chance to live and breathe village life as you immerse yourself in the local community, shops and traditional kafenia (coffee shops). Put your feet up for the night in one of its charming homes with dreamy views across the valley.
Myrianthousa Spa relives traditions from bygone days and features a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, herbal steam room and snow cabin. You can also indulge in treatments and therapies inspired by the nature of the area, focused on mental and physical rejuvenation and wellbeing.

Take in the area’s treasured UNESCO World Heritage

Explore the surrounding natural world and hidden ancient sites

Guests at Casale Panayiotis can visit the hotel’s orchard to collect seasonal fruit including olives, cherries, figs and more. Once you’ve filled your baskets, put your best foot forward in one of the nature trails weaving through the Marathassa Valley.
We recommend taking the signposted Kykkos Watermill nature trail (with easy access from the village centre) that will take you right up to an old mill dating back to the 17th century. The mill was recently renovated and declared a Heritage Monument by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, and stands as a great example of pre-industrial Cypriot architecture. You can then cross over to the other side of the Setrachos River and follow a shady path that leads to a 16th-century Venetian bridge.
Venture into the countryside beyond Kalopanayiotis to the nearby village of Moutoullas and the start of another trail that’s just as impressive. Ta Loutra tis Rigainas (The Queen’s Baths) is a 1.5km (one-mile) circular hike to the spot where the medieval Queen Rigaina once bathed in sulphur springs between the rocks. Couples should head to The Bridge of Those in Love, where tradition has it that lovers should promise their eternal adoration.

Visit local coffee shops and restaurants for a taste of tradition

It’s not unusual to walk past the open doors of a village home and catch a glimpse of elderly ladies congregated over pots and pans making soujouko, spoon sweets (fruits preserved in syrup), ladies’ fingers (fried dough dipped in syrup filled with ground almonds and cinnamon) and many other sweet delicacies, while others take great pride in their homemade halloumi cheese. Recently, a number of new establishments have opened their doors, offering a taste of traditional cuisine with a modern twist.
Head to Tsimpimatouthkia to dine with breathtaking views across the valley as the passionate owners dash about the place to serve dishes using locally sourced fruits and vegetables, cheeses and meats. With the youth of the area also intent on keeping tradition alive, KafeOinos is another hot spot filled with village antiques, where the young owner serves local wine, strong Cyprus coffee and thirst-quenching lemonade infused with rose petals, lavender or bergamot. Cheers!
Tsimpimatouthkia, 80 Markou Drakou St, Kalopanayiotis + 357 99 104260
KafeOinos, Kalopanayiotis main village road + 357 99 789331

To find out more and book your stay at Casale Panayiotis, visit: www.sovereign.com or call 01293 765 003. Sovereign is offering a 10-night holiday to Cyprus from £2,149 per person, including three nights at Casale Panayiotis, return flights from Gatwick, airport fast pass and private resort transfers.

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