PISSOURI 

Pissouri village is a short walk up hill from the villa. There you will find an unspoilt traditional traffic-free village square with a number of tavernas and bars. Here, you can unwind with a drink or two whilst deciding where to eat. 

During the day its business as usual with the older men debating, or playing back-gammon whilst sipping Cyprus coffee. At night the square comes alive when it is full of diners, particularly on Cyprus night when the village hosts traditional Cypriot and Greek dancing. 

The views from Pissouri village and its surroundings are spectacular. It is set on the eastern slopes of the ridge reaching the sea at Cape Aspro, about 500 feet high on average - the highest point on the ridge is about 800 feet. To the East, it is possible to see the countryside and the shoreline all the way to Limassol and even beyond, and to the north the whole of the Troodos range, including Mount Olympus, at more than 6000 ft, the highest mountain on the island.

Pissouri dates back to the Byzantine era. The origin of the name “Pissouri” has several interesting claims. The first is that it is a derivative of the ancient town of Voousoura. The next is that it is derived from the Greek word for “very dark” and alludes to the apostles meeting secretly in the area on dark nights at the start of Christianity to avoid persecution in the main towns, but a more likely story is that it is derived from the word “pissa” meaning resin, as this was a major product from the area in the Byzantine to Franken eras. More recently the bay was also known as “Pissouri Jetty” in reference to the jetty, customs house, and associated buildings targeting the export of carob and almonds.

The main agricultural product currently grown locally in the Pissouri valley is grapes, destined as “table” grapes and for the production of raisins, known locally as “sultanas”.

Other products are almonds, carob, and market vegetables. Wheat and barley are grown to be used as hay to feed the robust local sheep, cow, and goat farms. Nearby Avdimou is known for its excellent dairy products such as typically Cypriot sheep and goat yoghurt, mainly fed from locally produced hay. There is minimal commercial fruit growing, although there are some large citrus orchards near Paramali to the east of Pissouri. In season, locally grown figs can be found at the markets and stands in Pissouri.

There are many watersport activities available in the bay, with scuba diving, and also rentals available on the beach for jet skis, sailboats, and kayaks. There is also waterskiing available and a variety of rides.

Bicycles are available for hire and also guided cycling tours can be arranged.

The area has numerous hiking trails through the hills, providing some spectacular views and an amazing geological experience, with fossils of sea life to be found many hundreds of feet above the sea level.

Over the summer months, the tavernas in the village square hold traditional entertainment nights, attended by tourists and locals alike. They are fun evenings with traditional Cypriot food, music, dancing, entertainment, and hospitality in abundance.

There are many wonderful and lively tavernas and bars in both the village and the bay, with wonderful Cypriot and international menus and great hospitality.

The Pissouri Amphitheatre, perched on the eastern slope of the Cape Aspro ridge, provides entertainment over the summer months with music, plays, international artists, tribute acts and dance troupes. It is a unique experience with magnificent views over the picturesque valley. For a list of upcoming events click here and click here.