Europeans have long recognized what a glorious vacation spot the mountainous regions of Cyprus are.
It is here, in the mountain villages, that it is so pleasant to hide from the summer heat or spend a fun vacation in the winter, when it is either frosty or slushy and wet in your homeland. A visit to mountain villages is perfectly combined with the opportunity to taste local wines, study the history of these places, touch the Orthodox shrines of the ancient churches of Cyprus.
Some of the lesser-known areas of Cyprus where you should go is the Petsilia region, where the cozy village of Alona is located. The Pecilia region stretches from west to east from Mount Olympus. Part of the region belongs to the Limassol district and the other half belongs to Nicosia. The mountainous area of Petsilia determines the dryness and relative coolness of the summer, where locals and visitors of the island travel to escape the coastal heat. Winters are humid here, making the area a green oasis all year round. Harvests of fruits, nuts and olives are harvested here almost all year round.
The village of Alona is located on the northern spur of the mountains, which are limited by the peaks of Madari and Paputsa. The village is mentioned in chronicles dating back to the reign of the Franks on the island. Located at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, the village is surrounded by green gardens. The local stone houses are surrounded by cherry, apple, hazelnut and almond trees.
In recent years, the country's authorities have taken increased measures to prevent the outflow of population from such villages, promote the organization of tourist routes, support local festivals, and develop infrastructure to make it interesting for guests of Cyprus to come to such places. Tourists can admire fully restored old houses, narrow green streets, traditional festivities, local clothes that link us to the rich past of these places. There are two old churches in Alona. For example, the Church of St. George with a valuable icon of the saint. There is also a bank and a library. One of the most famous inhabitants of the village is the famous Cypriot painter Telemachos Cantos, who became famous for his portrayal of mountain landscapes.
Every year 2 festivals are held in Alona. One of them in summer - the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - takes place on August 15. Everyone, including numerous pilgrims, participates in it. On this day, services are held, feasts are held with local drinks and food.
The Zivania Festival, a traditional drink in the highlands of Cyprus, takes place in early November. It also gathers many cheerful guests, who are endlessly welcomed by the locals.
