Off the Beaten Track

Walk the designated open streets of the abandoned resort district. Buildings and fenced areas are off-limits. Check current crossing and entry requirements before travelling.

A leafy valley in Lempa (also spelled Lemba), with natural springs, walking trails and a small cave near the spring. A quiet detour from the Paphos coast, known locally as Lemba Park–Valley or Vrisi.

A small church set inside a sandstone cave. A distinctive stop outside Nicosia; check local access before visiting.

Explore a centuries-old home filled with beekeeping, lace and rural-life exhibits. Contact the museum for current visiting arrangements.

Climb the stone staircase to a tiny chapel overlooking Protaras and the coast. Go in the cooler part of the day; access involves steep steps.

A graceful stone arch over the Diarizos River, surrounded by woodland. The official Route 6 guide describes this stop; use paved approach roads and check local conditions.

An eight-metre waterfall on the Trooditissa–Foini route. The linked official trail describes the full 4.5 km walk; water flow varies with the season.

Discover a Neolithic settlement beneath its distinctive cone-shaped protective roof. Check opening days before making the detour.

See the colourful Fythkiotika textiles and traditional looms associated with this small village. Confirm opening times and whether a demonstration is available.

An almost-deserted village restored to preserve its traditional houses and woodwork. Explore its lanes and historic house museums.

An abandoned settlement with the striking remains of the Gothic church of Agios Mamas and a rock-cut hermitage. View ruins from accessible paths; avoid unstable structures.

A deserted settlement in the Diarizos valley. The official rural guide describes access by dirt tracks; check road suitability before driving and stay outside unstable buildings.

Tiny handmade houses tucked among the Troodos pines, with colourful doors and storybook details. A playful forest stop for families and anyone with a little imagination.

Steep shingled roofs, a slender wooden spire and beautifully carved timber make this an unexpected stop in the Nicosia countryside. Dedicated to Saint Kyriaki and Saint John the Romanian, the church brings a little Romanian architectural tradition to Episkopeio. Check access before visiting and respect services.

A giant potato sculpture celebrating the village’s potato-growing heritage. A wonderfully odd roadside photo stop — and a reminder of what this red-soil farming region is famous for.

A weathered metal tunnel opens onto coastal viewpoints and wooden walkways overlooking the Akamas coast towards Lara. An unusual stop on a countryside drive; check the approach road and walkway condition before visiting.

Discover flowering cacti, sculptural succulents and colourful garden pots through Andreas’s videos. A little discovery for plant lovers — contact the shop through TikTok to confirm its location and visiting hours.