Destinations

Liopetri

Liopetri is a municipal quarter of the Municipality of Agia Napa. Its name derived from the fact that in the past there were very few stones-rocks(petres in Greek) in Liopetri. The characteristic of the area is its red soil that is ideal for producing potatoes, watermelons, carrots for which Liopetri is very well known and also holds a Carrot Festival in the summer. Liopetri is a perfect place for relaxing, wander around in the central square with the local coffee shops and get to know the local way of life. The medieval church of Panayia is of great interest and the church of Agios Andronikos is believed to have been built around the 15th century. It has an octagonal dome and some remnants of its murals can still be seen in apse. The “river” of Liopetri is a picturesque fishing settler. Nearby are the remains of a Venetian watch tower. The French poet Arthur Rimbeaud worked in this area in the 1880’s. The traditional craft of basket making can been watched here in Liopetri.

The Barn at Liopetri Village

The Akhyronas Barn Museum is located in Liopetri, which is part of the Famagusta region. On September 2, 1958, the Battle of Akhyronas in Liopetri took place between the British army and EOKA, which stands for the National Organization of Cypriot Struggle (or Cypriot Fighters). During this battle, four EOKA fighters from Liopetri were killed. The Akhyronas Barn Museum serves as a national memorial site built to commemorate the battle and these Cypriots. The Akhyronas Barn Museum is geared towards Greek-Cypriots, and the museum signs and texts are in Greek. It is a place worth visiting because of its historical significance.

Potamos – River

Located just past the western edge of Ayia Napa and Sotira beach front, is Potamos Liopetriou, or Liopetri River. This small fishing enclave boasts idyllic scenery and is a peaceful and relaxing area. Fishing here has remained largely unchanged for decades, and the river is home to an eclectic mix of traditional and modern fishing vessels. A small sandy and rocky beach, along with two excellent fish restaurants, make this area well worth a visit. In springtime, the surrounding countryside is abundant with wildflowers, and it is easy to forget that the hustle and bustle of the center of Ayia Napa is just a few miles away.

Panagia Chapel – Virgin Mary

The medieval chapel of the Virgin Mary (Panayia) sits right in the middle of Liopetri, a reminder of how the village has developed over the years. This chapel is built of stone, with columns and arches creating the traditional open-air corridor at the entrance, familiar to so many Cypriot churches. It is still used for church services, and once a year, the service for the commemoration of the Virgin Mary takes place here. The whole square is sealed off, and in the evening, the entire village descends to listen to traditional music, watch dancers perform dances from yesteryear, and get together, just as they have been doing for decades.

Ayios Georgios Chapel

Ayios Georgios (St George) chapel near the Liopetri river is an example of simplicity. The date it was built is not known but it is a very old chapel. Inside there is a simple icon stand and a few chairs to sit on. It is very serene chapel and a worthy place to visit for prayers. It is a place that provides a momentary sanctuary, away from the fast lane of life, a place to sit inside or outside on the benches provided underneath the trees in the yard and reflect while relaxing.