Pissouri: A Gem of Cyprus

A Gem of Cyprus. Pissouri is a village that offers a unique combination of mountain and sea, history and culture, tradition and modernity. It is situated on the southwest coast of Cyprus, about 30 kilometers from both Limassol and Paphos, and has an administrative area of 41 square kilometers.

Pissouri is divided into two main parts: the village area, which is built on a hill overlooking the bay, and the bay area, which is a popular tourist destination with a blue flag beach, hotels, restaurants, and shops.

History and Name

Pissouri has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. According to some sources, the name Pissouri derives from the ancient city of Voousoura, which was located near the village and mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo. Other sources suggest that the name Pissouri comes from the dark nights that characterized the area, as the word “pissouri” means pitch black in Greek. A third explanation is that the name Pissouri is related to the production of gum from pine trees, which was a common activity in the area during the Byzantine and Frankish periods.

Pissouri has been inhabited by various communities throughout the centuries, including Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, Ottomans, and British. The village has witnessed many historical events, such as the arrival of 300 Alamanoi saints from Palestine in the 4th century, the revolt of the Cypriot peasants against Ottoman rule in the 19th century, and the struggle for independence from British colonialism in the 20th century. Pissouri has also preserved its cultural heritage, with many churches, chapels, monuments, and traditional houses.

Products and Economy

Pissouri has a fertile soil and a favorable climate, which allow the cultivation of various crops, such as grapes, olives, carobs, almonds, and citrus fruits. The main product of Pissouri is the sultana grape, which is used for making wine, raisins, and table grapes. Pissouri is also famous for its wine, which has a distinctive taste and aroma. The village has several wineries, where visitors can taste and buy the local wine.

Pissouri has also developed its tourism sector, both in the bay area and the village area. The bay area has a sandy beach with clear blue water, surrounded by a natural landscape of cliffs and rocks. The beach has been awarded the blue flag by the European Union, which signifies its high quality and environmental standards. The beach offers various facilities and activities, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and boat trips.

The village area has a three-star hotel, the Pissouriana Hotel Apartments, which is one of the most cozy and affordable hotels in Cyprus. The hotel is located in the center of the village, within walking distance from the square, the amphitheater, and the museum. The hotel has a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a stunning view of the sea and the village.

The village area, on the other hand, has a more traditional and authentic atmosphere, with narrow streets, stone houses, and a central square. The square is the heart of the village, where locals and visitors gather to socialize, enjoy a coffee or a meal, and watch cultural events and festivals. The square also has a bank, a post office, a police station, and a medical center. The village area has many taverns, restaurants, and bars, where one can taste the delicious Cypriot cuisine, such as meze, souvla, halloumi, and loukoumades.

Attractions and Activities

Pissouri has many attractions and activities for all ages and interests. For nature lovers, Pissouri offers a variety of hiking trails, cycling routes, and birdwatching spots. One can explore the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna of the area, such as the pine forests, the almond trees, the orchids, the butterflies, and the migratory birds. One can also visit Cape Aspro, which is a rocky promontory that offers stunning views of the sea and the coast. The Cape Aspro is also a place of archaeological interest, as it has the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to Apollo.

For history and culture enthusiasts, Pissouri has many places of interest, such as the Pissouri Amphitheatre, which is a modern replica of an ancient Greek theatre, where concerts, plays, and festivals are held. One can also visit the Pissouri Museum, which displays the history and culture of the village, with exhibits of traditional costumes, tools, pottery, and photographs. Another attraction is the Pissouri Heroes Monument, which commemorates the fallen heroes of the village during the liberation struggle against the British.

For sports and adventure seekers, Pissouri has a range of options, such as golf, tennis, horse riding, paragliding, and diving. One can play golf at the Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort, which is a world-class golf course with 18 holes, designed by the renowned architect Cabell Robinson. One can also play tennis at the Pissouri Tennis Club, which has four courts and a clubhouse. One can also enjoy horse riding at the Pissouri Riding Club, which offers lessons and rides for all levels and ages. One can also experience the thrill of paragliding from the Pissouri Hill, which is one of the best spots for flying in Cyprus. One can also explore the underwater world of Pissouri, which has a rich marine life and some interesting wrecks, such as the Achilleas and the Kyrenia.

Pissouri is a village that has something for everyone, whether it is relaxation, entertainment, or adventure. It is a village that combines the best of both worlds, the mountain and the sea, the past and the present, the tradition and the modernity. It is a village that invites you to discover its secrets and charms, and to enjoy its hospitality and warmth. Thats why its called the Gem of Cyprus!