Looking for a friendly community, in the heart of Cyprus but with English speaking neighbours too? Then check out these three lovely villages, handpicked by our writer in Cyprus, with property prices too.

In this article, I recommend three villages here in Cyprus that I think you would enjoy living in the most. One village lies in Limassol area, one in Paphos, and the other is in the vicinity of the Troodos mountains. I’ve chosen them based on my local knowledge of them and from what my British friends have told me about their experiences there.

Don’t forget though that Cyprus has many other wonderful villages like those I’ve mentioned in a previous article. It all depends on your own personal taste as to which one you decide to make your home. All are wonderful either for a second home or permanent relocation.

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So those are the three villages I recommend to you. They are my favourite ones because they have a fantastic combination of landscape and views, activities and amenities, and culture. And if you fancy a change of scene for the day, they give you the choice of driving the short distance to the main towns of Limassol and Paphos to enjoy the famous Cypriot welcome with your family or friends!

Pareklissia – Limassol

Pareklissia has been making outsiders cosy and welcome for 10,000 years. How do we know that? Because archaeologists found the remains of the earliest-dated domestic cat in a grave here recently. What a lovely claim to fame!

It is quite a large village in Limassol and, I think, a great village for newcomers to the island and for Cyprus culture. You have a mix of modern and traditional here. For example, you will find modern houses and villas mixed with the traditional single storey Cyprus house in the traditional stone. As with all Cyprus villages, the exteriors of new houses must blend in with the traditional Cyprus stonework as much as possible. This means that the village buildings retain the traditional flavour of Cyprus as much as possible.

A short distance away are the ruins of Amathus – and ancient royal city until around 300BC. More up to date, there are a couple of supermarkets for your daily shopping needs, a pharmacy and taverna where you can get traditional kebab and grills. The smell of kebab cooking is unbeatable! You will find a doctor in the village too.

An expat community

You need never feel alone here. There are many British people living in Pareklissia, and there is a wonderful community feel in the village. You will make friends with the British and the locals alike, socialising with your new friends in the bars and tavernas in the village.

It’s a coastal village that starts flat and rises up to a hilltop peak. The sea views from homes in the hill area are fantastic.

Or pop into Limassol town, just a 10-minute drive away. The tourist strip offers a great night out – which will value if you’re renting the property out in summer too. If you need to do your weekly/monthly shop you can continue on for about 5 minutes to find the major supermarkets. As well as the usual local groceries you can find your British favourites too.

I can’t leave Pareklissia without mentioning its beach. It’s a coastal village that starts flat and rises up to a hilltop peak. The sea views from homes in the hill area are fantastic. The beach itself has consistently won the Blue Flag for its cleanliness. It’s a big beach too, so you won’t feel crowded there. You have all facilities like changing rooms and food and drink places (including alcohol). And it’s very child-friendly, and safe. There is a lifeguard patrol too.

Property in Pareklissia

The majority of property in the area is detached villas, and you’ll need from around €300,000 to buy one here. For a really nice one with pool, you’ll need around €400,000.

Pano Lefkara, Larnaca

This well-known village is set at around 550 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. It’s just a 25-minute drive from the beaches around Zygi and Kalymnos however, or a 40-minute drive to either Larnaca Airport or the centre of Limassol.

Lefkara is well-known for lace, needlework and silversmithing. Artists and artisans continue to bring it fame and a thriving economy. Lefkara has a long history too. Homes here include the 10th century birthplace of a saint, plus attractions such as the folk art museum. The village is actually divided in two, between Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara. It was split between Cypriots of Greek and Turkish origin, and following the division of the country its population fell dramatically. In the last few years the village’s attractive location in the cool of the hills has attracted a burgeoning new population, however.

The countryside surrounding Lefkara is quietly beautiful, with a couple of dams nearby where you can fish, or just stroll, and the almond blossom a wonderful sight in February. There are cycling and hiking routes too.

Property in Lefkara

Lefkara has some of the most attractive properties in Cyprus, yet is still highly affordable. Built as homes for wealthy merchants, the stone houses are often bedecked in flowers and vines. Even for a detached property here a budget of around €250,000 should be sufficient.

When buying in Cyprus – and country property in particular – you need specialist legal help. We can introduce you to a specialist, trusted lawyer.

Trimiklini – Platres/Troodos

If you prefer a quiet and peaceful environment, Trimiklini is the village for you. It’s smaller than Pareklissia and Pissouri, but still a brilliant place to live, up in the mountains, 27 kilometres north of Limassol.

The scenery is outstanding, with fantastic mountain views. It feels very rural, with local people selling their home-grown produce along the main street of this village. Walnuts, almonds, dried fruit like apricots, honeys and jams – all homemade. You are guaranteed a wonderful healthy lifestyle if you combine that with the numerous walks and hikes in the mountains. Trimiklini dam is a beautiful sight.

Many British people retire here because it’s so peaceful and tranquil, yet with so much to do.

For convenience, there’s a medium-sized supermarket and other amenities, and the tavernas here are wonderful. There are always local cultural festivals in the community square. Many British people retire here because it’s peaceful and tranquil, yet with so much to do.

Again, it’s only a 25-minute drive into Limassol town so you can take advantage of all the activities going on in Limassol as well. It really is the best of both worlds here.

A holiday home in the hills can mean amazing vacations for the extended family. So why not buy together? Read our guide, Buying Abroad with your Family.

Property in Trimiklini

Most of the houses in Trimiklini are in the local Cypriot stone. Property costs between around €250,000 and €500,000. There is also the option of buying a plot of land and building your own.

So those are the three villages I recommend to you. They are my favourite ones because they have a fantastic combination of landscape and views, activities and amenities, and culture. And if you fancy a change of scene for the day, they give you the choice of driving the short distance to the main towns of Limassol and Paphos to enjoy the famous Cypriot welcome with your family or friends!