History of the house:
Looking to get away from it all? This quaint hideaway is the place for you. Built in the early 1900’s, Kritou Terra Villa was originally a small granary (“Aloni” in Greek), where the annual harvest of wheat & corn was threshed and then stored every Autumn. The Aloni was converted into a home in 1989, and completely renovated again in 2002, when a swimming pool was added. Built using only traditional building materials of the locality, such as stone, solid wooden beams and bamboo, in 1996 the house was featured on a TV programme by the national broadcaster (RIK) as an example of traditional village architecture, and authentic renovation by local craftsmen. Situated at approx. 300m above sea level, in a fresh green environment, the villa completely escapes the humidity & extreme high temperatures usually found down at the coast in the midst of summer. The pool (8 x 4 m) is surrounded by a spacious patio where you can enjoy spectacular views across Kritou Terra valley.
Kritou Terra Village:
Abundant fertile fields of olive and almond trees completely surround the house, and yet the charming village of Kritou Terra is just a few minutes walk away. A plentiful water supply from a natural source means that the village is always green, even in the heat of summer. Set on a hillside, amid fruit & nut trees, the village boasts a Byzantine church dating back to the 7th century (Ayia Ekaterini), and an ancient Roman road which used to connect Paphos with Polis. It is a two minute drive to Droushia village, which has several tavernas and shops. Life in the village is still very much based on agriculture, and follows the clock of the seasons: citrus harvest in Spring, wheat in Summer, and the annual olive, walnut & grape harvest in Autumn. Traditional crafts such as weaving, basket making and baking are still common. Enjoy a Cyprus coffee in one of the two traditional coffee shops, or a meal in the local taverna, there are also two grocery shops.
Activities:
Looking for more than peace & relaxation in a tranquil setting? As well as those activities previously mentioned, Kritou Terra is an ideal base for hiking & hill walking (mixed wilderness & agricultural land with a very good track & path network). The whole area has interesting & varied terrain with many spectacular views & an abundance of natural & cultural interest, including forest, gorges, valleys, streams, & vineyards. Excellent hiking territory also exists nearby in the Akamas peninsula (forest and wilderness) & to the east in the mountains of Paphos Forest (Stavros tis Psokas) where wild moufflon can be seen. Birdwatching is also popular, some birds spotted include Scops owl, Bonelli’s eagle, blue roller, golden orioli, beecatcher, falcon, as well as the common Cyprus warbler, sparrow and swallow. A visit to the local environmental centre is also recommended, this centre is a pioneer in environmental education in Cyprus, as well encouraging rural revival & village renewal.
Other Activities:
hiking, hillwalking, birdwatching
