Description

Spilia is a small village in the mountains of Troodos, at an altitude of 1100m, some 65kms from Nicosia, 60kms from Limassol, 15kms from the peak of Troodos and only 4kms from the main road Nicosia-Troodos. In the big forest surrounding Spilia, you can find many of the 127 local plants of Cyprus e.g. the national plant (cyclamen) and the national tree (latzia). Spilia is located at the crossing of six roads trough which one can visit many interesting villages of Solia and Pitsilia.

Spilia lies in the centre of several mountain peaks surrounding it and looks like a cave (spilia). It consists of two regions, Spilia and Kourdali, 1km apart. Its history begins two thousand years ago as several Roman tombs were discovered here. A monastery (still working) was built in Kourdali in the 16th century, where you can see ancient Byzantine icons and frescos of the same century. In 1850 a church was built in Spilia, the belfry of which is a strong and tall pine tree! Near it an olive mill was erected in 1984, which is considered one of the best mills still existing in Cyprus.

Eight nature trails lead you through exciting or historical places. Two traditional cafés, two restaurants and one pub serve you. Throughout the year, a number of traditional events are organized here. While in Spilia, visit the traditional bakeries that bake home made bread and one of the "kazani" distilling local spirit (zivania). Taste it with the famous dried figs or walnuts of the village and "souzioukkos". Also ask for the traditional food "kaurma" served with local wine. You shall never forget them.