Guide to Argaka

'Apple orchards, grapevines and greenery form the timeless setting of this typical Cypriot village - an escapists' idyll.'

If you fancy a glimpse of what Cyprus was like without tourism, Argaka is probably the place for you. An hour's drive from the popular resort of Paphos, this little village in the coastal hills has more prickly pear trees than places to party… though frequent and lively local weddings up the tempo temporarily. The thousand-strong population is served by a handful of shops, a scattering of coffee bars, two tavernas and a couple of churches. But there's more to explore in the surrounding area. Ayia Marina, five minutes away, has an atmospheric Byzantine church intriguingly set in a forest. There are long country walks where the air is filled with the sound of cicadas and the scent of wild thyme. And there are scary mountain roads to secluded little hamlets. Stop off for a leisurely lunch at some local taverna – a mixed horiatiki (village) salad, sprinkled with feta, plump olives and lemon juice. The simple pleasures are the best …

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