Lefkara (or Kato Lefkara) is a village of the Larnaca district and it is located about 34 km south-west of the city of Larnaca. Lefkara is one of the most picturesque villages in Cyprus. Its population is roughly 1,500 and it has plenty of small cosy restaurants, tavernas, cafes and handcrafts shops to offer. It takes only 1 h. and 20 min. to drive from Paphos airport to Lefkara, and about 40 min. from Larnaca.

The narrow, winding streets with traditional old houses of this village attract many artists and tourists, but Lefkara is more famous for its lace, which is called ‘lefkarita’. Women still sit in the narrow streets and courtyards making lace and beautiful linen openwork in intricate and traditional patterns, as they have done for hundreds of years. They even say that Leonardo da Vinci bought the cover for Milan Cathedral's altar from Lefkara in 1481.

There are different interpretations regarding the name "Lefkara": one of them supports that it comes from the words "Lefka Ori" (White Mountains), because the region has the white coloured, rough, limestone landscape as its main characteristic.

Things to do:

1. Hiking & Climbing

Climbing to the top of the Sotira hill from the main road takes about half an hour on foot. On the top there is a magnificent view of the coast of Larnaca and Limassol to the south as well as the surrounding villages and the Troodos Mountains to the north.

2. Sports

An Athletic District Centre operates in Lefkara, where one you can your do favorite sports.

3. Fishing

Fishing can also be enjoyed by the Lefkara visitor, since two of the biggest dams of Cyprus are located a very short distance from the village. The most common fish is: trout, largemouth bass, carp, pikeperch, roach, etc.

4. Shopping

Those who love shopping are advised to visit numerous handicrafts shops, silversmith workshops and finally purchase some of the unique designs of famous Lefkara lace.

5. The Festival of Lefkara

The annual Festival of Lefkara is usually organized in the beginning of August. Famous Cypriot and Greek artists participate in this festical, offering unforgettable evenings to visitors, while at the same time, the traditions and customs of the area come alive through folklore dances, songs and plays.

6. Neolithic Settlement of Choirokitia

The settlement has been included in UNESCO’s world heritage list and is considered as one of the most important ancient sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. It’s the oldest Neolithic settlement so far discovered and dates back to about 5,800 BC.

7. The monastery of Ayios Minas

The Ayios Minas is located about halfway between Larnaka and Limassol, near Lefkara. This convent has existed since 1670. Nowadays the monastery is solely run by nuns. A shop in the monastery offers the visitor the opportunity to purchase their own products, such as icons, fruit preserves, pure honey etc.