Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Sam
Nestled just inland from the south coast of Cyprus, Kalavasos is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This small Cypriot village has lots to offer, from beautiful surroundings to its traditional houses. It’s a lovely day trip from the nearby cities of Limassol and Larnaca, and can even be combined with visits to the traditional village of Pano Lefkara or the nearby Governor’s Beach. Kalavasos may not be as visited as other villages in Cyprus, but in our opinion there is something special about this place. During our three months in Cyprus the village was our base, which allowed us to get to know the area and its surroundings well. Read on to discover the best things to do in Kalavasos, and why it shouldn’t be missed for those looking to visit an authentic Cypriot village!
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How to get to Kalavasos Village, Cyprus
Conveniently located a short distance off the A1 road, the best way to get to Kalavasos is by car. It’s approximately a 30 minute drive from both Limassol and Larnaca, which makes it an easy and convenient day trip from either city.
There is plenty of free parking in Kalavasos, including roadside parking along the village streets as well as free car parks at the village entrance. Alternatively it is possible to get from Limassol to Kalavasos by bus, but the bus only runs twice a day and so isn’t a reliable way for visitors to get in and out of the village.
As public transport isn’t great for exploring the island, we strongly recommend renting a car when visiting Cyprus. The roads are generally in good condition and it’s easy to drive around, so it’s worth renting one for your trip if possible. Check out our guide to driving in Cyprus if you have any concerns about driving on the island.
Renting a car is very affordable in Cyprus, and can cost as little as €10 per day depending on the time of year you visit. We recommend booking through the Discover Cars website as they compare between the top local operators to get you the best possible price!
Click here to get a quote in less than a minute on the Discover Cars website!
The best things to do in Kalavasos, Cyprus
Wander around Kalavasos village
One of the best things to do in Kalavasos is to wander through the streets. As you walk around the village you will discover stone houses with terracotta roofs and coloured window shutters. It almost feels like stepping back in time as you admire these traditional Cypriot houses whilst walking through the cobblestone streets.
In the Kalavasos town square you will see a collection of colourful umbrellas hanging above you. These umbrellas add a burst of colour to the village, and are lit up during the evenings to make it a bit more colourful all day long!
Kalavasos Dam
Just a short 10-15 minute drive away from the village lies the serene Kalavasos Dam. This hidden gem is one of the most beautiful places in Kalavasos, thanks to the surrounding forest and rolling hills. It’s almost hard to believe this landscape is so close to the village!
Around Kalavasos Dam you will find a variety of walking routes with some truly stunning scenery. Whether you’re looking to hike for a few hours or just a short stroll, it’s a brilliant place for a walk.
During the summer the dam can get busy, and is a popular picnic spot for locals on the weekends. Try to visit during the week if possible as Kalavasos Dam tends to be more quiet at this time, and there’s a chance you may have this beautiful spot entirely to yourself!
Tenta Archaeological Site
The Tenta Archaeological site in Kalavasos is a must visit for anyone interested in history. This significant Neolithic site gives an interesting insight into the early periods of human settlement in Cyprus.
Excavations at Tenta have revealed a range of interesting artefacts and helped to uncover information about life on the island in years gone by. Visiting Tenta is one of the top things to do in Kalavasos for anyone wanting to learn about the history of Cyprus.
Conveniently located just a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Kalavasos, the Tenta Archaeological site has an entrance fee of €2.50 per person. Click here to find out more about this fascinating archaeological site!
Kalavasos viewpoints
One of our favourite things to do in Kalavasos was to walk to nearby viewpoints to admire the village from a distance. There are two main walks with views of the village, both of which take around 20-30 minutes each-way.
The first option is to walk to the Holy Chapel of Panagia, which is found on top of a small hill just outside the village. It takes around 20-30 minutes to walk up to the chapel from the village square.
From the top you get some lovely views over Kalavasos and it’s a great spot for sunset if you time your visit well. Click here to see the chapel’s location on Google Maps!
Alternatively, hike up the road on the hill towards Tochni and you get some brilliant views of Kalavasos behind you. This road is located near to the Kalavasos Community Stadium, and is the steeper road leading up towards Tochni.
It’s around a 30-minute walk to the top of the hill, at which point you will have some nice views of the Cyprus countryside. This walk is more steep than the walk to the church, but we do think the views of Kalavasos on this route are slightly better – so it’s worth the effort!
Visit on a day trip
Kalavasos is a lovely inclusion on a day trip for those wanting to discover some traditional villages in Cyprus, and is a great spot to include on a trip around the island’s south coast. It’s easily accessible from both Limassol and Larnaca, and there are some other nice places to visit nearby too.
The small village of Pano Lefkara is just a 20-minute drive from Kalavasos, and is one of the most picturesque villages in Cyprus. Pano Lefkara is known for its tradition of lacemaking, and the village is situated with the impressive Troodos Mountains as the backdrop.
Another short drive away is Governor’s Beach, which is know for its white limestone cliffs – the ‘white rocks’. It’s a great place for a coastal walk to enjoy the landscape, or you can even opt to take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
Alternatively, the village of Tochni is a great addition to any day trip in this part of southern Cyprus. Tochni is another small traditional village for those wanting to explore the villages of Cyprus, and is conveniently just a short drive from Kalavasos.
Where to eat in Kalavasos
George’s Tavern – George’s Tavern is a popular spot located in the Kalavasos village square. They serve a variety of local cuisine, from mezes to kleftiko – and even have special dishes available depending on the day of the week.
Retro Tavern – The Retro Tavern serves up a variety of traditional Cypriot dishes, including souvlaki, moussaka, stifado, and more. It’s one of the most popular spots in the village thanks to the delicious food on offer!
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