Pano Lefkara Hotel Tips by PGI

When I have visitors from overseas I always treat them to a few days stay in Lefkara. With the Agora hotel closed I had a little problem last October, when my best friend from the US, a gourmet cook and avid gardener wanted to do her usual combination of sightseeing and shopping of Cyprus delicacies in the Troodos Mountains. We booked Aunt Maria's three bedroom apartment, we were actually the first quests there. We were thrilled. This is truly a very special place, very comfortable with excellent views from the living areas and a fantastic kitchen. We enjoyed the BBQ in the garden and our breakfasts on the veranda. Our trip plans included a visit to the Machairas monastery; we could get some herbs there and a visit to the Troodos square where we were sure to find some Cyprus 'pastellaki'. We set off from Lefkara around ten and headed up the mountains towards Vavatsinia and from there to Kionia and the Machairas monastery. It was the first time I took that route, and I was impressed. The scenery was out of this world. At one point on the road we could see the Mesaoria valley with the whole of the Nicosia area and Pentadaktylos in the background. It was a short drive to Machairas. From there we headed toward Farmakas in Pitsilia planning to pass right through on our way to Troodos. That did not work out. We had to stop and find a way to get some of the green beans and tomatoes we saw growing on vines. We had lunch in Farmakas and worked our way to the Troodos square. No matter how many times I visit Troodos, I do need to walk around and rediscover the marvelous pines. We did spend our sweet time there and came down through Platres and Amiandos to Limassol and then Lefkara. We were back shortly after sunset. No hustle, no traffic congestions. We spent the next day in the village and enjoyed a lunch of fresh green beans, microwave jacket potatoes and juicy fresh tomatoes.

Unique Qualities: What can I say? My bed was real comfortable, the bathroom was great; we missed nothing in the kitchen, a good coffee maker and complimentary gourmet coffee, a blender a microwave. I particularly liked the views from the dining room and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor sitting areas. As my friend said, this was better than a 5-star hotel. The location of the house is great, near shopping and the restaurants. The village is quiet, charming and central in Cyprus.

Address: Kosti Palama 9, Pano Lefkara

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Near the village square in Pano Lefkara

Phone: 99 356652

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.auntmarias.com