At Kallepeia village in Paphos, every stone has a story to tell (and an opinion to express)

The charming village of Kallepeia, which can be found in the middle of Paphos, Cyprus, is a charming return to earlier times. In this settlement, goats outnumber people, and Wi-Fi is considered a luxury rather than a need. Visiting Kallepeia is the next destination you should go to if you are looking for a place where the people still remember your name, the name of your grandma, and most likely the recipe for your great-grandmother’s favourite soup. This picturesque community, which is encircled by almond trees and vineyards, provides a multitude of opportunities for recreation, a dash of humour, and an abundance of local colour that would turn a box of crayons green with envy. Now that we have everything out of the way, let’s explore the peculiar world of Kallepeia and find out why this quiet little community is such a huge deal.

When we arrived in Kallepeia, our initial thoughts were:

As you make your way into Kallepeia village in Paphos, you will rapidly come to the realisation that you have passed the 21st century by. It is possible that you will have to avoid a flock of sheep on occasion as you navigate the winding roads that weave past the lovely olive trees and vineyards. The entrance to the town is marked by an ancient stone archway that the villagers are adamant that their ancestors constructed. It is evident that their predecessors clearly had a lot of spare time and a preference for lifting large objects.

Upon entering Kallepeia village in Paphos, you will be met with a lovely cacophony of sounds, including the clucking of chickens, the distant mooing of cows, and the energetic talk of people who appear to be in a permanent state of argument over a variety of topics, ranging from politics to the most effective way to prepare kleftiko. Every stone in this area has a tale to tell, and the locals are more than happy to tell them to you, frequently with a hilarious twist sprinkled in.

Activities Involved in the Village of Kallepeia

1. Pay a visit to the Folklore Museum Kallepeia village in Paphos: The Kallepeia Folklore Museum is a fascinating collection of artefacts that tells the tale of the town’s rich past. It should be your first order of business when you visit the village. This museum provides a fascinating look into the past, showcasing anything from agricultural implements from the past to costumes from the past. Mrs. Androula, the curator, is a well-known figure in the community. She is renowned for her encyclopaedic knowledge of Kallepeia’s history and her ability to convert any historical fact into a humorous anecdote.

2. Pay a visit to the Church of Panagia: This hamlet church, which is devoted to Panagia, is an outstanding specimen of Byzantine architecture. Beautiful frescoes and icons grace the interior of the building, and if you’re fortunate, you might be able to catch Father Pavlos, the local priest, in one of his rare moments of silence. It is said that he once delivered a sermon that lasted for three hours and was about the virtues of patience. This was an appropriate topic to discuss, considering the length of the speech.

3. Go for a Hike Along the natural Trails: Kallepeia village in Paphos is encircled by breathtaking hills and natural trails that are ideal for a relaxed stroll across the nearby area. There is a well-traveled path that goes to the nearby Tsada village, which provides spectacular views of the valley below and the vineyards that are located there. Remember to have a camera with you, as you will want to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery and the occasional goat that will pose majestically on a rock throughout your trip.

4. Indulge in Traditional Cypriot Cuisine: The local taverna known as “To Steki Tou Archonta” is known for serving some of the most delicious traditional Cypriot cuisine in the area. There is a celebration of regional flavours and culinary traditions on the menu, which includes dishes such as moussaka and souvlaki. However, regulars are aware that the secret ingredient is actually a liberal splash of Zivania, which is the local firewater. The proprietor, Giorgos, says that his secret ingredient is love himself. You shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample the halloumi cheese, which is so fresh that it almost makes a squeaking sound.

5. Take Part in Village Festivals: If you are fortunate enough to visit Kallepeia sometime during one of the many festivals that are held there, you are in for a real treat. Taking place in the latter part of summer, the Grape Festival is a celebration of the village’s winemaking legacy that is filled with a riot of colour, music, and dancing. In the grape stomping competition, contestants compete against one another to see who can crush the most grapes with their foot. This is the highlight of the event. It is a disaster, it is hilarious, and it is great fun; nevertheless, you should leave your nicest shoes at home.

What a typical day looks like for Kallepeia

The local café known as “Kafeneio I Koursaris” is the perfect place to begin your day in Kallepeia with a cup of strong Cypriot coffee. In this area, you will find the men of the community playing backgammon and talking about the most recent news from the hamlet, which typically includes a mixture of political intrigue, family feuds, and livestock gossip. It is possible that Yiannis, the proprietor of the café, will even challenge you to a game of backgammon; however, you should be prepared to lose because he is the uncontested backgammon champion of Kallepeia.

When you have finished your breakfast, make your way to the neighbourhood market, where you can purchase handcrafted items, homemade jams, and fresh food. Vendors are selling their items and locals are catching up on the most recent news at the market, which is a busy centre of activity. It is the ideal location to purchase a one-of-a-kind memento or simply to spend some time appreciating the lively ambiance.

As the temperature begins to rise, you should go for a stroll through the hamlet and discover its quaint alleyways and secluded niches. There is a possibility that you will come across the old water mill, which is still in operation and serves as a tribute to the village’s extensive agricultural heritage. Additionally, it is possible that you will find yourself in the central square of the hamlet, where a game of backgammon is nearly constantly being played. You are welcome to participate; however, you should be aware that the competition will be friendly yet intense.

Entertainment for the Evening

When the sun goes down, Kallepeia village in Paphos takes on a mystical character that begins to change. The evening is just getting started, so you should make your way back to the taverna for dinner. Eleni, Giorgos’s wife, frequently breaks out her bouzouki and leads impromptu music sessions that can go on for a considerable amount of time into the midnight. Do not fear; after a drink of wine, you will be a natural when it comes to dancing traditional Cypriot dances. The locals may even teach you a couple of traditional dances.

Alternately, you may go for a peaceful stroll in the evening under the stars. Because there are no city lights in Kallepeia, the night sky provides a breathtaking exhibition of the constellations that are visible in the night sky. The perfect way to wind down after a day spent in this charming village is to take some time to think on the simple beauty of life in rural Cyprus and the adventures you’ve had.

Recognise and Embrace the Uniqueness of Yourself

Kallepeia village in Paphos is a location where time seems to stand still and the straightforward pleasures of life are given the spotlight. There is little doubt that Kallepeia provides a one-of-a-kind and amazing experience, whether you choose to stroll through its quaint streets, hike along its picturesque trails, or simply indulge in the food of the region. It is a village in which each day offers a new story, each meal is a festival, and each moment is filled with the beauty that is the life of a Cypriot.

Discover the allure and quirkiness of Kallepeia Village by packing your luggage, bringing your sense of adventure (and humour), and bringing your sense of humour with you. You will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime by embracing the quirky, savouring the simplicity, and allowing the enchantment of rural Cyprus to create memories for you.