Peristerona Paphou

Peristerona Paphou is located about 35 kilometers north of Paphos in the homonymous province of Cyprus, and almost 20 kilometers northeast of Stavros tis Psokas, in the direction of the Paphos forest.

Hidden among the mountains of the area, the settlement of Peristerona Paphou maintains the traditional elements of Cypriot architecture, while there are plenty of those who build their country houses or hotel units in the area, encouraging foreigners and locals to visit the settlement. The village overlooks from above the vast peninsula of Akamas and the dam of Evretos.

Having borrowed its name from the pigeons that used to find shelter in this area (peristeria means pigeons in Greek, and peristeronas is a dovecote) Peristerona Paphou is known for the so-called Aetofolion gorge, which used to be one of the hideouts of EOKA during the liberation struggle.

Additionally, from December to April, many species of mushrooms grow in the area, and there is also a camping ground. In recent years there has been a lot of tourist development in the area, hence the many options for accommodation, and there is also a local shop for the necessities. Most of the permanent inhabitants of Peristeronas Paphou work in the forest department protecting the state forest of Paphos.

In Peristerona Paphou is housed the Arsinoe Church of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos, which co- houses the Cathedral of Saint Mamas with the famous icon of Panagia Paramythia of the downtrodden and unfortunate people of the 1500 AD and the Byzantine Museum of the diocese of Arsinoe. In the wider area, there are another four churches, Agios Theodoros, Agios Georgios, Agia Zoni, and the church of the Agii Pateres.

The route along the old road that leads to the village of Lysos, and from there to Pelathousa, ending in Polis Chrysochous, is considered one of the most beautiful routes on the island. Finally, Peristerona Paphou is adjacent to Steni Paphou, next to Meladeia and very close to the villages of Trimithousa and Filoussa Chrysochous.