Koili
Koili is a village in the province of Paphos in Cyprus and it is situated 14 kilometers north of the homonymous town, 76 kilometers northwest of Limassol and 159 kilometers southwest of Nicosia.
Built at an altitude of 580 meters in a landscape divided by the Mavrokolympos river, Koili is a relatively large settlement built with stone from the quarry of the area that is not currently in operation. Here, apart from well-groomed old and modern houses, locals cultivate vineyards with grapes of the winemaking varieties, grains, citrus fruits, vegetables, almond and carob trees which are thriving.
The name of the village is related to the morphology of its land, as many cavities are encountered here (koili in Greek means “hollow”), while its origins are ancient Greek (this name was also used in other ancient Greek areas, such as the Koili district of ancient Athens). The community has been in existence since the Middle Ages and, as a matter of fact, it was one of the feuds of the time.
The main church in Koili, which is located in the square, is dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) Chryseleousa and it is a stone built building of the 1960s, since after the great earthquake that hit Paphos in 1953, the former church of the 16th century was completely destroyed. Other chapels in the community are dedicated to Agios Dometios and Agios Mamantos, Agia Varvara, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Charalambos and Prophet Elias. There are also ruins of two deserted monasteries, that of Agios Georgios (St. George) and of Timios Prodromos (Saint John the Baptist).
The world-renowned Saint Neophytos Monastery with the famous “Enclestra” where the saint practiced asceticism is one of the most important sights of the wider region and it is located about 5 kilometers south of the village, attracting thousands of tourists each year from all parts of the earth and especially from Russia.
But one of the most visited nature sights not only in Koili but also in the whole province is the famous Baths of Adonis. The landscape of unique beauty is the result of the small torrent of Mavrokolimpos, whose waters after the centuries of ripping the rocks and eroding the ground, formed this small lake. The Adonis Baths, which are privately owned and accessible at a price, are a place attracting many lovers of climbing on the rocks surrounding the waterfall or for those who want to dive into the cool waters of the lake. According to the locals, the miraculous waters help women who can not become pregnant.
In the area there is also a beautiful and green community park for relaxation, but also a restaurant that offers great food in an environment surrounded with great views.
Koili is very close to Tsada (4.5km), Mesogi (7.5km) and Tala (4.5km).
Lastly, 7.5 km southeast of the village, there is the famous Minthis Hills Golf Resort, the 18-hole golf course, covering an area of 2,000 square meters, which is suitable for beginners as well, as lessons are delivered by golf coaches. The beautiful complex that combines sports with food, coffee on the terrace, a drink at the cocktail bar, and luxurious villas for those who want to stay in the area, is a great attraction for golf lovers and not only.