Nikokleia

Nikokleia is a village in the province of Paphos in Cyprus and it is situated 20 km southeast of the homonymous city, 55 km west of Limassol and 138 km southwest of Nicosia.

Located at an altitude of 100 meters on the west bank of the Diarizos river and very close to the dam of Asprokremos (or Xeros river), Nikokleia with the famous ancient olive trees is the first stop on the road leading to the mountainous villages of the island and the beautiful Troodos mountains.

In the area there are some livestock farms, as well as vineyards of the winemaking varieties, citrus trees, legumes, peanuts, grains, carobs and olives, which are favored by the excellent climate of the Troodos Mountains. In the summer, wind blowing from the mountain range through the river’s opening creates a relaxing fresh atmosphere in the village.

Perfect for those who wish to enjoy the tranquility and peace of the rural landscape, Nikokleia is the place for many scientists who come here to study the wide variety of birds, reptiles and butterflies in the area. Ornithologists, reptologists and entomologists, as well as many Cypriot and foreign visitors come every year to the small community to admire the unique Cypriot nature and the enchanting landscape of the river and the surrounding mountains. The Diarizos valley is part of Natura 2000 as a protected area and includes areas of exceptional natural beauty and of enormous historical and cultural importance. As a matter of fact, there are also many mountaineers who arrive here to climb the huge rocks that came here from Africa 70 million years ago.

The significant tourist development of the area is also reflected by the restoration of many houses offered to tourists for rent or even for sale. Many foreign residents of Cyprus have bought plots or houses, choosing Nikokleia as a permanent residence or for their country house, while in the village there is a restored traditional guesthouse with a restaurant that operates as an agrotouristic lodging.

The name of the community comes from Nicocles, the last king of the ancient kingdom of Paphos, who, according to archaeological findings unearthed in the area, had his palaces in the village. Under the Frankish rule, the settlement was probably part of the feuds of Kouklia.

The most important attraction in Nikokleia is the old church of Agios Dimitrios, which is located near the river and is an 18th-century stone-built building. After passing through the small picturesque square with its beautiful traditional cafes, it is worth visiting the old watermill and the old stone-built drinking fountain of the village. The watermill located between the square and the church of Agios Dimitrios was a small stone building with a mill that, using as its driving force the water from the river, grinded wheat and barley for the inhabitants of the community as well as for those of the neighboring villages.