Tsada
Tsada in the province of Paphos in Cyprus is situated 11 kilometers northeast of Paphos, 74 kilometers northwest of Limassol and 150 kilometers southwest of Nicosia.
Situated at an altitude of 605 meters, in a landscape overlooking the sea and a climate that favors the cultivation of vines, grain, carob trees, olive trees, walnuts, almonds and many fruit trees, Tsada of the approximately 1,000 inhabitants is one of the “villages of Minthi“, as well as one of the largest ampelochoria (vine growing villages of Cyprus) in the area. Together with Episkopi of Paphos, Kallepia and the Minthis Hills tourist project, they are essentially a community “cooperative” under a common umbrella with the mutual goal to highlight their history, tradition and their unique natural environment. As a matter of fact, these villages have released a guide with tourist information and hiking trails in the Ezousa valley, showcasing the place as a rural tourism area.
Tsada is not mentioned in medieval sources as a settlement, at least not by today’s name, which means that it probably was inhabited later. Regarding the origins of the name of the area, there are several versions, one of which, according to the sources, comes from the era of the Ottoman domination. The village was then built in a lower location (the area of Kourkas) and the inhabitants suffered a lot of harassment by the Turks, so they decided to move the village “Tsa – da” (meaning “a little further” in the local dialect). Another version refers to the abrasillium plant with the vitsa (thin stick) that grew in the area (Vitsada with the time became Tsada). The third version refers to the movement of the population of the earlier settlement of Kuria when the raids of the Saracens began. Those who escaped from the raid were wondering in the nearby hills, looking for a safe haven and searching for the right place, they kept repeating the famous phrase "tsa da parapano, tsa da parapano” (meaning “not much further” in Greek), from where the village’s name eventually came from. Nevertheless, the names of the local hills are Vikla and Vikli (observatories), due to the raids.
The visitor to Tsada can walk through the picturesque alleys of the settlement, eat in the traditional taverns of the area, drink his coffee at the cafes and visit the local stone built brewery, one of the three breweries in Cyprus that make its own beer, cider and many more, or one can even stay in the hostels and the lodgings of the village. The most important points of interest of the settlement are the old stone drinking fountains (Gerolakkos, Rodio and Pigadia), the central church of Panagia Chryseleousa with the miraculous icon, the chapel of Agia Marina, as well as the chapel of Agioi Constantine and Helen with the holy source of Saint Helen. Near by is also a big cave with impressive stalactites.
The Moni (Monastery) of Timios Stavros of Minthi, located at a distance of three kilometers southeast of the village, also holds a significant place in the religious sights of the community. There, there is also the famous Minthis Hills Golf Resort, the 18-hole golf course that covers an area of 2,000 square meters, which is also open to beginners as lessons can be delivered by golf coaches. The beautiful complex that combines sports with food, coffee on the terrace, a cocktail drink at the bar, and luxurious villas for those who want to stay in the area, is a great attraction for golf lovers and not only.
Tsada has historically prided itself on being the home of the hero of the armed liberation struggle of 1955-59 against the British, Evagoras Pallikaridis, who originated from the community. To his credit, his father’s house has been transformed into a museum, the Evagoras Pallikaridis Museum, and is accessible for those who want to see where one of the leading figures that contributed to the liberation of Cyprus has lived.
In the community there is also a primary school, attended by the children of the village.