Malia Village

The village of Malia is a small community in the semi-mountainous region of Limassol, just half an hour from the city, and a few minutes from Omodos and Vasa Koilianou.

Today, it is one of the smallest villages of the Limassol countryside, and after 1974, it welcomed refugee families from the occupied part of Cyprus. For many decades prior to 1960, however, it was a small settlement with many amenities, from commercial stores, barbershops, coffee shops and workshops to a cinema.

Name

There are various speculations as to the origin of the name of the village. The most prevalent is the one that is corroborated by some of its older residents, which claims that the word ‘mállia’ (referring to the large, abundant vineyard estates that were cultivated as fiefs for decades) evolved into the name ‘Maliá.’

Buildings - Architecture

Though the drastic reduction in the village population also affected its appearance, one can still detect signs of its unique identity by walking through the village streets. The two communities of the village, the Greek-Cypriot and the Turkish-Cypriot, gathered around the church and the mosque respectively, creating two neighborhoods, each with its own school.

Even today, in the upper neighborhood, which is the largest part of the village, one can recognize the characteristic architecture of the Turkish-Cypriot homes, which lacked balconies and had few, rather small windows.

Today, these neighborhoods are inhabited mainly by Greek-Cypriot refugees, who have restored many of the traditional stone-built houses.

Church of Panagia Chryseleousa

The church of Panagia Chryseleousa forms the core of the lower neighborhood of the village, which was once the Greek-Cypriot neighborhood. It is a single-aisled, humble chapel, with unique architectural details on the outer side of the Altar.

Mosque

The mosque has been preserved, as has the small Muslim cemetery next to it, which welcomes visitors. The Turkish-Cypriot school that is preserved in the village also follows a similar architectural style (featuring arches and pointed, arch windows). 

Square - Park

The village square is one of the village’s most recognizable features, due to the large plane tree that has lent its name to the tavern that operates there. There is a small coffee shop west of the paved square, and the entire area is surrounded by the beautifully restored homes of the old Greek-Cypriot settlement.

The lush park, just a few steps away, is set on a lower level to the square and the street, ensuring a safe space for playing and taking a stroll.

Relevant

PHOTOS: A beautiful yet little-known park, in the Limassol countryside!

Winery

The KEO winery has been operating in the village for many years, and has always played a major role in the area’s winemaking tradition.

Food – Drinks

The tavern ‘Platanos’ is located in the square, where a centuries-old tree of the same name stands. Its unique feature is the fact that it also serves fresh fish, despite its location in a semi-mountainous region, as the owner frequently goes out to sea to fish.

Contact number: 99 928194

Photo: Phidias Music Atelier

Accommodation

Cecilia’s Courtyard is an agrotourism lodge, featuring 4 different cottages set within a large, evergreen courtyard with a pool. The houses feature 1 or 2 bedrooms, with modern amenities, and can accommodate up to 10 people. The outdoor area of the lodging can also be used to host events. 

Contact number: 99 665200