Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This little museum displays agricultural implements and other ethnographical exhibits of
typical rural life.
Dekelia Sovereign Base Area
In 1960, during independence negotiations between the nascent Republic of Cyprus and
the British administration, the rights to two major Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) were
brokered. Dekelia SBA is the second of these. The area comprises a large part of eastern
Cyprus running from Larnaka Bay to the border with the North. You can pass through the
base and even stop and enjoy fish and chips in the civilian area. It has a small beach popu-
lated with a few British-styled shops and a playground for kids.
The military site itself is off-limits. The base is still a critical centre for intelligence
gathering and monitoring of the Middle East. The British government has stated that it is
prepared to cede back some of the area if Cyprus becomes reunified.
The Kokkinohoria
Pop 16,300
The Kokkinohoria ('The Red Villages') are so named because of the deep-red, mineral-
rich earth found in the area. It comprises the inland rural villages of
Xylofagou
,
Avgorou
,
Frenaros
,
Liopetri
and
Sotira
. Most of these villages rely heavily on agriculture and are
famous for their potato and
kolokasi
(a root vegetable similar to taro) produce. Wind-
powered water pumps dot the landscape and prosperous crops are cultivated three to four
times annually.
The region is indicative of rural Cyprus, where you can find some excellent country
taverns with simple dishes and fresh produce. Take a good map, as signposting is limited.
Pyla
Pop 1370
Pyla (Pıle) is the only village in the South where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots
still live together. There's a token UN peacekeeping contingent in the village, but it's the
inhabitants who have made it work. The village itself is located in the UN buffer zone. In
the village square, a red-and-white Turkish Cypriot coffee shop stands opposite a blue-
and-white Greek Cypriot
kafeneio
in peaceful harmony. The neighbourhood is a mix of
Cypriots simply going about their daily lives.
