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Colourful shops selling traditional baskets, ceramics and the celebrated regional loukoumi (Turkish Delight) line the main street of this village on the outskirts of Pafos. On the south side of the main square is the five-domed church of Agia Paraskevi, inside which are religious murals dating from the 9th century.

Pegeia’s buildings are set among fields and farmland inland of Coral Bay (see Coral Bay). Between the cobbled central square, with its fountains, and the former fishing harbour are foundations of two early Christian churches, with fine mosaic floors.

Set amid chalk hills and vineyards, Kathikas is a laid-back farming village that, although close to bustling Pafos, has remained immune to tourism. Five minutes’ drive from the centre, the Sterna Winery is open for tastings (see Sterna Winery).

A hilltop location above a beach lapped by clear blue water makes Pissouri one of the most sought-after addresses on the south coast for expats. A great combination of peace and quiet, choice of places to eat and drink, and low-key nightlife.

Tumbledown old houses with overhanging balconies grace the narrow streets of this village in the Troodos foothills.

Expats and Cypriot urbanites have snapped up many of the delightful cottages in this wine-growing village, but it still has a character all its own.

Overlooked by the limestone crags of Agios Georgios, Drouseia is one of the region’s prettiest villages, with graceful old stone houses standing above steep lanes.

The crumbling minarets of mosques that have remained unused since their Turkish Cypriot faithful fled in 1974 lend this half-deserted village a melancholy ambience.

The largest of the wine-making villages is a mellow community of sturdy old stone buildings.

Within the church of Panagia Fotolampousa, on a hillside above this tiny village, is an antique icon of the Virgin which must, according to Christian Orthodox tradition, remain veiled forever.