Lefkara

This village is famous for its lace, known as 'lefkaritika' and silver handicrafts. The village takes its name from the white of its silica and limestone: Lefkara is derived from a combination of the Greek words "lefka" ( Translation: white) and "ori" ( Translation: mountains, hills). It is located on the southern slopes of the Troödos Mountains in the Larnaca District of Cyprus, off the main Nicosia-Limassol highway. It features cobbled streets and picturesque architecture. The village is split into two administrative regions: upper and lower Lefkara with around 1,100 inhabitants.
The embroidery of Lefkara is the ultimate form of folk art and tradition in Cyprus. It is an exceptional work of art, as 'lefkaritika' are considered to be valued items of artistic creation. The patterns are inspired by the environment and nature. The creative imagination of the embroiderers expressed through the thread and the needle, have give us designs of incomparable aesthetics. In the end of the 19th century a group of young men of the village sailed with their suitcases full of laces and silversmith from Lefkara. They went to Smyrna, Alexandria and Contantinople, where Greek communities used to flourish. Later they went to all the countries of central Europe. The embroidery has given a significant boost to the developent of the embroidery itself. It became a serious source of income for every family in Lefkara.
Due to its extraordinary character, the embroidery of Lefkara has passed on from generation to generation and has been included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cutlural Heritage in 2009. According to a legend, Leonardo Da Vinci had visited the village in 1481 and bought embroidery for the Holy Altar of the Milan Cathedral.
Near the area where most shops are located, one can also find the workshop of Cypriot ‘loukoumi’ called ‘Ta Orea Lefkara’ which has been awarded several times for its delicious desserts. Also don't leave the village before you taste Lefkara famous " tavas" (meat with rice and vegetables) from the village restaurants.

Activities and Places of Interest
Visit "Lefkara Handicraft Centre", "Loukoumi workshop", the Holy Cross church and the several other chapels of the village. The church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is situated at the top of the Sotira mountain and it offers a panoramic view of the whole area including the sea. Go to 'The local Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmith' in the centre of the village. Visit the lace and silversware shops. The celebration of the Holy Cross (14/09) is the one which stands out and during which, a big festival is organised. The yearly festival (2nd week of August) which takes place in Pano Lefkara, is also very interesting and it attracts people from all over Cyprus.

Services
Coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, supermarket, hospital, post office, 2 banks.
Civil weddings can be performed at the town hall.

Distances
Larnaka airport – 38 km
Pafos airport – 109 km