Nata is a tiny unspoilt traditional village tucked away in a valley in southwest Cyprus just 10 km away from Paphos airport. The village has roughly 350 residents, a number which is slowly growing due to the amount of foreigners who are living or wanting to live in Nata, and little wonder as the village has amazing views and is surrounded by citrus groves and olive trees. As you drive up the mountain to Nata the scenery is breathtaking especially in spring when everything is green and luxuriant, the verdant pastures are very reminiscent of the Yorkshire dales or the Highlands in Scotland but with sun 352 days a year.


The village is not without its entertainment as there is a village square with a new community coffee shop where male senior citizens spend their time playing Tavli (Back Gammon) and drinking cold Keo beer or Cyprus coffee. The Mayor also has his office there and is on call around 5 pm most days. On High days and holidays the village square is buzzing with excitement as all the villagers come out and join in the organised celebrations. Just a few minutes up the road there is the famous Pericles Taverna, and I would personally recommend the Sunday lunch time Buffet.

Nata is ideal for those who enjoy peace, quiet and the countryside, with only the coo of the wood pigeons and the distant bray of a donkey to break the silence. It’s a village for every season, in spring the valley is swathed in Almond blossom and carpeted in wild yellow Margaritas and the House Martins swoop and dive with joyous delight in anticipation of their new offspring. In summer it’s cooler than in the towns and life takes on an air of ambling lethargy, and you won’t be judged for closing your doors to the world and sleeping the afternoon away. Autumn is a welcome respite from the humidity, fresh breezes play amongst the heavy laden grapevines, the grapes are ready to be cut and taken to the local winery. The usual glut of oranges, lemons, tangerines, pomegranates and grapefruit are fully ripened and visitors often go away laden with fruit. Finally winter arrives and the welcome rains cleanse the air and countryside, forgotten flowers that have struggled in the heat of summer break out in a staunch effort for recognition. Again nature is at its best, and the smoke from the chimneys scents fragrantly the air with olive wood, everyone cosy and warm patiently waiting till spring when life is renewed and Nata unhurriedly re-awakens.


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