To the northeast of Pafos, some 13 km away, is Kallepeia, built at 500m above sea level. The village of Kallepeia is so well known for its beauty, that its name actually derives from the Greek word of the same meaning.

Today Kallepeia preserves many of its old, authentic features such as the stone built houses with the large courtyards, the great number of pitchers, clay pots and earthenware jars, the stone built wine-press, the abundance of marble rocks (of the area) most impressively seen on the Monastery of the Holy Cross which is built entirely out of marble. Of great importance is also the old church of Ayios Georgios.

The surrounding area is overgrown with rich vegetation, plantations and vineyards and lends itself to beautiful walks.

A few kilometres to the north of Pano Arodhes is the village of Kritou Tera, a beautiful oasis built of stone at 470m above sea level, enchanting the visitor with its beauty at first sight. The name Kritou probably originates from a man called Erotokritos who lived in the area in the Byzantine years, while Tera was, most likely, a different village which came to be united with Kritou. The fertile land of the area and the particularities of nature attract many nature lovers.The old village school has been turned into the centre of Environmental Studies researching the riches of the area's natural environment. Kritou Tera is identified with the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios, a man who in the early 19th century was perhaps the most influential and most powerful personality of the Greek community of Cyprus.

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The village is still famous for its magnificent church of Chryseleousa (19th century), its old casino, the ancient French- Byzantine church of Ayia Ekaterini, lhe old wash-house, the old water mill and its rich springs. Kritou Tera is also included in the Laona project.(see Kathikas )

Some 33km northeast of Pafos town is the well known village of Panayia. Built of stone in an area of wild, mountainous character with steep slopes, Panayia is 850m above sea level. A large area of the village forms part of the evergreen Pafos forest, a source of fresh, clean air the visitor will find quite unique. The village was of course named Panayia after the Virgin Mary who is greatly honoured and worshiped in the area. The surrounding area is in fact dominated by historical churches and monasteries, such as the Ayios Nicolaos Monastery (said to have been built by the saint himself), the Monastery of Chrysoroyiatissa, the church of Ayios Georgios, to name but a few. The quiet and hospitable villagers involve themselves with wine-making, cultivating vineyards, raising livestock and poultry.

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Look out for the Makarios III Cultural Centre, the family house of the Ethnarch and the village wine-making. Make sure you walk the beautiful nature paths in the forest.

Some 17km to the southeast of the town of Pafos is the village Nikokleia, amidst a valley crossed by the river Diarizos. Its name is derived from the last king of Pafos, Nikoklis (520 BC) and it is built at 400m above sea level on the west bank of Diarizos.

The Diarizos valley is an interesting habitat for millions of birds, and a host to vineyards, orange orchards, bean and vegetable plantations. Next to the village is the commanding Asprokremmos dam, a remarkable sight to visitors.

At the centre of the village is the church of Ayios Demetrios, of great historical value (AD 1768)

To the north of the town of Pafos, approximately 22km away, is the historical village of Kathikas with roots dating back to the antiquity, built at the top of a hill. As for its name

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rumour has it that the village was a stop-over for merchants and travellers since it is mid-way between Pafos and Polis Chrysochous. Here, they would rest along with their animals at the old inn which existed at the time.
Today Kathikas is still one of the most attractive villages of the area, well known for its great many vineyards, grapes being its main product and their cultivation the main occupation of the villagers. Notable is the church of Panayia Evangelistria (Al) 1870).

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The village forms part of the Laona project, whose concern is the general improvement and boosting of the greater area on the basis of its traditional character and nature. The visitor will also find here a tourist information centre giving out information on the Akamas peninsula.

In the same direction to the north of Pafos (approximately 23km from the town) is the village of Kato Akourdalia, built on a hill in the traditional architecture of the area. According to one tradition the village acquired its name from the French phrase "a cour de l' eau" meaning "in the course of the water". Another interpretation refers to the word "korda", that is, the long strong rope made in the village. This small picturesque village offers a generous sense of serenity and calmness, accompanied by the beautiful chirrup of the birds. The natural environment of the village, with the Chrysochou valley below, is rich in vegetation, vines, carob-trees, almond trees, citrus trees and grain, inviting the visitor into an adventure of exploration. On the outskirts of the village is the Folk Art museum and a short hike away is the restored medieval church of Ayia Paraskevi. Kato Akourdalia is also part of the Laona project.

Only 3km from Kato Akourdalia the visitor comes across Goudi, a beautiful little village built of stone on a small hill. Its first inhabitant was called Goudis, hence the village name which, some 40 years ago, knew a rich flourishing life full of traditions.
Today Goudi stands proudly in its place waiting patiently to recover its old vitality, lost in the big wave of urban pull. The environment is one of sheer beauty, offering the visitor unique moments of tranquillity, while also being ideal as a base for the exploration of the surrounding area.