Finikia Village

Once you have passed through the dark stone gateway (yes, the village has a main gate), there spread before you is a brightly scene reminiscent of Morocco. Finikia is a small, well-preserved rock village just outside la which, when la was a prosperous shipping town, housed the farmers who cultivated the plain.

Back then, it was almost an insult, in fact to be called a "Finikian" Today's villagers' still work their fields on the plain, but they also include wine-makers and people in the tourist business; in addition, a number of architects who appreciate the style and simplicity of the place have bought houses here. The few small hotels and rooming houses are clustered around the main road, and for meals you have to go into la or to the taverns at Baxedes.

On an afternoon when you've had enough of the crowds and bustle of la, come down to quiet little Finikia: a stroll among the multi-colored houses coupled with the view out over the vineyards is sure to restore your serenity. Leave your car on the main road to Baxedes and take the path that leads across the plain with its vineyards and the lovely little churches of St Kyriaki and St. Constantine. A little farther along, a flight of steps takes you to Kyra Panagia, in the midst of the vines, a perfect place to sit and watch the sunset in peace and tranquility.