About
Lefkara is a mountain village in Cyprus, set in the hills of the island's south-east. It is known above all for its handmade lace and its silver filigree work, two crafts that have been passed down through generations of local families.
The village is best approached on foot. Its cobbled streets run between traditional stone houses, and much of the appeal lies in simply wandering them and stopping where the workshops are open. Visitors can often watch artisans at work, seeing how the delicate patterns of the local lace are built up by hand, and how fine silver threads are shaped into intricate pieces.
What to look for
- Lefkaritika lace, the village's own embroidered lace, which the facts describe as having once adorned the tables of European nobility.
- Silver filigree, worked by local craftspeople in fine, detailed designs.
- Traditional stone houses and cobbled lanes that make the village itself worth a slow walk.
Many visitors buy authentic lace or silver directly from the artisans, which is a good way to take home something made in the village rather than elsewhere.
Planning your visit
Lefkara makes a quiet day trip for anyone travelling in Cyprus who wants to see a living craft tradition in a small mountain setting. Because the village is compact, it suits a relaxed visit of an hour or two, or a longer stay if you want to take in the surrounding countryside at a gentler pace.