Skarinou is built at about 190 metres from the sea level, and on the mountain slopes that characterise the area and consist of a kind of stone that is unique in Cyprus. On the south of the village, there is an intercity motorway that joins the districts of Larnaca, Nicosia and Limassol.
The old core of Skarinou, built on the perimeter of the church that is dedicated to Panagia Odigitria, still conserves its primary architectural style. Most of the houses are renovated and built with stones of the area. The narrow steep streets, guide you to picturesque neighbourhoods, from where you can have a panoramic view of big areas of the place. All the streets are paved.
The new houses of the village, that are mostly huge villas, with swimming pools, etc, belong to foreigners. You can hear russian in all the neighbourhoods as well as in most shops. In addition, shop signs and advertisements are also in Russian.
The main church, Panagia Odigitria, built in the centre of the village, dominates with its height and is visible from all the points of Skarinou. Even if it is not such an old church, its base has been greatly damaged, to a point where the supporting irons are visible. I do not know the extent of danger today, but if the damage is not recovered soon, it is quite sure that in the near future the building will be classified as dangerous.
Skarinou has a rich history in the events of Cyprus, and the visitor has a lot to gain from his stay over there. Agrotourism is very well developed, with the adequate accommodation. Accommodation such as Anesi House, Anna Skarinou House, Lito 2 and 3, Kosmas’ house, Michalis’ house and Mouchtaris’ house, are ready to receive their visitors with warmth and hospitality, two characteristics that are inherently present in the Cypriot countryside.
Another strong argument for someone to chose Skarinou for a permanent or temporary stay, is that it is found on an even distance from the three big cities of Cyprus. In less than 20 minutes you can reach Limassol, and in the same time you can go to Nicosia, and in less than 20 minutes you can find yourselves in Finikoudes, in Larnaca taking your coffee. The extra clean seas of the area are not more than 10 minutes away. From Skarinou, in half an hour, you can get to the picnic site of Kionia, to appreciate the smells of the woods and to taste the cold water of the natural source which is found there.
The roads’ cleanliness and of the common areas should be an example for other communities. The houses follow the architectural style of the area and so the village has an identity. No building is irrelevant. All of them have common characteristics.
I could talk about Skarinou for hours. But it is not the point of this note. The rest, and there is a lot, you can discover upon your first visit to the village of Cyprus, Skarinou.
