Laneia Market Fair

On a beautiful, sunny Autumn day, with just the right touch of warmth in the air, we made our way to Laneia, a charming little village nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. The sky was clear and blue, and the sun cast a golden glow over the village, giving it a postcard-perfect quality. 

Laneia Market Fair, which we had heard so much about, had transformed the village square into a bustling hub of activity. About 25 stalls were set up, each one brimming with handmade crafts, delicious local foods, and quirky knick-knacks.

The first stall we approached was full of vibrant pottery, each piece carefully crafted by hand. Mandy was drawn to a beautifully glazed bowl in shades of blue and green that seemed to reflect the Mediterranean Sea.

 I watched as she chatted with the artisan about the inspiration behind his designs, while I admired a set of hand-carved olive wood spoons.

After strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, exploring the market stalls filled with local crafts, handmade pottery, and delicious Cypriot delicacies, owe decided to rest at a cozy coffee shop nestled in the heart of the village square.

 The square itself was shaded by large, old trees, their branches casting dappled sunlight onto the surrounding buildings.

Our visit to Laneia's church, The Virgin Mary of Lania, was a step back in time.Our visit to Laneia's church, The Virgin Mary of Lania, was a step back in time.

 The church stood out against the backdrop of the surrounding greenery. Its white stone exterior, built from the local area’s materials, gleamed softly in the sunlight, giving the church a sense of purity.

After leaving the charming square of Laneia, we began our walk back through the village's narrow, winding streets. The sun filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows on the cobblestones. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the small gardens that seemed to spill out of every corner.

As we strolled along, hand in hand, we couldn’t help but admire the beautifully renovated houses lining the streets, each one unique in its own way. Some were painted in soft pastels, while others had exposed stone walls that hinted at the village’s long history. Quirky decorations adorned several of the homes—brightly colored ceramic pots hung on walls, and little wooden signs with sayings like "Kalos Orisate" welcomed visitors.

As we neared the car, parked just outside the village, we glanced back at Laneia, the village had a quiet charm that felt timeless, and we knew we’d return to wander its streets again.