Yeroskipou – A Sweet Ride Through Cyprus’ “Sacred Garden”

Just a short, easy ride from Paphos Harbour lies Yeroskipou, a place where culture, sweetness, and tradition blend effortlessly. Known for its five-domed Byzantine church and its world-famous loukoumi, this charming town rewards anyone who slows down to explore.

It’s the perfect BiRide e-bike route when you want something relaxed yet full of local character, flat roads, welcoming faces, and the scent of rosewater drifting through the air.

Where Myth Meets Village Life

Yeroskipou’s name means “Sacred Garden,” a nod to ancient legends linking the area to Aphrodite’s worship. Though centuries have passed, that sense of heritage lingers. Faith, craft, and community still define the town, from its quiet church courtyards to family-run sweet shops that keep old traditions alive.

Agia Paraskevi – The Heart of Yeroskipou

At the centre of the village stands the Church of Agia Paraskevi, one of Cyprus’ most remarkable Byzantine landmarks. Built in the 9th century, its five domes form a silhouette that stands out against the sky. Inside, cool air and candlelight reveal ancient frescoes that have survived wars, earthquakes, and time itself.

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate it, the space speaks through its stillness. Step outside again, and you’ll notice how the village hums quietly around it, the past and present existing side by side.

A Taste of Loukoumi Tradition

Just a few streets away, the sweet scent of rosewater fills the air. Loukoumi Yeroskipou is Cyprus’ most famous confection, soft, chewy squares coated in sugar and made by hand in the same way for generations.

This isn’t a tourist gimmick; it’s a point of pride. Yeroskipou is the only place in Cyprus officially recognised for loukoumi production under PGI status. Many small workshops open their doors for visitors to watch, taste, and chat with the people behind the craft. There’s something special about tasting it here, where it all began.

Everyday Culture & Café Life

Yeroskipou’s village square has been beautifully renovated, open, bright, and full of life. Locals linger over Cypriot coffee while visitors rest their bikes nearby. It’s a space that still feels genuinely local, not a stage set for tourists.

If you’ve got time, drop into the Folk Art Museum, housed in a former manor. It’s small but rich in personality, with tools, embroidery, and household objects that tell the story of Cyprus before modern tourism changed it.

The Ride

The route to Yeroskipou is as easy as it is scenic, 4 km from Paphos Harbour, with dedicated cycle lanes along parts of the way. From Paphos Airport, it’s roughly 10 km, ideal for those staying nearby who want a gentle ride through the flat coastal plain.

A BiRide city or hybrid e-bike is perfect here. You’ll pedal past citrus groves and sea views, reaching the village in less than half an hour without breaking a sweat.

To make a day of it, combine your visit with Mandria Village for a countryside detour, or loop towards Paphos Archaeological Site and the coast for a cultural-by-bike route.

Local Tips

• Visit in the morning for cooler air and freshly made loukoumi.
• Wear modest clothing inside churches.
• Bring a camera, the domes of Agia Paraskevi are stunning in soft light.
• Support local workshops, many have been run by the same families for decades.

Why It’s Worth the Ride

Yeroskipou feels both timeless and alive. It’s not about grand sights but about feeling Cyprus, the warmth of the people, the pride in their crafts, and the way everyday life carries centuries of history without fuss.

A ride here is short, sweet, and quietly meaningful. You’ll return to the coast with sugar on your fingers, sunlight on your back, and the sense that you’ve pedalled through a living piece of the island’s story.