This is our favourite village. Not least because we live here!

Set on the gentle sloping hills above the Coral Bay resort, Peyia is an unusual mix of old traditional buildings and way of life with a good sprinkling of incomers (mainly British) who have encouraged some development in the village – particularly influencing the vast choice of food available.

Peyia has a pretty old church nestled above the municipality gardens, which are hidden by sweeping fragrant trees.

Many weddings are held in the privacy of these gardens and the locals love to come and watch. With the sea close at hand across the Peyia area, holidaymakers can enjoy the wonderful, daily spectacular performance of the sizzling sun gently being pulled into the deep blue seas as each memorable day draws to a close.

A pretty village to “strut” up and down, there is nothing much to do or see here unless your hobby is people watching and enjoying seeing the local men partake of generous quantities of coffee and stare at the passers-by.

Peyia village is at the heart of the west of the area, sitting neatly on the hillsides above Coral Bay holiday resort.

Peyia mixes traditional old with the new build; a growing number of new restaurants and takeaways – and wonderful old Cypriot building which are littered around the imposing Church at the centre of the village. Tourists can walk around the Peyia village centre and see the old watering station which is now part of the pretty gardens in which holidaymakers can sit a while and enjoy the shade of weeping willows and tall Oleander.

One of the loveliest things about the village of Peyia is how the old traditions integrate with today’s way of holidaying for tourists worldwide.

The village offers a good range of local tavernas, combined with newer/theme restaurant and a wonderful deli/takeaway. With the recent addition of a pizza takeaway to complement the more traditional kebab and souvla house, food is in abundance and offered to suit any tastes.

Those who like to cook in their villas can visit one of 3 butchers, all of whom specialise in souvla and one of whom is as modern and user-friendly as the “softer” westerners amongst us need! Add to this a wet fish shop, wonderful bakery (Peyia Bakery) and a choice shopping for fresh veg and there isn’t anything you cannot find!

We’ve even a choice of places in which to enjoy a drink. The more casual amongst the holidaymakers can spend an evening in the charm of The Jail. And, enjoy Stefan and his father, Kyriakos who host The Jail, Peyia with old fashioned Cypriot style and friendliness. Kyriakos supplies nuts and popcorn as “presents”, whilst Stefan charms the holidaymakers with his Cypriot good looks and stories. Stay long enough and Kyriakos ( in his 70s!), dances enthusiastically in front of the dart board.

A little further into the village is the wine bar, JJs, part of Sophies Theme Restaurant. Large and pleasant, this is a relaxed comfortable place to spend an evening chatting to friends old and new.

The Mill, the newest wine bar in Peyia, opened only on June 2007 and is a beautifully refurbished old stone building on the main road through the village. Elegantly designed and tastefully furnished, this small but very lovely place is great for either indoor or outdoor evenings, gently enjoying the air and watching the locals wander past, whilst enjoying a drink with friends.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Peyia without mentioning Phillipos supermarket. Set in the heart of the village behind the large church. A young family man, Phillipos attends his almost 24/7 business personally and daily. With a range to shame even the most advanced stores in the UK, shoppers in Peyia can enjoy a wide selection of all sorts of produce. From fresh fruit to drinks to meat, to tinned food and to household, clothing and magazines, charcoal, fresh water – and anything else you can think of.