Cyprus Village: Zygi A Charming Coastal Village

Hello! We are back again to explore a new village! Get ready and let’s start our trip to a Cyprus Village – Zygi, a charming coastal village.

Zygi Village

GPS Coordinates: 34.7322° N, 33.3346° E

This coastal village is between Larnaca and Limassol. It belongs to Larnaca district and situates forty kilometers southeast from the center. The only village that sits at an altitude of eight meters from the sea level.

According to the historical data, from 1830 to 1935, there are less than a hundred inhabitants. In effect, the British Administration did not list the village on its first census. Secondly, this area is rarely seen from the old maps.

The village begins to flourish in the course of British occupation around the early 1900s. Residents of this village are mixed; Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Zygi, the village name is from the Greek word zygizo, which means weigh.

Black Gold of Cyprus

I’m sure you are wondering what significant item they are weighing? It is the carob, or the locust bean – the Black Gold of Cyprus.

Carob plantation and mills are the main livelihood of the residents in Larnaca and Limassol districts. The village of Zygi has carob factories and storage facilities which are strategically located near the pier to ship these goods.

From 1900 to 1910, Cyprus’ exports of carob is fifty thousand tonnes per year to Canada and Europe. Hence, carob became the Black Gold of Cyprus.

Slowly the carob industry declined as residents move to other cities and due to the growth of other plantations. Currently, only one company remains in operation, the Co-operative Association of Locust-bean Disposal of Larnaca.

A Fishing Village

Arriving the village, a charming marina greets you filled with fishing boats. What a perfect day to stroll along the jetty!

Zygi is also called a Fisherman’s village in Cyprus. A thriving fishing community, where the surrounding sea is a rich breeding ground for a number of fishes. Village fishermen supply their catches to restaurants and fish markets.

Zygi celebrates the Fish Festival every August! (Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all festivities are currently on hold.)

Where to eat?

Anyone fancy a seafood? I bet you do!

Seafood tavernas/restaurants are very popular in this village. This is the place where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a breathtaking ambiance.

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Captain’s Table

A well-known seafood taverna with a large outdoor seating fronting the marina and they have ample space inside as well. But of course, we are here for the view!

We feast with seafood meze, various seafood dishes in small plates. (Seafood meze at 25 EUR per person)

You can also check out other restaurants in Zygi at Trip advisor.

Other Points of Interest

1. Agios Eracledios Church – is the oldest Church in Zygi, the year it was built is unknown presumably around 1800. Another version is that immigrants from Asia Minor may have built this church. It celebrates every 17th of September.
2. Agios Kyriakou Country Church – built around 1955 by Pattihes family who are managing a carob business. It celebrates every 29th of September.
3. The Apostolos Varnavas Church – built after the Turkish invasion, in 1986 and is at the center of the community. It celebrates every 11th of June with a fair.
4. Zygi Beach – a small laid back beach with sunbeds just the end of the marina.
5. Monument of George Koumbaris – a Cypriot hero, who risked his life during the Turkish invasion. The monument is in the community park.

More information about the village of Zygi can be found at the community online portal.

7. Experimentation Station of Agricultural Farm Research

Zygi is one of the experimental stations across the island of Cyprus. There are a total of eleven stations in different cities. You will see these farms on your way to the village, similar to garden centers.

The eleven-hectare agricultural farm in Zygi was established in 1982 cultivating various plant species. It also has facilities such as greenhouses, desalination units, and mobile units for atmospheric monitoring.

Here are more details about the agricultural research.

Do you agree this Cyprus Village of Zygi is a charming coastal village?

Side Trip

And here’s one more!

The Camel Park! Just eighteen minutes drive from Zygi.

Europe’s only camel park and houses more than 100 animals such as ostriches, alpacas, ponies, and more!

For information on amenities, facilities, activities, and other details, check out Camel’s Park website.

Final Thoughts

Would you agree with me, that this is a romantic place to visit in the afternoon, followed by a seafood dinner just in time for the sunset?

Or you can gear up for an adventure, starting your trip at the Camel Park and conclude your day at Zygi village!

The trip to the village of Zygi, may seem to be off the beaten path as it is unknown to many travelers. Definitely, this one of the hidden gems here in Cyprus.

I truly love the stroll at the marina and the tasty food.

To conclude, the Cyprus Village Zygi, is a charming coastal village.

I hope you enjoyed this tour with me.

Anything you want to share, just hit the comment button below!