Travel Guide Foini

This typically Cypriot village stands in stark contrast to the surrounding area, which was marked by the British presence. It is renowned for its handicrafts, in particular pottery, reupholstered chairs, carved wooden chests, loukoums and folk costumes. It is said to have taken its name (Foini, Fini, Phoini or Phini) from the Frankish lord Jean de Fenioux, who accompanied Cyprus King Peter I on his journey to France in 1363. But the Greek term φοινός/finos also refers to the color of blood. And it just so happens that the soil here is clay... red. This has made Foini one of the main pottery production centers in Cyprus since the Middle Ages. This tradition continues with three workshops. Foini is also home to numerous craftsmen and shops, as well as restaurants and rented houses. Nearby, picnics can be enjoyed at the Hantara or Chantara Waterfall (Καταρράκτης Χαντάρας, Katarratkis Chantaras, Hantara Waterfall) where the Diarizos River makes an 8 m-high drop through a forest of larches, arbutus and pines. Located to the north of Foini, this pretty site is accessible via a 2.2 km hiking trail.