Xylofagou Area Guide: Red-Soil Village Between Larnaca and Ayia Napa

What is Xylofagou like?

Xylofagou is a large, working village on a hillside in the east of Larnaca district. It belongs to the Kokkinochoria, the "red soil villages", whose rich red earth produces some of Cyprus's best-known potatoes and vegetables. The village even celebrates the crop with a giant potato statue and an annual potato festival.

Life here mixes traditional Cypriot village culture with a sizeable international community. The old centre has churches, coffee shops and narrow streets, while newer residential areas of villas and bungalows spread across the surrounding hills, many with views towards the sea.

Where is Xylofagou and how do you get around?

Xylofagou lies near the A3 motorway between Larnaca and Ayia Napa, close to the British Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia. Larnaca town centre is about 25 minutes away by car, Ayia Napa about 20 minutes and Larnaca Airport about 30–35 minutes. Nicosia is about 45–50 minutes' drive.

Buses connect the area with Larnaca and the eastern resorts, but services are limited; see our public transport guide. In practice, a car is essential.

Who is Xylofagou best for?

• Families wanting a house with a garden and outdoor space.
• Retirees looking for a calm village with an existing expat community.
• Remote workers who want space and quiet but easy access to the coast.
• Those working in Larnaca or the Ayia Napa–Protaras area, as the village sits between both.

Homes and cost of living

Housing is mostly detached villas, bungalows and townhouses, with a growing number of newer developments on the edges of the village and older stone houses in the centre. Apartments are less common than in Larnaca town. Xylofagou is generally more affordable than Larnaca's coastal suburbs, such as Oroklini and Livadia, and you usually get more land for your budget.

Running costs are typical of village life: larger homes mean higher cooling bills in summer, and you will drive for most errands.

Schools, healthcare and everyday amenities

The village has supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, cafés and local services, with more choice in nearby Ormideia and in Larnaca. Public schools serve the village and surrounding communities, while private and international schools are mainly in Larnaca and the Famagusta district resorts; see our international schools guide.

Larnaca General Hospital is about 25–30 minutes away, and healthcare is accessed through GESY; see our GESY guide.

Things to do in and around Xylofagou

• The Xylofagou coastline, with coves, sea caves and dive sites, including caves reachable only by divers.
• The Venetian watchtower and the 15th-century Church of Agios Georgios, with restored frescoes.
• Panagia tou Syrmatou chapel, set among acacia trees above the sea.
• Ayia Napa and Protaras beaches, about 20–30 minutes away.
• Larnaca town, with the Finikoudes promenade and Salt Lake.

Dining locally means village tavernas and fish restaurants.

Pros and cons of living in Xylofagou

Pros

• More space and land for your money
• Between Larnaca and the Ayia Napa coast
• Established international community
• Authentic village character

Cons

• A car is essential
• About 30–35 minutes from the airport
• Quiet in winter
• Limited choice of private schools nearby

Compare Xylofagou with coastal options in our Larnaca area guides or explore the east coast in our Famagusta guides. You can also try the area finder.