The golden sandy beaches of the free (non-occupied) Ammochostos district gently embrace the eastern corner of the island. The popular holiday resorts of Agia Napa and Paralimni have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves the sea and water sports. The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of Agia Napa, the mediaeval monastery at the heart of the village and small churches in the surrounding villages which soread out to the areas of Paralimni and Protaras. This region is the main potato producing area on the island, and is known as "Kokkinochoria" which means "red soil villages". The villages of this area are equally known for their folk poets, who are regarded as the best on the island.

Agia Napa

Ordinally a fishing village it is now a major tourist resort. The charming mediaeval monastery dedicated to "Our Lady of the Forest" stands in the middle of the village surrounded by a high wall. Its 16th century church is partly underground and cut into the rock. The hostel west of the church, belongs to the world Counsil of Churches. The ancient sycamore tree in front of the south gate is believed to be over 600 years old.
It lends character and substance to a village thats better known to holidaymakers for its colourful shops, tavernas, diskos and bars. A small Marine Life Museum presents exhibits of past and present marine fauna. The focal point of the resort is the small harbour, where the tavernas specialise in the fresh fish harvested by the colourful fishing vessels.
Life in the south eastern corner mostly revolves around the sea, and water sports of all kinds are readily enjoyed - from scuba diving to paragliding.

Paralimni

Since the turkish military occupation of Ammochostos in 1974, this small town has become the temporary administrative centre of the district. The twin aisled vaulted church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagia), is decorated with unusual 18th century porcelain plates. The church, parts of which belong to the 13th century, houses a small ecclesiastical Museum. Other interesting churches are also to be found in the area.
Protaras has built up a deserving reputation for its windmills and glorious beaches. The small, white-washed town of Paralimni, slightly inland, has a number of open-air, unspoilt tavernas known for their delicious cuisine.

Derineia

The village has three interesting churches; the small domed 17th century church of Agios Georgios, the 15th century Agia Marina church, and a church dedicated to the virgin Mary with excelent 17th century icons. From this village one may gaze on the "ghost city" of Ammochostos, now under occupation by the Turkish forces. Once the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus, Ammochostos lies desolate since 1974 as all its inhabitants are now refugees.

Sotira

There are five Byzantine Churches of considerable importance as regards their architectural style and the beauty of the masonry.
The church of Agios Mamas lies at the eastern entrance to the village. It dates back to the early 16th century, as do most of its surviving wall paintings. About one kilometre to the west it the cruciform church of Panagia Chordakiotissa, the church of Agios Georgios Chortakion and the church of Agios Theodoros (only the narthex survives). In the centre of the village lies the church of the Metamorphosis tou Sotiros (13th - 16th centuries), which displaysexcelent examples of podt-Kominian art (early 13th century). In the centre of the village is a small ecclesiastical museum.

Liopetri

Here is a 16th century church dedicated to the virgin Mary and the 15th century church of Agios Andronikos, with an octagonal dome and murals which can still be destinguished in the apse. Liopetri still carries on the traditional craft of basket-making.

Frenaros

the village of Frenaros has its own small Byzantine churches. Two of them, the Agios Andronikos and the Archangelos Michails date back to the 12th century. The church of Agia Marina has some interesting frescoes painted by different artists.

potamos Liopetriou

A picturesque fishing refuge. Nearby are the remains of a Venetian watch-tower. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked in this area in the 1880's.