Nicosia foothills & Tylliria · Nicosia district
Politiko Πολιτικό
Ancient Tamassos and its royal tombs, a short trip from Nicosia
Politiko stands on the site of the ancient city-kingdom of Tamassos. Visit the excavations and royal tombs, and the monastery of Agios Irakleidios.
Why visit Politiko
- The royal tombs of ancient Tamassos
- Agios Irakleidios monastery
- Under half an hour from Nicosia
Nicosia foothills & Tylliria, Nicosia district
Nicosia, about 20 km as the crow flies
Spring and autumn; check site opening hours.
Monastery sweets
A few buses a day
About the village Politiko
The centre of the ancient city-kingdom of Tamassos is believed to lie under Politiko and the nearby monastery of Agios Irakleidios. Excavations on a hill in the village can be visited.
The monastery is dedicated to Saint Irakleidios, born in Tamassos in the 1st century, who accompanied Saints Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus and became the first bishop of the city. The church was rebuilt in the 18th century.
Politiko in pictures
Things to do in Politiko
Tamassos archaeological site
Excavations and the stone-built royal tombs.
Agios Irakleidios monastery
A convent dedicated to the first bishop of Tamassos.
Festivals and events in Politiko
Politiko has no major annual festival listed. As in every Cypriot village, Easter week and the feast day of the village church bring services, processions and gatherings in the square. See the village festival calendar for events nearby.
Getting to Politiko
A few buses a day
On a typical weekday (Monday, 12 October 2026) about 28 bus trips in both directions stop within 800 m of the village, on these lines:
- Nicosia Public Transport: lines 68, 68B
Rural services are often timed for school and work, so check the return times before you set off.
Check the bus from your hotelDirections to Politiko (opens Google Maps in a new tab)Car, taxi or tour
Village roads are narrow and winding, but a hire car or taxi lets you combine several villages in a day. Day tours to the Troodos and wine villages leave from the main resorts.
Villages near Politiko
Fikardou10 km away · A whole village preserved as an Ancient Monument
Gourri11 km away · Homemade spoon sweets in the foothills of Machairas forest
Palaichori18 km away · A UNESCO church, zivania traditions and a river through the village
Askas18 km away · Towering stone walls and hand-baked roof tiles under Mount PapoutsaKeep exploring
Politiko: questions
Why visit Politiko?
The royal tombs of ancient Tamassos. Agios Irakleidios monastery. Under half an hour from Nicosia.
What is there to do in Politiko?
Tamassos archaeological site: Excavations and the stone-built royal tombs. Agios Irakleidios monastery: A convent dedicated to the first bishop of Tamassos.
When is the festival in Politiko?
Politiko has no major annual festival listed. Easter and the village saint’s day are the liveliest times.
Can you get to Politiko by bus?
Yes, but only a few buses a day on weekdays: Nicosia Public Transport 68, 68B. Check the timetable before you travel.
Sources
Information checked on 2026-10-10. Bus lines come from the official Motion GTFS timetables. Opening hours and festival dates change, so confirm before you go.
Wikipedia: Politiko ↗