Arsos is situated on the hillside of the Laona Mountains (1092m altitude), facing a wide horizon area from the Diarizos River down to Paphos seaside.

Below the village runs a stream that winds its course from the Troodos Mts down to the sea at Paphos passing six Medieval stone covered spring water fountains which are linked by a path alongside the stream. The valley is strewn with masses of varieties of wild flowers in Springtime creating a vista unchanged since the Homeric times. From Spring to Autumn the surrounding hills are covered with emerald green vineyards where grapes are hand cultivated on man made, lime terraces. From the top of the village on a clear day the coastline at Paphos can be seen glistening in the far distance.

There are two interpretations for the origin of the name: the first is from the sacred grove of Aphrodite in which the village was originally built; the second as being one of four towns built by Ptolemeos Philadelfos to worship Arsinoe (wine).

The village atmosphere and unspoilt surrounding countryside is especially relaxing, a conducive environment for walking, writing, painting and retreating.

Up until a few decades ago the population of Arsos was over 2,000 people. Today only 300 remain, the reduction being due to the migration of the young to larger towns to find employment and for further education, a phenomenon effecting all villages in Cyprus. Weekends are a little livelier when people return to visit their families and friends in their home village; a happy tradition throughout Cyprus.

Much is done to protect the authenticity of the village and the Arsos Development Committee was founded to ensure the well being of the elderly folk, preservation of its architecture inc some fine neo-classical structures, and to support the cultural heritage of the village. Annually the committee organises tree planting in January, various Easter celebrations inc a firework display, traditional Cypriot nights in July and a festival every August inc the palouzai (a traditional sweet) feast and many more. One thing is for sure: the people of Arsos enjoy their food, wine, work, families, church and celebrations!

The main activities of the village centre around the Byzantine church of St Philipos; with its superb bass-relief belfry, exquisite wood-sculptured shrine, Byzantine icons and the relics of St Philipos, the Patron Saint of Arsos, the church is at the centre of village life and is situated next to the two atmospheric traditional local tavernas positioned opposite each other.

Arsos can boast of the best bakery and wineries in the district with the added benefit of locally produced wines, zivinia, herbs, honey, fruits, vegetables, pottery and lace.

The local people are wonderfully hospitable and you are likely to be invited in to the houses for coffee, cakes, glacied fruits (glikos) followed by a large glass of zivinia (Cypriot grappa)..... you have been warned!