History
Platres Village Today the village is well known as Platres, without the prefix "Pano" (Upper) preceding it, in contrast to the neighbouring village Tornarides as is referred to "Kato Platres" (Lower). It’s a misperception that Platres is a quite new village founded during the recent years. Platres is a very old village and is mentioned among the 119 villages of the Limassol district that existed during the Lusignan (Frank Rule, 1192-1489 AD) and the Venetian Era (1489-1571 AD). There are three versions regarding the etymology of Platres village naming: 1. That Platra -in plural Platres -took its name from the word "platra" (pratria) which means the one that weaves and sells sheets used by the farmers. 2. There are written reports of Platres being a feud during the Frank Rule and has had that name ever since. In the French language there is the word "platre-s", which in Greek translates to "white", "plaster', and other words. There's information that during the Frank Rule, on the South side of Troodos and above modern-day Platres, there was a Frank Monastery, its monks dressed in white and called by the name of "Platrai". 3. The village took its name from the word "platsa", which then became "Platra" and then "Platres" (in plural).
Population. The village has had great fluctuations of population. In 1881 the village had 100 inhabitants, in 1901 the population increased to 154, in 1931 to 396, in 1946 to 502, in 1960 it decreased to 413, and in 1982 it increased to 442. Today Platres has 250 permanent inhabitants. During summer time and especially during August, that number rises up to 10,000. Most of the inhabitants of the village are occupied in the tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs); a few are occupied with fruit cultivation and some others in services that have their establishments in the village. Location Platres can be found in the district of Limassol and is 25 kilometres north-west of city of Limassol. It's also 45 kilometres south-west of the capital Nicosia and 5 kilometres from Troodos square. Altitude The village is built amphitheatrically with a variation in low and high altitude in certain parts of the village. An average altitude of Platres is around1200 meters. Climate The altitude and location of the Village are ideal. Platres climate is perfect. During summer time the climate is dry, with little or no humidity with the temperatures well below average of those on other areas on the island. Rainfall Rainfall in Platres is one of the highest in Cyprus and the proof is dense forest and lush vegetation surrounding the village. Temperature The temperature all the year round and is ideal. During summer time the climate is dry, with little or no humidity with the temperatures well below average of those on other areas on the island.
