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Built between the hillsides at an average altitude of 190 metres above sea level, Skarinou is the heart of Cyprus. It is on the road axis of the island that connects Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. The village according to tradition, took its name during the Medieval years. On old maps it is marked as Scharino, but also as S. Harino, where the letter "S" means Saint. But it is not certain what the name of the Saint is (perhaps Chariton), because it is a name was corrupted during the Frankish rule. Therefore, it is possible that the original name of the village was hagiological during the Byzantine period, e.g., Agios Chariton, from where the current name originates in an altered form. According to another view mentioned by Nearchos Clerides, the name of the village came from the name or the status of the first settler, who he assumes to have been called Skarinos (meaning shepherd taking the sheep out into night grazing). Whichever of the above versions we accept, the conclusion we draw is that the village of Skarinou was probably founded before the Frankish period, during the Byzantine era.
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