The life of the villagers was very difficult because there was not enough land to cultivate. So the people had to look to occupations other than farming for their livelihood. Most of them were shepherds and had to live away from the village. Some of the old sheep pens still exist, as in the area of Karterouni.

Though life was difficult in the old days, it was not quite as grim as may appear. Kakopetria had two professions that were rather more lucrative than the normal professions of villagers. They were also exclusive to Kakopetria. These people were silk and saddle makers. They traveled all over the island with their talents, even as far as Paphos and Karpasia.

Owing to the abundance of water in Kakopetria, even in the summer, two mills were built. One was near the large bridge, this was called The Mill of Hadjistavrinos. The other mill, a little higher upstream was called The Mill on the Corner.