Watch Episode 1 of ”Tia Does Agrotourism” here!

Cyprus is so much more than buzzing nightlife and paradisical beaches. It is historic, complex, and mysterious, filled with history and culture. It shines in all its simplicity and grace, and it proves, that Agrotourism Cyprus has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.

Therefore I have proudly partnered up with the Official Agrotourism Office in Cyprus alongside the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. Our goal is simple. To make you fall in love with our little island. To get you to explore, discover, and unwind in nature, culture, and simplicity!

In this article, we will focus on Wine Route 2, a combination of picturesque wine villages in Paphos, that when combined, provide the backbone of the winemaking industry in Cyprus. Here, we will discover the culture, nature, and exquisite food and wine! The small distance between the villages makes them ideal for a road trip!

Agrotourism Cyprus – Kallepia

Where to stay:

Agrotiko Traditional Houses

Situated in a garden outside Kallepeia village in Pafos District, you will find Mrs Demetra and her Agrotiko Traditional House. This stone-built complex of traditional apartments features 2 One-bedroom Apartments and 3 Two-bedroom Apartments with a balcony offering views of the vineyards. All the houses share a large swimming pool, and a large, gorgeous garden with plenty of shade and BBQ facilities.

All of the houses are fully equipped as well as quaint, sparkling clean, and furnished with local artifacts. Additionally, you’ll have free and fast wifi as well as satellite TV throughout the complex.

The real star here though is Mrs. Demetra aka my grandma from another mama who fed us consistently throughout our time there! Cheese pies, traditional sweets, and homemade lemonade were just a few of the things she insisted we eat as soon as we arrived, a kind gesture I will always cherish!

Distances:

• Paphos City: 12 km
• Tsada Gold Couse: 2 km
• Wineries – plentiful within a 5-minute drive
• Paphos Airport: 31 km
• Larnaca Airport: 144 km
• Letymbou Village – 5 mins

Highlights in Kallepia

• Hiking in beautiful nature
• Brunch at Kikas Garden – for an original authentic Cypriot breakfast!
• Nature trails
• Traditional taverns

Agrotourism Cyprus – Letymbou

Straight after Kallepia Village, I hopped on over to Letymbou, a beautiful village 5 minutes’ drive away. Letymbou is only 12km from Paphos City!

I typically couldn’t wait to tuck into lunch, so I head straight to Sofia and Andreas Traditional House!

Sofia and Andreas Traditional House Restaurant

This is an experience you HAVE to live! Ms. Sophia and her husband Andreas turned their home into a traditional Cypriot taverna, and a small museum showcasing exactly what Cypriot houses used to look like a hundred years ago. The house is filled to the brim with Cypriot artifacts, vintage devices, traditional clothing, and more!

Sofia and Andreas welcome you with open arms – they bake their own bread, cook their own halloumi cheese (One of the highlights of Cypriot cuisine) – all of which you can observe in the gorgeous courtyard. Scrumptious meals are prepared fresh on the wood fire oven in the courtyard and served with a smile and the kind of Cypriot hospitality we are known for.

I consider myself lucky to help Sofia knead bread, make halloumi cheese, and work the wood fire oven, before indulging in a full-on Cypriot feast! A magical experience, that I am truly grateful for! Thank you Sofia and Andreas – I cannot wait to be back!

Seeing as no drop-ins are allowed, please call ahead and reserve at 99995961

Winery Feature: Makarounas Winery

After an excellent meal, comes some excellent wine, and Letymbou did not disappoint! Introducing Makarounas Winery and located just a few steps away from Sofia’s. At Makarounas, I met Theo – a fascinating guy my age, whose passion for the winery he started in 2016 shines through instantly. I instantly thought- wow! How does a man so young, manage to do so much? To have such a vision and follow it through to the end? And I guess the answer is easy – determination and sheer love for your craft can work wonders if you have a supportive family behind you. And Theodoros has all of the above!

Now back to the winery behind the man! Makarounas is the only winery in Cyprus that sources grapes solely from their privately owned vineyards. You will find the vineyards at an altitude of 400-600 m, and they produce varieties of Xynisteri, Morokanella, Spourtiko (whites) and Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, and Lefkada (reds). I am a total red wine lover, and Maratheftiko was incredibly smooth, and easy on the palate, even in the midst of the Cypriot summer! You can arrange a wine tasting session at Makarounas Winery, speak to Theo, visit the vineyards, and enjoy wine and local produce on location, highly recommended!

Letymvou Highlights

• Eat at Letymvou Tavern – 26 642614
• Visiting the Heroes Monument
• An Impressive amount of beautiful Churches and chapels – 7 to be exact!
• Witness the making of traditional products: Halloumi Cheese, Trachanas, Resi (a strong drink), Sioutzoukos, and more!
• Views of Ezousa River

Agrotourism Cyprus – Amargeti

After feasting in Letymbou, it was time to get to Amargeti to check-in to my accommodation and get some much-needed rest! Amargeti is a quaint village of unique beauty with magnificent archaeological findings.

 Here you’ll find old houses, narrow alleys, and traditional water taps made of local stone. The village is filled with vineyards, chapels, and eucalyptus, apple, pear, and almond trees! The village residents are laid back, and usually work in agriculture, vineyards, or in the production of ”Zivania” – a strong Cypriot spirit that the village produces a lot of!

Where to Stay: Kaizer Agrotourism

I really loved my stay here, and I was positively impressed by the standard of the rooms, and the hospitality of Eleni and her children Aggelos, Troodia, and Giota, who help her run it all smoothly.

Kaizer Agrotourism offers old stone houses – beautifully renovated, preserved, and furnished! The rooms are named after members of the family ( a personal touch i loved!) like the “Despina” suite – which is where I stayed – the “Eleni” suite and “Neophytou” Economy room. The suites are overlooking the outdoor wellness ozone spa pool with natural salt, and the lush green garden with a huge olive tree providing share in the center. Furthermore, you’ll find outdoor seating areas, both for sunbathing, dining and relaxing. Here, you will often Eleni, a fantastic woman eager to tell you all about the history of this establishment and how it came to be the family’s business.

The Rooms

The rooms at Kaizer Agrotourism are impeccable and sparkling clean! The bed is traditional – the kind of beds you have to climb to get into. I actually slept so soundly I woke up an hour late and almost missed my 1st appointment! Other perks include a safe box, A/C, Central heating, fireplace (Eleni Suite), fridge, towels, and Kitchenette (in the suites)

Agrotourism Cyprus – Lemona

Tsangarides Winery

The stone-built Tsangarides winery welcomed me with open arms – and a perfect time; it was harvest time, and everyone was busy, happy, and excited. As a result, I couldn’t help but get carried away in the enthusiasm of it all too! A year’s worth of work is what the harvest results to; and that’s pretty exciting!

The Tsangarides vines nestle and thrive amongst some of the most picturesque scenery in Paphos, and cover over 100 Thousands square meters of organic vineyards, making them the biggest on the island. Organic mature reds, fresh roses and crisp whites are the fruits of the labor of many men and women here!

Nearby villages you MUST pop into for excellent pictures and sightseeing

Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery. A grande and impressive monastery dedicated to the Virgin Chrysorrogiatissa. This tranquil and peaceful monastery attracts a great deal of faithful Christians from all around the world!

Kannaviou Dam. One of the most beautiful dams on the island – that can easily be mistaken for a natural lake! You will find it located just by the villages of Asprogia and Kannaviou, and just a few kilometers away from the village of Panayia. 

Stavros tis Psokas.

A fantastic spot in the Paphos Forest, and near Kannaviou dam! Excellent for camping, picnics, and wildlife enthusiasts. Paphos Forest is a dense forest area where wildlife thrives, particularly the endangered Agrino (Mouflon) which you can see early in the morning and in the afternoon when it cools down! The journey to Stavros tis Psokas from any direction is very beautiful. You will pass through beautiful forests, pines, and plane trees and enjoy the fresh air and landscape.

Statos- Ayios Fotios Village

The making of traditional products

Statos-Ayios Fotios is located on an altitude of 950 meters and surrounded by gorgeous green scenery. The beauty of the natural scenery and the hospitality of the residents establish this community as an ideal destination! The hardworking people of the village produce apples, grapes, pears, peaches, cherries, raisins, walnuts, and almonds. Here, you can taste, cold cuts, dairies, “trachana”, “soutzouko” and spoon sweets in person. I met up with Michail Kimonos, the community council president, a fascinating man! He took me to the factories, to witness the making of Trachanas Soup ( made from grain and fermented milk) and soutzouko – (A traditional sweet made from grape must, nuts and flour) Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, are threaded onto a string, dipped in thickened grape juice or fruit juices and dried in the shape of a sausage.

A plethora of visitors visits the village during its annual Agricultural Festival. (next date 19th September 2021). Visitors will have the opportunity to taste the products of the village, visit the wineries, see the preparation of its traditional products, and enjoy a rich traditional cultural program. Furthermore, Children enjoy various activities such as face painting, watercolor painting, and clay sculpture making!

Agrotourism Cyprus – Pano Panayia

Winery Feature: Vouni Panayia Winery

At Vouni Panayia, they sure know all about wine. In fact, they are the first local family-owned winery in Cyprus (since 1987) I was thoroughly impressed by the sheer knowledge of Yiannis, who seamlessly combines science with an acute passion for Cypriot wine. I have never seen someone so totally in tune with what they do for a living! As a result, his passion was infectious! For instance, the lengths they go to, to preserve the quality of their wine are admirable, and makes me appreciate the craft even more!

Vouni Panayia winery is a strictly family business passed on from generation to generation. As a result, the people at Vouni Panayia, blend tradition with innovation and experience, to create quality wines, that will soon become favorites of yours.

For starters, I was impressed to realize their commitment to the local produce! No French or Italian grapes or varieties here; at Vouni from selected grapes of 8 indigenous varieties cultivated in the winery’s vineyards, that carry all the history and characteristics of Cyprus. These are:

The whites: Xynisteri, Promara, Spourtiko, Morokanella, Vasilissa

The Reds: Mavro, Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi

After a tour of the indoors and the cellars, we hopped into a car and were driven through the 35-hectare vineyards – before catching one of the best sunsets I have witnessed, 1100 meters high at the top of the hill! Incredible wine, fresh halloumi, home-grown tomatoes, and passionate people all around me. Truly magical, and probably the highlight of my road trip!

Agrotourism Cyprus – Episkopi Village

Where to stay: Piskopos House

In Episkopi Paphos, lies Piskopos House – a beautiful family home in a tranquil, peaceful setting in the hills, 11km from Pafos. The setting is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful and unspoiled region, – you are only 10-15 minutes from Paphos and the highway! Here, you will experience complete tranquillity in an authentically traditional area, with all modern living comforts like a private swimming pool, wifi, and large veranda and garden. Perfect for family and small group gateways, Piskopos House is your home away from home!

Episkopi Paphou Highlights

• Episkopi Rock Sightseeing
• Visit the Environmental Centre
• Kourion Museum. History lovers rejoice! At Kourion Museum you will find many historical treasures, like terracotta objects from Ancient Kourion and the Sanctuary of Apollon Ylatis .
• Swim at Zapallo Bay
• Eat Tavas (lamb stew, tomatoes, potatoes) at ‘Old Stables”
• Climbing and Hiking

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Thank you for exploring Agrotourism Cyprus with me! If you are Cypriot, I hope I have managed to do our island justice; and i hope I have inspired you to get in the car and explore these gems as I did!

If you are planning to visit Cyprus, I hope I have shed some light on the rich agrotourism scene on the island. This is something sadly often overlooked by travelers! Above all, Cyprus has a lot more to offer than what initially meets the eye, therefore I cannot wait to take you along on my journey in the upcoming months!

Love, Tia x

Related Cyprus Articles

Tia Does Agrotourism Series

• 1. Episode 1 Wine Villages in Paphos – Cyprus Agrotourism in Pano Panayia, Letymbou, Lemona and Amargeti (And Video)
• 2. Episode 2 Culture, Nature and Wine in Kathikas, Arodes and Akamas Peninsula in Paphos (And Video_)
• 3. Episode 3 Omodos, Arsos and Ayios Amvrosios – the most picturesque villages in Limassol (And Video)
• 4. Episode 4 Vouni, Lofou and Koilani Villages – exploring Limassol Province (and Video)
• 5. Episode 5 Kalopanayiotis, Kykkos, and Pedoulas – Nicosia’s hidden village gems! (and Video )
• 6. Episode 6 Agrotourism in Cyprus – Farmakas, Palaichori, and Askas – Wine, Safari, and Nature! (and Video )
• 7. Episode 7 Tochni, Choirokitia, and Kalavasos – Basket Weaving, history, and cycling activities! (and Video)
• 8. Episode 8 Lefkara, Kato Drys, and Vavla – Lefkara lace designs, wineries, brunch, and bees! (and Video)

Exploring Cyprus Content

• When to Visit Cyprus – A guide to choosing the season to visit Cyprus
• Where to stay in Cyprus – The Best hotels And Cottages In The Villages
• Cyprus Meze – The best Cyprus Taverns in the Villages and Mountains of the island!
• Cyprus Travel Blog – Everything you need to know to visit Cyprus. Start with this first if you are not local!
• A city by city guide to Cyprus. Decide which city in Cyprus suits you best!
• Incredible food in Cyprus to try. You will most likely drool at this article!
• Edem’s Yard – Best Brunch in Cyprus – Larnaca. The best brunch spot in Cyprus- hands down!
• Hamam Omeriye – Stunning Turkish baths in the heart of Nicosia– A Hamam Experience you are unlikely to forget!
• The best beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras. The best blue flag beaches on the island – say hello to paradise!
• Cyprus Passport Visa Free Countries – Travel to paradise without a visa!

Beautiful Seaside Hotels in Cyprus

• Hotel Napa Suites – Gorgeous, Central, with infinity pools
• Almyra Hotel Paphos – Luxury, elegance, and class.
• King Jason Hotel Protaras – Modern, central, fun, breathtaking!
• Napa Mermaid – The most incredible hotel in Ayia Napa– Looking for a proper hotel in Napa? Say no more!
• Apartment for rent in Protaras – Sofias Seaview review. A gorgeous apartment in the heart of Protaras square!
• Protaras Villas – The Incredible Villa Oniro. A huge and luxurious villa in Protaras!
• Limassol Hotels – A Beautiful stay at The Crowne Plaza Limassol. A modest hotel in Limassol that you will highly appreciate!
• Alasia Boutique Hotel- Luxury and elegance. Elegance and understated luxury in the quiet part of Limassol

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