Best Road Trips in Cyprus
ROUTE 2.
From Limassol to Nicosia via Limassol Wine Villages & Troodos Mountains
The red route, takes you from the coastal city to the island’s center via traditional wine villages. The wine lover’s route, taking its color from the wine, take you via wineries, perfect for a wine tasting stop and picturesque vineyards. On your route enjoy amazing panoramic views such as the Laona Area in Vasa Village, which offers panoramic views of the Troodos Mountains via vineyards. Taste amazing food at local taverns offering traditional cuisines and spend the night in unique traditional Houses. Experience the Cypriot hospitality, filoxenia, in rural Cyprus with friendly locals.
Pass through the Troodos Mountains and discover wonders of nature! Follow nature trails which lead you to mesmerizing waterfalls, such as the Kaledonia and Millomeris, nestled within dense green vegetation and pine forests. Discover the village of Platres built with the unique architectural tradition of the Alps. Sit down at one of the Taverns or restaurants for some tasty food, enjoy a coffee or explore the unique shops. And if the sun sets while you’re still exploring spend the night at one of the many accommodations offered.
Visit the highest peak of the island, Mount Olympus, and see panoramic views of the island . If you are visiting during the winter admire the mountain tops dressed in white and grasp the opportunity to ski! Follow one of the nature trails found in the area or trek down to the Troodos square. There you will find restaurants and cafes for a cooling break, unique souvenir shops, a children’s playground and the Troodos information centre. Alternatively spend the night at the Troodos hotel.
Descending towards the capital city find Amiantos. There you must visit the Troodos Geopark Visitor Centre, which includes a museum and information center about Troodos’ Geology and History. Next to the Geopark find Troodos Botanical Garden. In the Amiantos Areas is the historical Amiantos Mine, which is worth a visit.
The next stop is the favorite tourist destination, Kakopetria village. Built in the Solea region with beautiful, traditional architecture. Nestled amongst a lush forest and crossed by the river Klarios. Trek along the nature trail which lets you walk along with the river. Visit the historic churches, of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis and Panagia tis Podithou, the latter found in the neighboring village of Galata, both part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the traditional taverns or restaurants, or take a break at one of the coffee shops. Spend the night at one of the hotels or in a traditional home within the old village of Kakopetria.
On your way to the last stop be sure to visit the church of Panagia tis Asinou, also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Make a pit stop at the Xiliatos Dam, where you can find a picnic site and a beautiful Nature trail which offers amazing views of the lake and the surrounding forest.
The last stop is Nicosia city, where you can experience the cosmopolitan way of life on the island. For a taste of history visit the Old City as well as the Museums.
1. Limassol
Visit the Old Port, a testament to the fishing life of this seafront town. Decorated with small fishing boats, the traditional flourish of the harbor is enhanced. A well established culinary destination the old port hosts restaurants, shops and a large pedestrian area. Right next door find the newly built Limassol Marina. The Marina combines exquisite dining, entertainment and shopping experience. Stroll by the sea and enjoy a range of boutiques and stylish shops, taste delicious local and international cuisines and relax at one of the cafes or lounge bars. Just infront of the city centre find one of the most beautiful parks of the Mediterranean, stretching along the city’s seafront. The Limassol Promenade, called Molos is decorated with water features , sculptures and trees. Also find playgrounds and coffee shops accessible by all. Molos is an ornament for the city.
In the same area as the cathedral, find the Agiou Andreou Shopping street ideal to find souvenirs to take a piece of Limassol with you home as well as discover Cypriot tradition products. The main shopping street of Limassol is Anexartisisas shopping street. There you can find a range of both high street and designer shops, cafes and snack bars for a fulfilling day of shopping.
Do not miss!!!
Limassol Agora (Old Market)
Landmark & Historical Place, Food & Drink Market
Another historic landmark is the Limassol Agora (Municipal Old Market), found right in the heart of the Old Town. Carrying on its traditional role as a place of gathering and trade, the contemporary space hosts 40 different businesses offering a unique experience to the visitor. Visit the roof sitting area and gaze upon Saripolou square with its neoclassical builds.
Where to Stay?
Old Port Hotel
Featuring free WiFi and air conditioning, Old Port Hotel is situated in the old, historic town of Limassol. The Old Port and Castle of Limassol are right opposite the property, while the city's marina is 100 m away. Old Port Hotel also includes a terrace. Technological University of Cyprus is 1.1 km from Old Port Hotel, while Akrotiri is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Paphos International Airport, 51 km from the property.
2. LOFOU VILLAGE
Climb about 800 meters high and discover the UNESCO architecturally important village of Lofou. The enchanting wine village has been restored to its original beauty the past couple of decades, with vineyards and restored traditional homes decorating the hills. Walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the church of Panagia Chrysolofitissa, the chapels of Prophet Elias, Agios Georgios and Agia Marina.
Discover the Cypriot culture at the ‘Olive Mill’, the ‘Agricultural Museum’ and the ‘Folk Art Museum’. Visit the traditional Wood Carving workshop and shop some traditional products at the Traditional products shop. Trek along the walking trail where you will discover the traditional ‘fount of Elitji’.
Take a break at one of the coffee shops or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the restaurants or taverns. If you are visiting during the summer or fall months don’t miss the festivals held within the village.
Do not miss!!!
Zambartas Winery
On your route towards the village of Vouni you will come across the picturesque Zambartas winery, located in the Agios Ambrosios community between the villages Lofou and Vouni. In 2007 the Zambartas Winery was built in the Krasochoria region in Agios Amvrosios village, on the southern slope of the Troodos Mountains near Limassol. Enjoy a tour of the cellar with the knowledgeable hosts. Taste 5 top range wines, both local and international varieties. The wines are paired with home-made canapés, made from local Cypriot and Mediterranean ingredients. Each wine is presented with a different canapé and the hostess will explain you the concept of the pairing...
Where to Stay?
Apokryfo Traditional Guesthouse
Located at the edge of the picturesque village of Lofou, in the foothills of Mount Olympus, Apokryfo is a stone-built guesthouse offering boutique accommodation. It has a traditional restaurant, as well as a fully equipped gym with sauna and steam bath. Rooms, studios and cottages at Apokryfo Traditional Guesthouse are tastefully decorated and air conditioned. The Agrino Restaurant serves Cypriot cuisine. In the summer guests can dine on the rooftop terrace overlooking the village or in the courtyard by the pool. Other services include massage and beauty treatments by request, a library complete with board games and DVDs and walking maps for the surrounding area.
3. VOUNI VILLAGE
Just a few kilometers away is the picturesque wine village of Vouni. Boasting with traditional architecture, cobblestone alleys and blossoming yards, the village seems like an outdoor museum of the Cypriot culture. Walk along the streets and enjoy architecture blending in with nature, as two rivers, Chapotami and Kryos Potamos cross the village.
Reach its highest mountain peak ‘Moutti tou Afami’ at 1153meters above sea level. Discover the religious background of the village at the churches of Timios Prodromos and Panayia Peravouniotissa, or the chapels of Chrisosotiros, Agios Ioannis Rossos and Agios Mamas as well at the Monastery of Resurrection. Learn about the Wine History in Cyprus at the Vouni Wine and Culinary center. At the Byzantine and Folk Art Museum as well as the Olive mill you can have a taste of the culture and history of the village and the island.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the local coffee shops or sample the Cypriot cuisine at the local taverns. The village also provides a grocery shop where you can buy local produce.
Do not miss!!!
Vlassides Winery
Travel north of the village of Vouni and discover the breathtaking Vlassides Winery, located in the village of Koilani. The Winery was designed by architect Heracles Papachristou in modern, clean-cut lines; a contemporary building which blends perfectly with the landscape, situated in a 8 hectares plot, surrounded by its vineyards. A large part of the Winery is literally buried deep into the hill, while the rest of the building gradually comes into view as it follows the contours of the land. The interior consists of large open spaces with panoramic views of the vineyards. Visitors enjoy an unobstructed view of the winemaking and wine ageing areas, giving them a general overview of the processes which take place at the Winery, from the beginning: from grape to wine...
Where to Stay?
Oinou Strata
Located in Vouni, 13 km from Platres, Oinou Strata - Adults Only provides a bar and free WiFi. Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchenette with a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast. Oinou Strata - Adults Only features a terrace. Limassol is 35 km from the accommodation, while Kakopetria is 30 km away.4. VASA KOILANIOU VILLAGE
Surrounded by vineyards and colorful steep slopes is the fifth wine village of the Limassol district, Vasa Koilaniou or Krasohorion. With a viticulture history dating centuries old, the village is famous for its high quality wine Cypriot wine production. Visit the churches of the Virgin Mary of Evangelism, Saint Giorgios, Saint Varnavas, Apostle Timonas, Prophet Elias and the chapel of Timios Prodromos.
Discover Demetres Lipertis house who was an important contemporary poet and one of the greatest representatives of Cypriot dialectal poetry. Sample delectable wine at the 'Argyrides Vasa Winery' in the village, learn about the traditional spirit of the island at the 'Zivania' Museum and admire religious relics and art at the 'Ecclesiastical' Museum.
Relax at on the local coffee shops or sample delicious Cypriot cuisine at the local Taverns.
Do not miss!!!
Argyrides Vasa Winery
Argyrides Winery is a family-owned traditional estate situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Vasa Koilaniou. The winery has been home to four generations of traditional winemaking and is currently run Rebecca Argyrides and her family. For many travellers, Vasa Winery is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Cyprus. The original buildings have been meticulously restored and expanded, blending tradition with functionality. The Argyrides family owns around ten hectares of vineyards, located in close proximity to the winery, growing varieties such as Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and the indigenous Maratheftiko.Where to Stay?
Arkella Palace
Situated in Vasa Kilaniou, ARKELLA PALACE offers accommodation with free WiFi. All units include a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the property. The chalet offers a terrace.
5. Omodos Village
The next stop is the picturesque village of Omodos. A favorite amongst tourist destinations, the wine village maintains its traditional character with its cobblestone alleys and square and traditionally built houses.
In the heart of the village sitting imposing and majestically is the Monastery of the Holy Cross. The historic monastery is said to have been established before 327 A.D. Held within are important relics, icons and woodcarvings as well as the Ecclesiastical treasury museum, the National liberation struggle museum and the center of preservation for narrow-knit lacing.
Discover more history at the Culture museum, the Picture museum and the Medieval Linos found dotted within the village.
Explore the village square with its traditional bakeries, unique cafes and tavernas. Discover the local wineries and sample quality wine. Admire unique handcraft laces and sample local sample produce. Local amenities include a supermarket, bank, post office and a health center.
Do not miss!!!
Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades Winery
Staring down at the picturesque village of Omodos, the Oenou Yi Winery is perched up on the hill just outside the core of the village. When you walk through Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades winery, you instantly feel a sense of completion. Built between Afamis and Laona hills, the winery’s carefully looked after and private owned vineyards are spreading as far as the eye can see. Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades winery combines high technology equipment with quality wine producing practices. The space of the winery is a lively factory where wine production is realised. Properly designed winemaking, bottling and tasting spaces are always ready to offer a unique experience, as each and every loyal friend of wine deserves to taste the flavours of Omodos’ countryside. The “heart” of production is housed in the underground space of the winery. The space houses all necessary, modern, equipment for the production of quality wines: destemmer, crusher, pneumatic press with inert gas application, special tanks for prefermentation cryomaceration for white wine production, stainless fermentation tanks for red and white winemaking with automatic temperature control system, oak fermentation barrels for red wines and stabilisation tanks. Aiming at producing fine wines and making them available to the demanding public, Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades winery contributes to the history and continuity of zealous wine...Where to Stay?
Omodos Cozy Houses
Set in Omodos, 10 km from Platres, Omodos Cozy Houses offers a terrace and free WiFi. All units come with air conditioning, and some have a flat-screen TV, washing machine, a kettle, completed with a kitchen. Limassol is 40 km from the country house, while Kakopetria is 33 km away.6. PLATRES VILLAGE
Trek along one of the nature trails found in the village and discover one of the highest waterfalls on the island, Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfall and Millomeris waterfall. Sample delectable wine at the winery in Kato Platres, satisfy your sweet tooth at the chocolate workshop and get your adrenaline pumping at the adventure rope park. Learn more about history and the Cypriot culture at the Cultural center where old photos of the village are exhibited.
Finally, spend the night at one of the quaint accommodations offered.
Do not miss!!!
Platres Waterfalls
Kalidonia (Caledonia) WaterfallsKalidonia Waterfall was named by the Scots when visiting the area of Platres, around 1878 and are located two kilometres north of Platres. The Scottish ware amazed by the beauty and the resemblance of the waterfall with their home land. (Scotland used to be called Kalidonia in ancient times).Kalidonia Waterfalls are among the highest natural waterfalls we have in Cyprus. The water of the waterfall falls vertically from a height of 12m. The visitor may visit the area using the roadway towards the waterfall or following nature trail on foot leading to it near Psilodentro.
Millomeris Waterfalls
Millomeris waterfall is located in the south-eastern region of Platres one kilometer away from the starting point of the nature trail that leads to the Waterfall. Water falls from a height of 15 meters and Millomeris is among the highest natural Waterfalls of the island. Millomeris was not well known until the recent years, since its location was not accessible. Among the works carried out from the community council (roadways and nature trail) Millomeris Waterfalls attracts many visitors and tourists with its natural beauty.
Where to Stay?
Petit Palais Platres Hotel
Featuring free WiFi, a restaurant and a terrace, Petit Palais Hotel offers accommodation in Platres. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Each room is fitted with a TV with satellite channels. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Forest Park is 300 m from Petit Palais Hotel, while Trooditissa Monastery is 4.2 km away. The nearest airport is Paphos International Airport, 39 km from Petit Palais Hotel.
7. MOUNTAIN OLYMPUS (CHIONISTRA)
You can follow the linear short trail of Persefoni, where you can enjoy the Troodos Forest or follow the two circular nature trails of Atalanti or Artemis and walk around the Chionistra area where you can explore the dense Troodos forest and enjoy the lush vegetation and unique fauna found on the island. Just 4 Km below the Chionistra is the Troodos square where you can rest and enjoy a coffee or a delicious meal or explore the special souvenir shops and choose a piece of Cyprus to take with you home and spend the night within the Troodos Nature Park at the hotel.
Do not miss!!!
Troodos Geopark Visitor Centre
As you descend from the Troodos Square towards the village of Kakopetria, in the region of Amiantos, follow the signs to discover the famous Troodos Geopark Visitor Center. The Troodos Geopark (an area of 1.147 km2) Visitor Centre is located in the old Asbestos mine (Amiantos mine), an area with enormous historical value which now hosts an extraordinary botanical garden with information about the flora of the area, a seed bank of endemic species and also a plethora of evidence for the past mining activity and the community which once flourished there. The Geopark Visitor Centre is situated in the newly restored elementary school of the abandoned asbestos mine. The building is an impressive listed structure and an example of fine architecture with historic characteristics and features such as its fireplaces, one in every room, and a beautiful internal yard. t the entrance of the Geopark Visitor Centre the visitors are welcomed by an amazing geological garden consisting of all the rock types encountered in the area, in stratigraphic order, representing the Troodos ophiolite sequence. An outdoor classroom is operated in the garden of the centre, where interactive lessons...
Where to Stay?
Troodos Hotel
This hotel is located just 5 km from Mount Olympus in Cyprus. It features free WiFi in common areas and free private parking. Most rooms open to an enclosed balcony. Each room offers flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Some have views over Troodos Square. Troodos Hotel’s front desk is available 24 hours a day. On the slopes of the Troodos Mountains, guests can enjoy hiking, in the warmer months, and skiing and snowboarding, during the snow season. Guests can enjoy a wholesome certified Cypriot breakfast in the restaurant each morning. Cold, refreshing drinks and hot beverages are served at the bar.8. KAKOPETRIA VILLAGE
Built on the foothills of Troodos, in the Solea valley is the famous village of Kakopetria. Similira to how
the two rivers Kargotis and Garilis merge to form the river Klarios, which runs across the village, so does
Kakopetria merges nature and tradition.
Visit the historic Byzantine church of Saint Nicolas Stegis, a
UNESCO World Heritage site, the chapel of Saint George Perachoritis, the ancient church of Panagia
Theotokos and the church of the Transfiguration for an insight into the religious history of the island.
Visit the Olive as well as the Linos museum dedicated to wine, bread making and olive oil production.
Discover the two Watermills for a taste at the old rural life and traditions.
In the heart of the village find
the Old Kakopetria, maintaining the old architecture and character it takes you back in time. Trek along
the nature trail found in the village, ‘Monopati tis Vateris’. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous trout
sourced locally, along with other delectable dishes. Enjoy a coffee accompanied by the sound of the
river. Admire the waterfall in the famous Elena’s park. Amenities include a bank, police station, health
center, forest station, hotels, mini markets, bakery and shops.
Do not miss!!!
Kakopetria Unesco Churches
Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis Church (UNESCO)The church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis is situated in a central area of the Troodos mountain range, in the upper Solea valley. It is built on the west bank of the river Klarios/Karkotis, at a distance of about two kilometers southwest of the village of Kakopetria. In 1985 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List which includes nine other painted Byzantine churches of the Troodos range. Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis is the only surviving katholicon (monastery church) of an 11th century Byzantine monastery in Cyprus.