8 reasons to head to Farmakas on the weekend
Farmakas is an idyllic village in Cyprus and is situated in the Troodos Mountains. Arriving there after a journey of about 40 kilometres from Nicosia, you will be faced with a huge parking lot and next to it is the village church, the community council and the two Farmakas cafes.
Visit the main church of the village dedicated to Ayia Eirini. It is located in the centre of the village next to the café. It is built of stone and in the shape of a three-aisled basilica with a dome, being one of the few buildings of its kind in Cyprus.
Taste the town’s juicy tomatoes and fruits. After all, don’t forget that the village is famous for its fruit and more for its tomatoes (for which it even hosts festivals every October). But it is renowned for its excellent water quality as well as for the wine it makes.
Visit the new Santa Irene Winery, a modern winery that has all modern winemaking and bottling equipment. The aim of the winery from the beginning was to promote the wine-making tradition of the area of Farmakas in particular, but also of the mountainous Pitsilia area as well as of Cyprus. The winery focuses on quality and authenticity and produces wines with a clear Cypriot character.
A special mention to the restaurant Ierambelos, which is co-located with the winery and where dishes are created that perfectly accompany the wines. Ierambelos is a real gem, with Cypriot and Greek creative cuisine. Every Sunday there is a lunch buffet with a variety of delicacies for everyone! Reservations 22 515515.
But you have more options in Farmakas for eating. You can relax at the Farmakas café (99 403069), letting the kids play casually in the beautiful playground, whilst enjoying the fragrant coffees, fresh snacks as well as a fine selection of foods such as stew, soufflé and, foreign cuisines. But you also have the option to stay.
Very close to Farmakas, you will find the village of Kambi where there is a special tavern that serves a rich Cypriot breakfast, souvlaki and meze every Sunday. You can get there in the morning for breakfast and then for food. Info: 22 643315.
Eleni’s Homemade Desserts: Eleni Antoniou Vassiliou on October 21, 2009, was awarded by the President of the Republic of Cyprus with the first prize in a nationwide competition held during the Agricultural Fair. Mrs Eleni makes our famous spoon sweets such as walnut, cherry, watermelon, citrus, pear, bergamot and orange and more special flavours such as kolokassi, onion, garlic and mushroom.
You can stay overnight at the village guesthouse FARMAKAS LIVING. Some houses have been renovated in the village and converted into luxury suites for rent, where breakfast is also available. Located in the centre of the village, the apartments are traditionally decorated with a modern touch. Farmakas Living has five great lodging options to offer you an unforgettable stay.
DON’T MISS
The 7th Festival of Local Traditional Products “Kopiaste” (10.00-17.00) will take place at Farmakas on Sunday 27 October. A good reason to visit the village, to enjoy traditional dishes of the place and rich artistic program.
