Explore these villages in Limassol
Limassol is now a bustling cosmopolitan city by the sea, but it is steeped in tradition, and all you have to do is journey out of the town, visit some of the villages and learn about the rich history of the area, while exploring quaint streets reminiscent of a simpler past.
Spring is an ideal time to explore, as the flowers are beginning to blossom, and the towns welcome guests to discover their local traditions.
The region has long had a wine-making tradition, and many of the villages around the city are steeped in a vinicultural history, which carries on to today.
Limassol’s wine making villages are Lofou, Vouni, Kato Platres, Omodos, Vasa Koilaniou, Arsos, Anogyra, and Ayios Amvrosios. A tour of these towns is a perfect way to spend a day out in nature and sampling excellent local varieties.
Must See…
During a tour of the wine-making villages, you will surely want to stop at one of the local wineries, where you can sample local varieties. Stop by the new Oinou Gi-Ktima Vasileiadis Winery (+357 25 466000), and the winery Nikolaides (+357 97 778897) in Anogyra. Before visiting for a tour or tasting, call and reserve. Near the wineries in the town, lies the Vlasides Winery in Koilani (+357 97 789560) and Lambouris in Kato Platres (+357 25 422525), which also offer tours and tastings. There is also the Zambartas Winery (+357 25 942424) in Ayios Amvrosios.
Anogyra is also known for its pasteli factory, To Paradosiako (25 221500 & 99 765078), which makes the sweet sesame seed candy.
In Vasa Koilaniou, you can explore the Byzantine Museum and the Zivania Museum, where you will see how the island’s famous spirit is produced,
Where to stay
Apokryfo
The hotel/inn is housed in a renovated stone-built building, which blends into the local architecture of Lofou.
There are three types of rooms (suites, studio apartments, and small homes with two or three bedrooms). The hotel can fit approximately 30 guests, and there is a restaurant, Agrino, attached to it, which serves local cuisine. For more information call +357 25 813777 & 96 475530.
Oinoessa Boutique Houses
Located in the heart of Lofou, this inn blends into the village and is made up of three stone-built homes with eight studio apartments centred around a garden. It is an ideal place to relax, and there is free WiFi and a small breakfast included. For more information call +357 99373371.
Nicolas and Maria’s Cottages
This Anogyra rustic inn is a renovated house that has six studio apartments, which open out to a garden. The apartments are equipped with a small kitchen and dining area. Prices for a stay start at €60. For more information call +357 25 331963.
To Chorio
This inn in Vasa Koilaniou is made up of three independent homes, which share a garden. The homes are decorated with traditional items, and have all the modern comforts, and the inn offers a traditional Cypriot breakfast. For more information call +357 99 491455.
Iacovos House
The Omodos inn was recently renovated, and the two-storey house has two bedrooms and can fit up to four people. On the first floor, guests will find the kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. The two bedrooms are on the second floor, and are equipped with two single beds, a sofa bed, bathroom, and balcony. There is also a large private garden. For more information call +357 99 829589 & 99 749065.
Staying in Vouni
The inn Oinou Strata (+357 25 944244) has three suites for guests to stay in. The inn also has a large wine selection, made up of 50 varieties from Cyprus, Greece, and other countries. The inn’s garden is an ideal place to enjoy a meal and drink.
Also…
If you are looking to stay in Arsos, try Cornaro House (+357 99 314684), Arsorama (+357 97 889999), or Moustos (+357 99 679788). In Omodos you can try Pantelis House (+357 99 829589, 99 749065). Lofou also offers Agrovino (+357 25 470202) and Apanemia (+357 99 527711), while in Apsiou, you can head to Aprsiou Stone House (+357 99 652241) or Blue Cottage (+357 99 649331). Also look into Lasmaris Bouquet (+357 99 580200) or Vouni Lodge (+357 99 685395).
