What to Do

Whilst in the villages make sure you take at least one of the wine routes to visit some of the capital’s wineries. The wine route that passes through both Larnaca and Nicosia’s mountainous area goes through 10 villages and includes three wineries with vineyards with the white wine varieties of Assyrtiko, Malvasia Aromatica, Chardonnay Xynisteri and Sauvignon blanc, and the red varieties of Maratheftiko, Cabernet and Merlot. The route passes through Nicosia, Skarinou, Lefkara, Kato Drys, Vavla, Ora, Odou, Farmakas, Gourri, Fikardou and Kalo Chorio. The Anama Concept, a winery situated in Lythrodontas village is also worth visiting. Operated by an oenologist and a jewellery designer they specialise in the making of both traditional and innovative products that are authentically Cypriot including the produce of Commandaria, the world’s oldest wine produced on the island of Cyprus for more than five thousand years. Commandaria Anama is being exported to many countries around the world including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany and Greece. At Santa Irene Winery in the village of Farmakas, you will come across the cultivation of two local varieties- the red variety Mavro Ambelisimo with four labels, and the white Xynisteri variety which has been internationally awarded in Thessaloniki, Vienna and London. The vines in Farmakas are being cultivated for more than 100 years. Book your wine tasting and vineyard tour and enjoy picturesque views as you explore the vineyards high up in the Nicosia mountains while your guide provides you with all the information about the viticulture and history of the region. Enjoy a culinary tour of fusion Cyprus cuisine at the winery’s fusion restaurant Ierambelos, including a gourmet lunch or dinner on the picturesque balconies of the Santa Irene winery. Aes Ambelis Winery in the village of Kato Chorio is open for public visits and tastings all year round. Guests can taste wines in the hall overlooking the barrel aging cellar on one side and the beautiful Pitsilia mountains on the other, and also enjoy the winery tour that follows the winemaking process from grape to glass. Accompany your tasting with artisanal premium cheese and charcuterie selections from local traditional producers.