Agritourism in Cyprus is quite popular. It involves visiting villages, getting to know more closely the culture and life of the local population, their history and, of course, cuisine. If you find yourself in Limassol and don't mind taking a drive to its remote (and not so remote) corners, our compilation can give you some interesting ideas.
Platres (39 km from Limassol)
One of the "highest" villages in Cyprus: it is located at an altitude of about 1120 meters above sea level. Near it lies the border with the Nicosia area, but most importantly, it is home to a ski resort. It is located on the slopes of Mount Olympus and operates for about 3 winter months of the year. Just at this time, snow falls in the Cypriot mountains.
In summer it is not as hot in the highlands as on the coast. This fact is what has allowed the village to become popular since ancient times. Many historians believe that Platres is one of the oldest villages in Cyprus, as there are references to it in the records of the Lusignan era (which is the 12th century!). In the XX century, locals and tourists appreciated the charm of the clean mountain air, fragrant with the aromas of coniferous trees, magnificent views and comfortable temperature. That is why the resort infrastructure was thoroughly developed. Today in Platres you can have a great vacation and even buy real estate with stunning views.
The seemingly small village has a lot of interesting things to do, and there are plenty of sights to see. So it's recommended that you come here not just for a day, but for a longer stay. Here's what you can do in Platres:
- Take a walk along the hiking trails in the surrounding area, contemplating the unique views and getting revitalized by the mountain air. It is recommended to go to the Millomeris waterfall: it is especially beautiful (because it is full of water) in the off-season.
- Visit the church and chapel of Panagia Faneromeni. The chapel, although smaller, is of historical and architectural value, as it was built much earlier than the new and larger church.
- Go as a family to the Sparti Platres Rope Adventure Park.
- Stop by the chocolate factory to buy some goodies or even take a master class.
- Fish lovers are advised to get to the trout farm and wine lovers to the local winery.
- After strolling through the streets of Platres, have lunch at a local tavern. If you haven't tried meze yet, you should definitely give it a try!
Platres is quite a famous village in Cyprus, and it's definitely worth a visit. The impressions will stay for a long time.
Platres village on the map
Pyrgos (13 km from Limassol)
If you don't want or don't have time to go far, you can choose Pyrgos for a deeper acquaintance with Cyprus. It is located in the foothills, and a fine highway leads to it. A few minutes by car and from the center of Limassol you can get directly to the old (to be more precise, ancient) village.
By the way, many emigrants, and native Limassolians, began to show interest in buying real estate in Pyrgos. It really has a top location: on the one hand, close to nature, silence and the sea - on the other hand, to the busy city with all its infrastructure. There are options of ready-made houses, apartments and even plots of land.
The most important "attraction" of Pyrgos is its age. Many historians claim that the first settlement was founded about 5 thousand years ago! A lot of interesting things have indeed been preserved here... well, as preserved - archaeologists have found many small but significant fragments.
Hint: it should not be confused with Pyrgos in the Paphos area.
There are plenty of exciting things to do and sights to see in Pyrgos too. These are:
- Several horse ranches where you can ride horses with great views.
- Gorgeous clean beaches - some of the best in the whole Limassol area.
- Paintball Club. Good fun for families and companies.
- Euphoria Art Land Park - unusual, beautiful, the whole family will love it.
- Abandoned copper mines. Of course, it is not recommended to go down there, but just to look at it is interesting!
- Three churches: Panagia Pyrgotissa, Panagia Neroforusa and Ayia Marina.
In addition, you can arrange a luxury vacation, turning to the hotel infrastructure. There you can find a spa center, water entertainment (relevant in summer), and much more.
Pyrgos village on the map
Omodos (40 km from Limassol)
Omodos is located at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level and therefore has beautiful views. Today it can be considered one of the most "promoted" tourist villages in Cyprus. It should be noted that this "promotion" is quite fair. There are beautiful views, perfectly preserved native Cypriot culture and village architecture, delicious food and delicacies, winemaking... in general, it is worth staying in Omodos for a few days. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
Of course, the most important things to do in Omodos are walking along the cobblestone streets among old houses with brightly colored tiles. Along the way, you can browse the different shops and look at or buy authentic things. For example, in Omodos they do special embroidery, and it is always great to buy something made by hand.
It's worth paying attention to all sorts of goodies. The shops sell suzuki (the closest relative of the well-known churchkhela), jams, lukums and other delights for the sweet tooth. You should definitely try the unique crispy bread called "Arkatena Koulouria": it is made only here on chickpea sourdough and with spices. And of course, after your walk, you should go to a local tavern and satisfy your hunger.
What else you can do in Omodos:
- Visit the Church of the Holy Cross. This is a large old church, the first buildings of which date back to around the 12th century.
- Stop by one of the wineries to learn about the wine making process and even have a wine tasting.
- Visit the Socratos House Museum to experience the life of people who lived in Cyprus 50-100 years ago.
Pay attention to hotels that offer guests to stay in authentic Cypriot houses with appropriate interiors. This is a separate kind of pleasure that allows you to get even closer to the history of Cyprus.
Omodos Village on the map
Monagroulli (20 km from Limassol)
A small and not so famous village, remote from Limassol. In tourist guides it is unfortunately rarely mentioned! It is a beautiful and quiet place where you can spend a weekend or a whole vacation tastefully.
First of all, Monagroulli has access to the sea - picturesque white cliffs, which are an "extension" of the famous Governors Beach. Except that everyone knows about the Governor's Beach, and no one usually goes further than it. So tourists in Monagrulli are guaranteed silence, tranquility and a high degree of privacy.
Secondly, there is a cave-tunnel, which goes to the sea. It is not worth going inside, of course, but definitely do take photos.
Thirdly, the picturesque old streets of Monagrulli are favorable for strolling. It is here you can spend time in silence and tranquility in motion and at the same time rest your soul. It is recommended to visit local tavernas along the way, so you can get to know the traditional Cypriot cuisine.
By the way, Monagroulli grows a lot of delicious and unusual for us fruits. For example, near the coast there is a farm of dragonfruit (aka pitahaya), and the village also cultivates opuntia, or cactus fruit.
Finally, like any Cypriot village, Monagroulli has its own Orthodox churches. These are the monastery of St. George Alamanou and the church of Agios Theodoros.
Monagroulli Village on the map
Pentakomo (23 km from Limassol)
Pentakomo is the "neighbor" of Monagroulli, which means that here too there are white cliffs that go to the sea. And this is good news for those who love picturesque coasts. Yes, this is where the very same Governor's Beach is located. Pentakomo is also a quiet and peaceful village, which is not known for its large influx of tourists, even in high season. Meanwhile, it has a long history: according to some sources, the first settlement on the site of Pentakomo was founded in the VIII century!
In addition to the clean beaches and magnificent coastline, we can mention the beauty of the village itself. The authentic look of the village has been preserved, so tourists who come here will enjoy the stone streets and houses, as well as the flowering gardens and quiet atmosphere.
Among the sights are the Chapel of St. John and the Church of St. Antipas. If you go a little outside the village, you will find the Sayious Adventure Park, where you can go buggy riding, the equally interesting village of Asgata and the Kalavasos Dam with excellent picnic areas.
Pentakomo Village on the map.
Lofou (26 km from Limassol)
Lofou is located at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level and is therefore considered to be quite a mountain village. It doesn't cover a very large area, but Lofou has a good reputation in Cyprus - and for good reason.
Its name translates as 'hill', which is not surprising as the village is situated on picturesque hills that have made it one of the most visually beautiful villages in Cyprus. The abundance of greenery and historic architecture complete the picture, making it a real treat for the eyes.
Among the sights worth mentioning are, of course, the church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa, as well as the olive press, which is over 200 years old. If you have long wanted to get acquainted with how olive oil was pressed in Cyprus, you will definitely like it.
And last but not least - where can you go without delicious food! In Cyprus, a visit to a village tavern is a must on the program of activities. Be sure to dine in Lofu and appreciate the soulfulness with which the food is prepared in small, but so cozy places.
Lofu village on the map
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