A company with Israeli capital has applied for permits to build 60 residential houses, create a campsite, and launch a winery in the Limassol district, near the abandoned village of Trozena.
The project has already caused a broad public reaction, partly due to rumors about the “sale of the village to foreigners” that have been actively spreading on social media. According to local authorities, this is not a sale of the entire village as a single asset, but rather the purchase of separate land plots for future development. The fact that the application has been submitted has been officially confirmed, but no final decision has yet been made.
What Exactly Is Planned
It is known that the residential houses would be built within the historic core of the village, where the main settlement once stood. The winery is also planned for the same area and could become an important element of agritourism and visitor attraction. The campsite, meanwhile, would be located outside the center of the settlement, on its outskirts.
When compared with historical data, the scale of the project appears highly ambitious. In 1946, when Trozena reached its peak population, 133 people lived there; in 1931, there were only 64 residents. Even in 1960, the population stood at 106. This means the planned development could significantly exceed the village’s historic built-up scale.
Development Conditions and Restrictions
The area where the project is planned falls within residential zone H1, which permits the construction of residential buildings, small complexes, and individual houses. Under standard conditions, buildings of up to three floors and 11.4 meters in height are allowed here, with a building coefficient of 120% and coverage of up to 70%.
However, the key factor remains the site’s location within the European Natura 2000 ecological network. This means that any construction requires an in-depth environmental assessment. The Department of Environment has already expressed concern about the project’s possible impact on local flora and fauna, emphasizing that the area has a high level of biodiversity and requires protection.
Approval Process and Risks
At this stage, the project is still under review. Limassol authorities have not yet issued a construction permit. Additional expert assessments are being carried out, including an environmental impact analysis and a review of compliance with planning regulations.
Interestingly, the project applications were not submitted as one unified complex but divided into several parts. The residential houses, winery, and campsite are being examined separately. Nevertheless, when making a decision, the authorities will consider the cumulative impact of all facilities rather than each application in isolation.
Public Reaction and the Project’s Significance
The project has sparked active debate in society. Some residents see the initiative as a chance to breathe new life into a long-abandoned area, create jobs, and develop tourism. Others fear excessive construction, environmental risks, and the growing influence of foreign capital on Cyprus’s real estate market.
Against the backdrop of rising interest from foreign investors in Cypriot real estate in 2025–2026, such projects are becoming increasingly common. At the same time, the authorities are trying to balance capital attraction with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. One way or another, the fate of Trozena will become a telling example of how Cyprus develops abandoned areas in the coming years, taking into account the interests of investors, local residents, and environmental standards.