Wine Region & Troodos Foothills
The slopes between Limassol and the Troodos Mountains are Cyprus's oldest and most significant wine region. Wine has been cultivated here for over 5,000 years — Cyprus is one of the world's oldest wine-growing regions.
★★★ Commandaria Region
14 villages north of Limassol form the protected designation of origin for Commandaria — the sweet dessert wine considered the oldest named wine in the world. The Crusaders brought it to Europe in the 12th century, and Richard the Lionheart is said to have drunk it at his wedding in Limassol.
The grapes (Mavro and Xynisteri) are sun-dried after harvest until they are raisin-like, then fermented. The result: an amber-colored, honey-like wine with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and spices.
Wineries with tastings:
- KEO Winery, Limassol: The largest winery on the island with free tours and tastings. Their dry Xynisteri and Othello red wine are also excellent.
- Commandaria St. John, Koilani: Boutique winery in the picturesque village of Koilani, specializing in premium Commandaria.
- Tsiakkas Winery, Pelendri: Award-winning organic wines at 900 m altitude. Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, and an outstanding rosé.
- Laneia Winery, Laneia: Small family winery in the picture-perfect village of Laneia. Personal tours and tastings.
💡 Tipp
A wine route through the Commandaria villages (Koilani, Omodos, Laneia, Silikou) can be perfectly planned as a day trip from Limassol — just a 30–45 minute drive. Each village has wineries and taverns. But: Someone must stay sober for driving!
Omodos — The Showcase Wine Village
★★ Omodos
The prettiest wine village in Cyprus is located at an altitude of 900 m and is centered around a cobblestone square with the Monastery of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross Monastery). The alleys are full of souvenir shops, wine merchants, and lace makers at work.
The Linos Wine Press in the village is a restored medieval wine press house — you can see how grapes were stomped centuries ago. Also, traditional Palouze (grape must pudding) and Soutzoukos (nuts coated in grape syrup, hanging like sausages on strings).
Omodos, 40 km north of Limassol. Monastery free. Parking on the outskirts. Best visited on weekdays — crowded with tour groups on weekends.
