Thematic Routes of Cyprus
A Stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol… Lemesos
The Walking Tour (City Route) of ‘A Stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol… Lemesos’ is designed to acquaint visitors with one of Lemesos’ most important features – the seafront area known as ‘Molos’ or ‘Embankment’.
Traditionally a meeting point for the locals (Lemesiani), this area was turned into an open-air Sculpture Park, which exhibits works of art by Cypriot, Greek and international artists.
The tour also takes participants past the old port, and Lemesos Castle, which is now a museum on the Medieval history of Cyprus. It continues through the surrounding area – home to interesting stone-built warehouses, many of which have become restaurants and exhibition halls.
The walk then visits the sites of Great Mosque or Kepir Mosque, the Cathedral of Agia Napa, the Municipal Market and the traditional shopping centre of Agiou Andreou – now a quaint, pedestrian area.
Commandaria Wine Route
Take a trip back in time and discover the secrets of the island’s most ancient and famous wine – the sweet dessert wine of Commandaria – that has been praised and world-renowned for centuries.
The route through 14 Commandaria villages goes back to 1192 AD when the knights of St. John were perfecting the production of the world’s first named wine. The sweet wine took its identity from the place it was mainly produced – ‘La Grande Commanderie’ – which is the area now known as Kolossi. So famed was Commandaria that it even won in the first recorded wine tasting competition – the ‘Battle of the Wines’ – which took place in the 13th century, and was held by the French king Philip Augustus.
Indigenous Mavro (red) and Xynisteri (white) grapes are picked late in the season and dried in the sun to intensify their natural sweet flavours, giving the drink its distinctive taste. The dried grapes are then pressed, with the run-off collected and fermented in tanks or huge earthenware jars – much like those used in bygone times.
There are four wineries on this route, and a visit to the region is not complete without stopping by the refurbished wine press of Laneia, which has been maintained throughout the centuries, and serves as a reminder of the land’s glorious winemaking past. A further popular site is also the Medieval Castle of Kolossi – or ‘La Grande Commanderie’ as it was once known.
The villages themselves can all be found at an altitude of 500 to 900 metres. Their vines share the landscape with thick, bushy wild growth and sparse woods, whilst the rich flora and fauna are quite impressive – as are the historic and archaeological monuments of the vicinity. The area is also home to the Kouris Dam, the biggest in Cyprus, and an important wetland.
This historic route passes through: Lemesos (Limassol), Kolossi, Erimi, Monagri, Agios Georgios, Silikou, Doros, Laneia, Trimilkini, Agios Mamas, Kapileio, Zoopigi, Kalo Chorio, Agios Pavlos, Agios Konstantinos, Louvaras, Gerasa and Apsiou.
Discover the old Lefkosia (Nicosia) and its walls
Lefkosia, the only divided capital in the world, is situated practically in the centre of Cyprus and constitutes a rich cultural hub. The history of the city dates back to the Bronze Age. In antiquity and in early Christian times it was known as Ledra. It has been the capital of Cyprus since the Late Byzantine period (11th century). The Lusignans transformed it into a splendid city, with royal palaces and churches. The city centre, the old “Chora”, surrounded by 16th century walls, with museums, old churches and medieval buildings, maintains the leisurely atmosphere of yesteryear.
This guided tour offers a walk with reference to the most noteworthy sights within the walled city of Lefkosia:
Leventis Municipal Museum of Lefkosia(reference)
Archbishopric (old & new)
Trypiotis Church (Archangel Michael)
Agios Ioannis – St. John’s Cathedral
The Church of Our Lady Phaneromeni & school
Tachtakalas neighbourhood
Chryssaliniotitssa Church & Multicraft Centre
Stavros Tou Missirikou (Church converted into a mosque)
Short Coffee break
Municipal Arts Centre (Old Power Station)
Famagusta Gate – Venetian Walls
Archaeological Excavation Site
Total walking distance: Approx. 3.8 km (The walking route is indicative and may be altered if deemed necessary)
Lefkosia is ideal for walking as it enjoys abundant sunshine with mild winters & sunny summers, so put on some sunscreen cream, comfy shoes and a hat, take a bottle of cool water and join the tour!
Many streets within the old city are for pedestrians only, so the best way to get around is on foot
Most of the places of interest are within walking distance of each other
Krasochoria of Lemesos (Limassol) Wine Route
The Lemesos (Limassol) winemaking villages are renowned for their deep-rooted history of viticulture, as well as their excellent local wines and the stunning scenery of the area that produces them.
Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, nowhere else in Cyprus can such a great presence of wineries be found! Collectively, the villages are known as ‘Krasochoria’, which is comprised of the two Greek words for ‘wine’ and ‘villages’ – a name that tells the story of its rich winemaking history in itself.
The route is outstanding; a dry climate combined with a unique geology results in first-rate wines, made mostly from the local grape varieties Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red), as well as some imported varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache and Syrah among a total of 23 different varieties.
A total of 20 charming, unspoilt villages comprise this route with 16 wineries between them. The villages are well worth visiting, not only for their wineries, but also their traditional architecture, cobblestoned narrow passages and delightful surroundings. They are also home to some of the best-known tavernas on the island.
This scenic route passes through: Lemesos, Kolossi, Erimi (Cyprus Wine Museum), Kantou, Souni-Zanakia, Pano Kivides, Agios Amvrosios, Lofou, Vouni, Koilani, Pera Pedi, Mandria, Kato Platres, Omodos, Vasa, Malia, Arsos, Pachna, Anogyra and Avdimou.
Byzantine Route: 10 Painted Churches of Troodos Religious Route
Discover the island’s deep religious roots and its significance in the history of Christianity as you follow a path that takes in sacred churches and monasteries, all revered and priceless in their evidence of faith, and humbling to behold.
A genuine Byzantine treasure trove is nestled in the mountain range of Troodos, and reveals the island’s religious heritage through Holy buildings that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. With the island situated at crucial crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean, the land is characterised by one of the greatest concentrations of churches and grandiose monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire.
With 10 of these beautifully painted churches included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, days out can be spent driving through the areas of Pitsilia, Solea and Marathasa to uncover the stories of their origins, which are as fascinating as the structures themselves. Unique steep-pitched timber roofs shelter chunky wooden doors that open up onto an array of vivid icons and frescos depicting saints, Apostles and stories from the Bible in all their colourful glory.
The sequence of churches dedicated to the Holy Cross is particularly significant. They pay tribute to Agia Eleni, Mother of Constantine the Great, who passed through Cyprus when returning from the Holy Land and was integral in paving the path of Christianity on the island.
PITSILIA
1. Stavros tou Agiasmati
2. Metamorfosis tou Sotiro
3. Timios Stavros
4. Panagia tou Araka
SOLEA
5. Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis
6. Panagia Podithou
7. Panagia Asinou
MARATHASA
8. Agios Ioannis Lambadistis
9. Panagia tou Moutoulla
10. Archangelos Michael
Diarizos Valley Wine Route (Rural)
Take a fascinating journey along the Diarizos River, through beautifully unspoiled green landscapes dotted with picturesque vineyards, where you will discover the lesser-known wine-producing region of the Diarizos Valley, located east of Pafos (Paphos).
Unassuming in status, but breathtakingly lush, the route passes 14 hilly villages, with an opportunity to visit just two – yet significant – wineries that are placing the area firmly on the island’s wine-producing map.
Situated at a lower altitude than the other main winegrowing areas, the wines produced in the area are remarkable. Climbing upwards, you will come across 18 different types of vines, with the predominant being that of the local Mavro (red) grape variety. Its tranquil scenery and interesting flora and fauna are further enhanced by the genuine hospitality of the local people, and the pleasurable delights of its expanding wine trade.
This verdant route passes through: Pafos, Acheleia, Kouklia, Nikokleia, Choletria, Stavrokonnou, Kelokedara, Salamiou, Mesana, Arminou, Filousa, Agios Nikolaos, Praitori, Kedares, Agios Georgios, Mamonia and Fasoula.
Antiquity Cultural Route (Rural)
Discover the rich, historical wonders of an island that has seen many visitors through the ages, and bears the unique mark of each of them. As you follow a route of ancient ancestors, the insight and revelations they offer will transport you back to the adventures of bygone eras and heroic times. From the oldest settlements to grand architectural feats, a vast choice of archaeological sites can be explored, with so many paths leading back to the glorious past.
Begin your journey on the east coast with the ancient city of Kition in Larnaka (Larnaca). The site provides the first clear evidence that the Mycenaean Greeks arrived in Larnaka in the 13th century BC, and the Phoenicians in the 9th, and features temples dating back to these times.
Thereafter, head for new heights between Larnaka and Lemesos (Limassol), where the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia stands proudly on the hillside, distinctly marked out by cylindrical stone and mud dwellings that lay claim to the earliest permanent human housing on the island. The site is remarkably well-preserved and has been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Further down the southeast coast, the ancient Greco-Roman Kourion stands as one of the island’s top ancient highlights and was an important city-kingdom in antiquity. Its magnificent theatre was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. Today, the theatre has been completely restored and is used for open-air musical and theatrical performances during the summer months, commanding breathtaking views of the surrounding patchwork land and sea.
As you follow the coastline towards Pafos (Paphos), history further comes to life, with the whole town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its world-famous archaeological sites that stretch out from Palaipafos (Kouklia) to the heart of Kato Pafos. Included are ancient villas of stunning mosaics and numerous sites associated to the cult of the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite, whom legend tells was born of sea foam in the region.
Laona – Akamas Wine Route (Akamas region)
Travel through an evocative region of rugged coastlines and charming little villages, abundant with culture and lush vines and possessing a unique character that is both rustic and contemporary.
Situated in the north-western shores of Cyprus, quaint villages and wineries invite you to visit their windswept vineyards, where you will discover the indigenous Xynisteri (white) grape variety that grows in a climate tempered by the sea breeze.
The wines produced here are cool yet solid, with a fine aroma and among the best white wines produced on the island. When it comes to red wine, the region also produces some of the best, thanks to the rare and ancient grape variety of Maratheftiko.
Aside from a visit to four wineries, the area offers a host of traditional tavernas, elevated views, intense natural beauty and the opportunity to visit the stunning Akamas Peninsula.
This rugged route passes through: Pafos (Paphos), Mesogi, Tsada, Stroumbi, Kathikas, Akourdaleia, Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes, Ineia, Drouseia, Polis and Pegeia.
