Page 64 - Annual Magazine 2018

TRAVELLING | ROAD TRIP
Omodos Village LIMASSOL WINE VILLAGES Following the winding mountain roads into higher altitudes, you will
On the Limassol – Paphos highway, take the exit for Avdimou and reach the picturesque villages of Kato Platres, and a little further up,
embark on a scenic route through 20 charming, unspoiled villages, with Pano Platres. Not too far off is Lania, a well-preserved village of narrow
16 wineries among them. You will notice the dry climate, with a specific cobbled streets where you can peer into beautifully restored traditional
geology that is conducive to the local grape varieties Xynisteri (white) homes with large courtyards. The old wooden wine press is still on
and Mavro (red), as well as certain imported varieties, including Cabernet display for visitors all year-round.
Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache and Syrah.
Finally, don’t forget to make a pit-stop at the Cyprus Wine Museum
The villages include Pachna, Agios Amvrosios, Malia, Arsos, Vasa, in Erimi to cap off your journey through the island’s winemaking
Omodos, Mandria, Kato Platres, Lania, Doros, Lofou, Ayios Therapon, tradition, from its humble beginnings to the powerhouse that it is today.
Vouni, Pera Pedi, Erimi, Kolossi, Anogyra, Kantou, Pano Kivides, and
Souni – Zanakia. COMMANDARIA VILLAGES
This route takes you along a steady rising road that gives way to an
expanse of countryside, through 14 Commandaria producing villages.
Walking in Arsos Village
At an altitude of 500 to 900 meters, these villages are surrounded by
vineyards of indigenous red Mavro and white Xynisteri grapes. These
grapes are the backbone of this deliciously sweet wine.

The Commandaria villages include Kolossi, Erimi, Monagri, Agios
Georgios, Silikou, Doros, Lania, Trimiklini, Agios Mamas, Kapileio,
Zoopigi, Kalo Chorio, Agios Pavlos, Agios Konstantinos, Louvaras,
Discovering Cyprus’ So, jump into your car
Gerasa and Apsiou.

and let’s take a trip
Wine Villages Millomeris Waterfalls near Platres through the Cypriot

countryside.

C

“Roads are made for journeys, not destinations” Highlights
Confucius
Stop by the Kolossi Castle in the village of Kolossi. This fortress
dates back to the age of the Crusaders, and the Order of Knights
of St. John, who were stationed there, were early adopters and
Story by Rachel Chrysostom developers of this sweet local delicacy. In fact, they gave it its
name that it still proudly carries to this day.
Along the route you will find the Kouris Dam, the largest
man-made lake in Cyprus, and an important wetland of great
Highlights ecological value to the island.

Cyprus has a longstanding tradition of winemaking, and produces a wide island to choose from, whether you are a connoisseur, or simply enjoy the In Pachna you will see two-story houses built with characteristic The Commandaria Villages have very limited levels of rainfall and
overall dry growing conditions. This, combined with the high altitude
variety of wines ranging from the ancient sweet-tasting Commandaria, pleasure of a drink once worshipped as the ‘nectar of the Gods.’ limestone blocks nestled amid the vines and carob trees. Visit the and unique soil is what gives Commandaria its characteristic flavor
to more well-known global varieties, including Chardonnay, Cabernet village winery, or stop for a refreshment at the local coffee shop. and aroma.
Sauvignon, and Shiraz. While the island’s wine industry has been The first route is aptly named after the Limassol Wine Villages, or Malia village has a long history of wine-production, and its winery re- Don’t miss the Commandaria Museum in Zoopigi village for some
thoroughly modernized and greatly expanded, there are still many villages ‘Krasochoria.’ The crown jewel of the Cyprus wine routes, this itinerary opened its doors in 1996. Many of the village’s well-preserved stone in-depth knowledge – and a few samplings – of this delicious wine.
that produce wine in the old traditional ways, and these make for a fun day boasts the highest concentration of wineries on the island and takes you houses still have stills for making Zivania, a local spirit distilled from
of exploring! So, jump into your car and let’s take a trip through the Cypriot through about twenty villages, some of which will give the impression of grape must.
countryside, along slopes of shimmering green vineyards, cobbled streets a journey back in time. The village of Arsos is perched on a steep, chalky hillside. Take some
and nature trails, for a chance to discover the island’s glorious winemaking time to meander through its narrow lanes, and visit the local olive Kolossi Medieval Castle
history – and sample some tipple along the way. The second route is the Commandaria Route, dedicated to the amber press, mineral water springs, and the folk art museum.
colored sweet dessert wine known as Commandaria. The oldest wine in
PLANNING YOUR DAY TRIP the world still in production, can remarkably be traced back to 800 BC. Vasa is a major wine producing village, and you will notice that many
Guests at Aphrodite Hills Resort can pop into the on-site branch of Leos Fourteen Commandaria-producing villages can be found on this route, of the red-roofed, whitewashed houses still display their large, clay
Car Rental Cyprus and select from its wide range of luxury cars for hire. offering your tastebuds ample opportunities to sample this delicious nectar. wine jars (pitharia) and Zivania stills in the garden. The Vasa Winery is
Whether you want to tackle the dirt roads with a four by four SUV, or located in a beautifully restored stone building, and well worth a visit.
breeze along with the wind in your hair in a sporty convertible, Leos Car The final two routes are for those of you who enjoy taking the road less Omodos is the Cyprus Wine Village Capital, and visitors can enjoy
Rental has you covered! traveled. A breathtaking journey through the winding villages of Paphos, wandering its quaint streets, taking in the medieval wine press,
down the rugged coastline and across unspoiled green landscapes, where or ‘Linos,’ the handmade Papilla lace made by local women, and
Once you’ve selected your vehicle, it’s time to map out a route. The Cyprus you will see parts of Cyprus you never knew existed and sample some sampling the delicious specialty ‘arkatena’ bread, baked with chickpea
Tourism Organization has mapped out a number of wine routes across the delicious local wine varieties. fermentation.
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