17 Amazing things to do in Pelendri, and Agros Cyprus

Last Updated on August 4, 2021 by Tia

In this article come with me, to explore 17 amazing things to do in the villages of Pelendri and Agros Cyprus! From nature trails, wine tasting sessions, Unesco churches, rose factories, brunch spots, and picnic sites, there is something for everyone regardless of age and budget!

So dive right into the 17 awesome things to do in Pelendri and Agros Cyprus, and let’s not leave any corner of Cyprus uncovered!

Me in front of an almont tree that is in full bloom! Spring time in Pelendri, Cyprus is so great!

My travel show ”Tia Does Agrotourism” – an online travel show that focuses on the hidden beauties of mountainous Cyprus is back for Season 2! Today marks the 1st episode of the new season and I cannot wait to show you more of Cyprus’s culture, nature, and unforgettable activities! If you want a recap of Season 1, be sure to check it out here

Table of Contents

Pelendri Village

In mountainous Limassol and just 15 minutes from Agros, we arrive in Pelendri, a village with natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage that will win you over from the very first visit!

Known for its annual Zivania Festival, the magnificent taverns, a special winery, and of course the church of the Holy Cross, a 12th century building, and one that is included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wine, fruit, and vegetables are also in abundance in Pelendri

Pelendri has a lot to offer, so let's go for a walk and explore it together!

The best things to do in Pelendri

1. Explore Pelendri Village of foot

Pelendri is known for its traditional architecture and its maintenance of culture. In the town center, you will find great examples of traditional local architecture that will take you on a journey back to different, and simpler times.

The homes are crafted with local stones and the window blinds and doors are all made from local woods. Not all of the houses are picture-perfect or maintained as they should be, so I would like to re-visit and see if changes are made in the future!

Me standing in front of a green wooden door in Pelendri village

2.Wine tasting at Pelendri’s Jewel – Tsiakkas Winery

Τsiakkas winery gives you another excellent reason for an excursion to the beautiful Pelendri village. Overlooking the beautiful Troodos mountain range.  among pines and vineyards we enjoy a special experience!

The vineyards during spring time at Tsiakkas winery in Pelendri, Cyprus

Here, you can taste 9 different varieties of wine, as well as other experimental wines, and of course, the zivania for which the village is famous for! 

The winery is a family business - since 1988 - and their love for their legacy is evident throughout. When i visited, there were huge works underway that will ultimately elevate Tsiakkas to the top of his game, and I am excited to see the outcome! 

20 hectares of vineyards - both their own and others that they rent out - are cultivated with love and care and produce wines such as commandaria, mavro, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay barrique and many more.

Opening Hours: Open from 10 am to 4 pm except for Sundays. (this is subject to change, as the winery might soon be opening on Sundays). Closed from 31st December until 6th January

For wine tasting, please contact the winery first, and make an appointment!

3. Light a candle at Timios Stavros Unesco Church

The beautiful Holy Cross Church is decorated with exquisite wall paintings and frescoes of the Palaiologan period and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Drone shot of Timiou Stavrou Church, that is part of Unesco's World Heritage Sites in Pelendri village

Originally built around the middle of the 12th century, it underwent various renovations and additions to presently appear as a three aisle church with a beautiful dome

If you are interested in religious tourism in Pelendri, make sure you check out this in-depth article on the church of Timiou Stavrou.

4. Religious tourism in Pelendri- Panayia Katholiki

If you like to explore old churches and learn about their history or if you are into art, then you should head to the Panayia Katholiki church in the village.

It is only a 5-minute walk from the church of Timiou Stavrou, and it is no longer used as a house of worship.

Drone shot of Panayia Katholiki in Pelendri, Cyprus

The church was built in the 17^th century and there is an ecclesiastical museum attached to it. The church showcases rare heirlooms from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The walls of the temple are built with natural, local stone, and its most interesting element is the stone decor, particularly the fishbone pattern above the window of the sanctuary.

The size and historical value of the temple led to the Holy Metropolis of Limassol, in collaboration with the Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation, the Department of Antiquities, and the local authorities, to turn its interior into a painting treasury. The collection of icons it houses include notable samples of Byzantine art in Cyprus, and almost all the icons featured on the iconostasis, which depict the Virgin Mary with Christ, Saint John the Theologian, and Saint Mamas, are influenced by Italian art of the 16th century.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00-13:00 and 15:00 – 17:30. Saturdays 9:00 – 13:00

Contact Number: 99909393 and 99662286

5. Have a picnic at Kolokasi Park Picnic area in Pelendri

Are you a picnic or barbeque lover? If the answer is yes, then a visit to Kolokasi Park is a must!

Visitors looking to explore the flora and fauna of the Troodos Mountains, or just take in the beauty of nature, will want to head to the Pelendri visitor’s area. There, you can explore all the various trails that lead from the area and take in the surroundings. At Kolokasi park, you can have a picnic or barbeque in a beautiful setting!

Location of Kolokasi Picnic Park

Loaves of Pelendritiko bread - a specialty only found in Pelendri village

6. Taste traditional baked goods at Pelendritiko bakery

The village is known for the bakery ‘Pellentritiko’ that produces fresh bread daily and other delights. 3.000 loaves of bread are baked here per week, and the star of this bakery is the famous Pelendritiko bread! The bakery has been producing goods since 1960 in their bakery in Pelendri, and deliver to many locations in Limassol too. Buy a loaf of Pelendritiko bread to take home, for breakfasts that smell and taste of Cyprus!

7. Eat the best Cyprus meze in a Pelendri Tavern

Symposio is not just any tavern! You simply must try the 18 hr slow-cooked Kleftiko with koumantaria that is cooked in the traditional wood-fired oven, along with the ‘’Antikristo’’, smoked ribs, and organic seasonal produce!

Me in front of Symposio tavern in Pelendri

In the summer months, the family’s small farm equips the tavern with organic, delicious produce – it doesn’t get any more agriculturally friendly than that! Imagine everything you are served, grows on a farm right in front of your eyes – this certainly sparked my interest!

Most people enjoy the meze here – which is a set menu of 20+ taste dishes (like tapas, but better – sorry Spain!), but there is also an opportunity to order a la carte – perfect for vegetarians or vegans, etc.

Seasonal Goodness at Symposio Tavern

The menu is seasonal – so it plays with the village’s strengths and what grows locally in the mountains of Pelendri according to the time of year. If you are lucky, you might even get to try ”Morchelles” – a rare mushroom that grows in the area!

Symposio tavern gets super busy – so early reservations are essential!

Call +357 99 404348 directly or contact them via the page I linked above.

Agros Cyprus

Ιn the area of Pitsilia, at an altitude of 1100 meters and adorned in May with thousands of roses, we meet one of the undisputed protagonists of the area!

Agros is only a 15- minute drive from Pelendri so the two villages can be enjoyed even on the same day or during a weekend escape out of the city!

In this beautiful setting, houses appear to graciously balance on the slopes of the Troodos mountains!

Me in the streets of Agros, the neighboring village of Pelendri

Tradition and progressive innovation blend harmoniously in Agros, and that is why I am not surprised to find everything here – from modern sports facilities, rich entertainment and cultural life.

The village locals are characterized as hard-working and passionate about their village and surroundings. The village’s modern highways make it a connection point between the cities of Nicosia and Limassol and the mountain region of Troodos.

So let’s go together to see what Agros has to offer- the restaurants, and nature trails, the famous local products, and of course, everything that has to do… with roses!

The best things to do in Agros Cyprus

8. Explore the village

Take your time to really explore the village, the little winding streets, the traditional houses, and the almond trees that are in full bloom during March and April.

In May, the village truly comes alive, as it is dressed in pink by the thousand of roses that are ready for picking by that time!

Me in between an almond tree and its brances in full bloom in Pelendri, Cyprus

9. Continue with a Cyprus Brunch at Mpakaliko tou Hapsi

Traditional Cypriot Brunch made with love and 100% local products like fresh eggs, locally made halloumi, and smoked meats from the village!

traditional Cyprus breakfast on a wooden table.

At Mpakaliko tou Hapsi – things are kept simple – and the result is gorgeous. Just three or four tables outside, and a cute and dainty interior that can also sit another 4-5 tables.

The menu is equally no frills! The famous ”mpoukoma” which practically translates to ”small bite to eat” is anything but small!

As you can see in the picture above, it Is a variety of fresh smoked meats (one of the things Agros is famous for), cheeses, fresh eggs from the barn, fresh jams, locally sourced vegetables, and bread, and delicious fried halloumi with fig that is to die for.

Other delicious things to eat at Mpakaliko tou Hapsi

Equally delicious on the menu is the ”pomilorotigania” which is essentially fried fresh tomatoes with eggs, onions, and goat’s halloumi cheese served with large chunks of freshly toasted bread.

The food menu is completed with three types of sandwiches, with three different types of bread. We got the ”agrotiko” – with smoked sausage, bacon, lountza, and halloumi cheese.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t try it because my IBS restricts me from eating most types of bread, and sesame seeds make me really ill! My filming crew devoured it though, so I think it deserves a mention!

Mpakaliko tou Hapsi has everything I LOVE about brunch in the villages of Cyprus. Classic, no-frills Cypriot breakfast, elevated in a rustic way – using organic, fresh, local produce. Bravo!

10. Agros restaurants – a few other options

If you are after other Agros restaurants, you can check out some of the options below!

Linari Tavern – +357- 25522215
Pezema Tavern – +357 99551381
Seven Hills Tavern – +357 25521152

11. Visit the Tsolakis Rose Factory

You cannot visit Agros or neighboring Pelendri and skip a visit to the Tsolakis Rose Factory! In May the factory collects 8 tonnes of roses!

At the Rose factory, you can find a huge variety of products that are all rose-related! For example, rose-infused chocolates, heavenly smelling candles, rose liqueur and nectar, organic rosewater, jams, wine, vinegar, and a complete organic skincare line!

me with the two directors of the rose factory in Agros

The Tsolakis family, chose the rich-soil region of Agros, to plant its famous roses. Remaining faithful to tradition and to the preservation of nature, they cultivate the ”Rosa Damascena” rose in Agros Cyprus, for 70 years.

As a result, they are experts at creating the purest rose products for wellness and daily care; using their two well-established products: organic rosewater and the rare rose essential oil.

To Visit Tsolakis Rose Factory: Contact Here

12. Agros cyprus rose festival

It is May in Agros and Mother Nature is orchestrating her symphony. It is finally time for the annual Agros Cyprus rose festival and everyone is eager to get started! The buds of the Rose of Damascus have not yet opened completely, and they are finally ready for harvesting!

The rose festival kicks off at dawn because the thousands of delicate petals must be picked before the sun heats them up, causing them to lose their strong fragrance!

For one kilo of rose petals, 400 – 500 roses have to be picked, and Harvesting lasts between 20 and 25 days. At the Tsolakis plantation, roughly between 30,000 and 50,000 roses are hand-picked per day. The roses have to be placed in the cauldron for distillation as soon as possible.

Harvesting has the sweetness of a festival, where friends are present, and where acquaintances and strangers are welcome. If you are at Agros in May, you can take an active part in the Agros Cyprus rose festival, by harvesting roses – where you will also find me! I can’t wait for this experience! Simply contact Tsolakis Rose factory to receive details and they will tell you where and when to meet!

At the annual Rose Festival, there are a whole host of activities to enjoy, whether you want to indulge in an earthy hands-on experience, wish to try some local produce, or just be an observer to the festivities!

What can someone do in the Agros Cyprus Rose Festival?

The festival usually starts with an early morning rose collection session, followed by a kickoff ceremony and cultural event dedicated to roses.

There are plenty of other festivities to entertain the crowds, like traditional dancing, folk music, food competitions, and more.

The festival usually takes place in May – the last one was (May 11th -12th and 18th -19th). Unfortunately, the rose festival in 2020 was canceled due to Covid, but here is hoping 2021 will be a better year! Stay up to date with the festival here for new dates and news.

Where to stay in Agros Cyprus

The Rodon Mount Hotel and Resort is a true wonder hidden beautifully in mountainous Cyprus offering panoramic and unhindered views! Operating for more than 30 years in the heart of Cyprus, it has a reputation of a true paradise destination.

This is no ordinary hotel; it is a luxury resort and one of the absolute gems of the village! The facilities are enormous and include an outdoor Swimming pool, Gym, Massage services, Tennis Court, Cycling facilities, football Court, basket Court, volley Court, and hiking services!

rodon hotel veranda overlooking the tennis courtin Agros Cyprus

The rooms are beautiful with a choice between a standard, superior, family and disabled friendly too! And of course, the suites are breathtaking too if you feel like splurging! You will enjoy every minute in one of the 156 recently renovated rooms, decorated with style and comfortable furnishing!

BOOK RODON HOTEL NOW

13. Take a moments of peace at Panayia Eleousa Church

Panayia Eleousa is located in the center of the village so you will definitely come across it when you are walking around! It is an impressive and large church, that can fit as many as 1500 worshipers.

Built with local stone on the surface of its outer walls, the temple was constructed in 1909 on the ruins of the Agros monastery. The altar is the same as the one in the original temple of the monastery, and the iconostasis is wooden and engraved.

Panayia Eleousa Church in Agros. Religious tourism enthusiasts will like to combine Agros and Pelendri and their many interesting churches!

The icon of Panayia Eleousa was painted, according to religious sources, by Apostle Luke. The chapel next to the church was built in 1990, and the icon is kept safe inside it. There are also other items saved there, such as a part of the monastery’s original altar, the icon of Christ, holy books, and more.

On the 21st of November, the church of Panayia Eleousa is celebrated, and the church receives thousands of believers through its doors.

14. Relax with a coffee and some cured meats at Kafkalias

Since 1978, this family-run business produces unique smoked meats with respect to tradition along with the passion and experience conveyed through generations.

Along with a plethora of delicious meats, you can also find ‘’Tsamarella’’, which is distinguished by Slowfood as Presidium – a title given to products that are unique, invaluable, and tend to disappear.

All of the smoked meats are free from conservatives and have won many awards such as ”Gastronomos” in 2017 for the delicious Lountza and ”Best Cyprus Product” in 2011 for the Tsamarella. You can buy to eat on the spot or vacuum seal to take home – and enjoy with a glass of Cyprus red wine, ouzo, or other drink! Personally, I devoured my weight in the snacks- i am practically obsessed with the Hiromeri!

To visit the shop, Click here

meats getting smoked in the traditional way in Agros, the village next to Pelendri

15. Explore nature at Kato Milos nature trail

The starting point of this nature trail that is 6km long is near the impressive Rodon Hotel in Agros. To hike the entire trail you will need approximately 2 hours, so make sure you take water and wear a hat during the summer months!

You can observe beautiful nature including cherry and pear trees, as well as vineyards and rose plantations.

Me standing in the forest in Pelendri looking out into nature

16. Try the best sweets and marmalades in the village

At Niki’s you will find the most extensive variety of freshly made jams and traditional spoon sweets – and each one is more delicious than the other!

Mrs. Niki, a vibrant, energetic woman, and her shop are situated just a few meters from the rose factory. Her business is certified with ISO 22000 and has been going strong for the past 30 years!

In 2004, the company made its first export order to Australia. Today the company exports its products to more than 6 countries including England, Australia, the USA, France, Japan, and Egypt.

It produces soutziouko, spoon sweets, and marmalade, as well as sweets and jam with no sugar – suitable for diabetics, and a plethora of other delicious Cypriot items!

two bergamot spoon sweets and two glasses of water on a glass table in Pelendri

What are spoon sweets and Soutziouko?

Spoon Sweets: Spoon sweets are preserved fruit and vegetables over a long period of time in syrup, and they are a traditional Greek and Cypriot sweet loved by many generations! Served with coffee, or as dessert, there is a huge variety to choose from! Niki’s sweets produce 20 types of spoon sweets, such as orange, apricot, watermelon, rose, and fig, and some peculiar tastes like aubergine, pumpkin, walnut, and my personal favorite; bergamot!

Soutziouko: One of Cyprus’s most significant traditional sweets! Soutzioukos is made with grape juice, whole wheat flour, and rosewater. Once the mixture is cooked, a string of walnuts or almonds is dipped into it. Each layer dries and the dipping procedure lasts for five to six days. Seriously unique and delicious!

Rows of Soutzoukos hanging indoors to dry. Traditional soutzoukos is made fresh weekly in Pelendri, and other villages in Cyprus

To visit Niki’s Sweets: Contact her here

17. Watch the sunset at the nearby Agridia Dam

The beauty of the natural scenery of Agridia is enhanced by the water dam which was built in 1983. The dam is only 3km from Agros and 9km from Pelendri and it is located between hills with sparse wild vegetation.

Agridia Dam, is a small dam in Agridia village, next to Pelendri

Ampelikos Traditional Agrohotel

Ambelikos is a superb example of preserved Cyprus heritage. This beautiful agro-hotel is located in Potamitissa, a village that is km from Pelendri and km from Agros. These stone-built houses are completely renovated with beautiful and modern facilities while preserving their original character and charm.

The fascinating part is that Ampelikos is a unique eco-friendly hotel, ideal for those who seek peace in nature, hiking in fragrant fields, observing flora and fauna or exploring the picturesque mountain area of Pitsilia, including the legendary Commandaria area and Troodos Geopark.

Ambelikos features a Reception room and a lounge with a fireplace for cozy nights in!

There are a total of 15 rooms in a traditional décor with modern amenities, all of them with balcony or terrace overlooking the mountains, the village, and the valley. Not all rooms are the same – some hold more traditional aesthetics such as stone-built walls, and others boast a jacuzzi for the ultimate relaxation!

BOOK AMPELIKOS AGROHOTEL: 00357- 25522211

Thank you for reading about the 17 best things to do in Pelendri and Agros Cyprus! Let me know in the comments below if I left anything awesome behind and I will gladly add it to this mix 🙂

To find out everything you need to know about visiting Cyprus check out the related articles below! There you will find every detail you need about when to visit, where to go, how long to stay for what to eat, and fabulous hotels to stay in!

Love, Tia

All About Cyprus And Exotic Destinations

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