Last Updated on March 4, 2021 by Tia
Agrotourism in Cyprus is in full swing, and in this episode of my travel show, we are exploring the villages of Farmakas, Palaichori, and Askas, in the wonderful Nicosia District! Let’s go right ahead and see what these villages have to offer – and how you too, can explore the lesser-known – off the beaten path side of Cyprus.
Table of Contents
WATCH THE VIDEO EPISODE OF THESE VILLAGES HERE
Agrotourism in Cyprus – Farmakas Village
The weather changes, the days are getting shorter, and we are slowly looking to combine our trips with plenty of rest, and warm and cozy spots to relax in.
All this led me to the small village of Farmakas, and I look forward to showing you everything you can see, in Agrotourism in Cyprus and this small corner of mountainous Nicosia
St Irene Church 
What to see and do in Farmakas
Sample traditional goodness at Elenis’s traditional sweets
I loved this wonderful woman! Kind, hard-working, and full of positive energy it is no wonder that she is now known all over Cyprus and has won many awards for her traditional sweets. There is such a vast choice of products here – from homemade jams, to spoon sweets, Sioutzouko, palouze, rose water, cinnamon water, and so much more! I was lucky enough to catch her as she was making fresh fig jam, and my God it is delicious! Definitely worth a visit in Farmakas, and a great option for gifts to bring back home!
Find Eleni: Eleni’s traditional sweets
Agrotourism in Cyprus – Santa Irene Winery
When the love for your roots prevails, miracles tend to happen! We are of course talking about Daniel Anastasis, who returned to his village after years in Australia and Africa, bringing with him a breath of fresh air as well as ideas and growth opportunities in Farmakas.
His Winery, Santa Irene, was only born in 2015, and since then, it is steadily rising to the top, seeing as the family is devoted in making excellent Cypriot Wine.
Their ally is their impressive 1350 meters altitude and their 150-year-old vineyards which help to make their wine rich in flavor and enriched with genuine forest scents from the countless oak trees in the area, and the traditional storage jars in which the wine is left to ripen.
At Santa Irene, you will also find ‘’Blanc De Noir’’, the only white wine in Cyprus that is produced from Mavro Ambelisimo – a red grape variety!
Where to stay in Farmakas
Farmakas Living
Here, you will find 5 different accommodation options to suit your needs and capacity. I adored the simple yet elegant furnishings and the large and comfortable size of the rooms. The kitchenette is equipped to cook small meals – although i only used mine to make tea and coffee – I was far too busy exploring! There is a small parking area next to it too – unheard of in most villages. A big plus for me was the heating in the rooms which i found to be excellent – i get so cold especially when tired and i cant stand going to bed cold! Very good internet and tv channel options too – win!
What to Eat in Farmakas
Ierampelos Restaurant
Talking with Daniel, not only will you learn countless things about wine, but you will also be inspired by his diligence, energy, and passion for life, wine, and good food.
So it comes as no surprise that the restaurant of the winery – Ierambelos – serves incredible food – from steaks, to fish and so much more.
Agrotourism in Cyprus – Askas Village
If I had to hand over the prize for the most picturesque alleys and streets in Nicosia District, I would probably give it to the absolutely stunning village of Askas!
All of nature’s wonders generously unfold in this small and hospitable village, which is ideal for day trips! It is such a dream to photograph the low carved wooden doors and the narrow streets that magically and effortlessly transport you to another era. You will want to take so many pictures here, and a good phone stabilizer will save you!
So charge your phones and cameras, and get started on exploring this village!
What to see in Askas
Explore the alleys! As mentioned above, the village is spectacular to look at! Take a nice walk and you will probably spend quite a while taking photographs – each corner will excite you more.
Talk to the Locals. There are only 95 residents in Askas, and in my walk through the village – I was invited for homemade Zivania and coffee on three separate occasions. They are very welcoming people!
Check out the old Olive Mill. If you are interested in rural Cypriot life, this is pretty cool, as you see where the locals would take their olives, to be pressed and turned into olive oil. The amount of manual labor that used to go into making olive oil makes me appreciate them that much more!
Light a candle at a church. Churches in villages are often a great reminder that Christ exists everywhere – whether a small and ancient chapel or a grande and brand new church. In Askas, there are two churches – Timios Prodromos (John the Baptist) Church and Church of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros). Anyone wishing to enter the church – simply call this number so they can open them up for you.
Tia’s Tip: In some villages, a lot of the churches and chapels are home to ancient hagiographies and things of great value to our faith – therefore they remain locked and only open when someone asks for permission.
Take a stroll Askas nature trail. I found this to be a really pretty and neat nature trail, with clear views to Pentadakltilos (The Turkish- occupied mountain region, plenty of benches and shade, singing birds, walnut trees, and vegetation. The trail can be easily found in the village – just ask or follow the signs. The Path stretches from the residence of Sofia Tsagkaridi, which is located on the main interurban road, up to the “Pano Ampelia” Slope.
Agrotourism in Cyprus – Where to Stay in Askas
Lyhnos Hotel
Lyhnos is a truly stunning and rather luxurious accommodation option with only 4 room options – so it gets booked up fast! The house dates back 200 years and belonged to a wealthy and influential family in Askas. Nowadays, Lyhnos has been lovingly and respectfully fully restored – trying to highlight its obvious and hidden beauties and illuminate it with a new and different light. And they have done just that!
The rooms at Lyhnos
There are 4 rooms, with different names (Mpakaliko, Dichoro, Sanidoto, and Xylourgeio). Each room is entirely different, and represents a different part of the original house! Dichoro for example has an eco-friendly fireplace AND a jacuzzi in its enormous bathroom. The rooms are luxuriously decorated, and seem ideal for couples away on a romantic weekend – although personally, I’d also love to go alone and relax with a good book away from it all!
Check out the rooms and book it now!
If you are not looking to splurge, or you are a group, there are other accommodations too!
Where to Eat
- Perneia Restaurant – 99 414016
- ”To Steki tis Paradosis” – 97 616876
Agrotourism in Cyprus – Palaichori Village
Those of you who read my articles will surely remember me speaking with admiration, about Constantinople, the glorious city that is divided into 2 continents – Europe and Asia.
The situation is somewhat similar, to a lesser extent of course with Palaichori, where the river divides it into 2 communities, and in the central square of the village, these 2 communities, come together.
So let’s go explore this village, which is one of the oldest and most ancient villages of Cyprus, and see exactly what it has to offer!
What to see and do in Palaichori
Explore the village on foot. Palaichori is actually larger than you think – but the center of it is easily explorable on foot. and here you can pass by the village square, the main church Panayia Chrysopantanassa and the coffee shops too.
Visit the Cypriot Mother’s Monument. This Famous landmark of the statue of the Cypriot mother or mana statue is really pretty and unique! The statue is situated on a hill above the village of Palaichori at Troodos mountain area. You have to walk around 150 uphill steps to get there – but that only takes around 10 minutes!
The surrounding forest area is gorgeous, and there is a bench halfway for rest and views of the entire village. This spot is the best spot for photographs, panoramic views, and drone shots!
Pay a visit to the churches of Panayia Chrysopantanassa and Metamorfosis tou Sotiros Church (Transfiguration of the Saviour). The latter is a proud addition to the Unesco Heritage Site list! The hagiographies on the walls are spectacular.
Have a picnic or barbeque at Kavallarka Excursion Site. A great place for family gatherings and barbeque parties as well as nature lovers!
Visit the Old Olive Mill. As mentioned before, If you are interested in rural Cypriot life, this is pretty cool, as you see where the locals would take their olives, to be pressed and turned into olive oil. The amount of manual labor that used to go into making olive oil makes me appreciate them that much more!
Where to stay
What to Eat
A great all-rounder choice is Feoudo Cafe which is open all day – so it’s great for breakfast and coffee, as well as food and wine in the evening! They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but right now, I really enjoyed sitting by the fireplace inside!
There’s also great pizza here, (did you know that the Toronto Pizza creator originates from Palaichori?). Yiannis Pizzas (22 642104) Open weekends only from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Thank you for reading through this post! Don’t forget to subscribe down below to receive travel discounts exclusive to my web subscribers! Also, subscribe to YOUTUBE to watch my travel show Tia Does Agrotourism – highlighting the very best agrotourism options on the island!
Love, Tia
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Tia Does Agrotourism Series
- 1. Episode 1 Wine Villages in Paphos – Cyprus Agrotourism in Pano Panayia, Letymbou, Lemona and Amargeti (And Video)
- 2. Episode 2 Culture, Nature and Wine in Kathikas, Arodes and Akamas Peninsula in Paphos (And Video_)
- 3. Episode 3 Omodos, Arsos and Ayios Amvrosios – the most picturesque villages in Limassol (And Video)
- 4. Episode 4 Vouni, Lofou and Koilani Villages – exploring Limassol Province (and Video)
- 5. Episode 5 Kalopanayiotis, Kykkos, and Pedoulas – Nicosia’s hidden village gems! (and Video )
- 6. Episode 6 Agrotourism in Cyprus – Farmakas, Palaichori, and Askas – Wine, Safari, and Nature! (and Video )
- 7. Episode 7 Tochni, Choirokitia, and Kalavasos – Basket Weaving, history, and cycling activities! (and Video)
- 8. Episode 8 Lefkara, Kato Drys, and Vavla – Lefkara lace designs, wineries, brunch, and bees! (and Video)
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Beautiful Seaside Hotels in Cyprus
- Hotel Napa Suites – Gorgeous, Central, with infinity pools
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- Napa Mermaid – The most incredible hotel in Ayia Napa– Looking for a proper hotel in Napa? Say no more!
- Apartment for rent in Protaras – Sofias Seaview review. A gorgeous apartment in the heart of Protaras square!
- Protaras Villas – The Incredible Villa Oniro. A huge and luxurious villa in Protaras!
- Limassol Hotels – A Beautiful stay at The Crowne Plaza Limassol. A modest hotel in Limassol that you will highly appreciate!
- Alasia Boutique Hotel- Luxury and elegance. Elegance and understated luxury in the quiet part of Limassol
