Last Updated on June 3, 2021 by Tia
Cyprus tours and in particular unforgettable activities in Cyprus – are what we will be talking about today! Get ready to discover the most unforgettable agrotourism activities on the island – from safaris, basket weaving, halloumi making, pie workshops, bee museums and so much more! Cyprus’s true and authentic culture awaits – and it is rich, diverse, and utterly unforgettable!
Born and bred in Cyprus, I am constantly surprised by how much this little island has to give – a true feast for the eyes that goes far beyond its blue flag beaches and buzzing nightlife. There is history to unfold, rich traditions and customs, incredible nature, and irresistible food! Indeed, no Cyprus tours list can possibly be complete with a few of these activities thrown in!
Table of Contents
Cyprus Tours – Nicosia District
Explore the forests with a Nature Safari
Location: Kalopanayiotis Village, Nicosia
Best experience in Kalopanayiotis ever, and one that should be included in EVERY Cyprus Tours list! This safari adventure – is filled with good times, and unfiltered, incredible nature!
The ride through Pafos forest was a fantastic experience- Cyprus is so darn beautiful it takes my breath away! Demetris (the host and owner) is so knowledgeable – he stops often to check on you and informs you of every bit of nature and history you are viewing. You will witness incredible nature, landscape, moufflons, rivers, and more, so be ready to take lots of pictures- consider getting a phone stabilizer to take the best photos and videos! It was invigorating, exciting, and utterly unforgettable. Thank you, Demetris and Safari Kalopanayiotis!
Price: 3 hr Safari = 40 Euros per person for 2 plus people. (60 for 1 person). 5 hr safari = 45 per person (70 for 1 person). All-day safari= 100 euros. Call Demetris at 96335210
Check out all there is to do in Kalopanayiotis!
cyprus tours
Visit a church protected by a 700 year old tree
Location: Kalopanayiotis Village, Nicosia
Located a few meters east of the monastery of St. John the Illuminator (which belongs on Unesco’s Heritage Site list) the stunning chapel of Panayia Theoskepasti , is almost entirely hidden by a 700 old tree. Ancient stories claim that the tree grew this way overnight, to protect the village’s residents from intruders during a brutal war. Residents hid their women and children inside the chapel, and the tree kept them safe from harm, Tradition insists that bad things will happen to anyone who dares to cut even a twig of the tree!
Price: Free and the church is always open
Indulge in a thermal spa experience with healing waters at Myrianthousa Spa
Location: Kalopanayiotis Village
Insite the unique Casale Panayiotis hotel lies the historic Myrianthousa spa. This oasis combined the power of the village’s thermal waters, and their spa knowledge and so it created an award-winning luxurious spa. I highly recommend spending a day there – and to truly pamper yourself! There are milk baths and mud baths, bath rituals, thermal pools, reflexology, face and body treatments, and rooms for couple treatments too!
Climb the 150 steps to the Mother Statue
Location: Palaichori Village, Nicosia
The 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 in the Troodos mountain area. The surrounding forest area is gorgeous, and there is a bench halfway for rest and views of the entire village. This spot will reward you with the best viewpoint of the village – ideal for photographs, panoramic views, and drone shots!
To get to the top, you have to walk around 150 uphill steps to get there – but that only takes around 10 minutes!
Price: Free
Cyprus Tours – Larnaca District
Ride a bike in the villages and mountains
Location: Tochni Village
You would think it is SO easy to rent a bike and ride it through the picturesque villages and mountains of Cyprus. Right? WRONG! There are none in sight – The Cypriot Government needs to seriously up their game! Thankfully for me, Activate Cyprus came to the rescue! This company has tons of bicycles for hire, but they also organize bike tours and adventure events too! Their specialized field is the organization of events for several Outdoors sports such as Road Cycling, Mountain biking, Running, Triathlon, Hiking, etc.
The image I had in my head (me sailing through looking as cute as a button) all went terribly wrong! I had the hardest time trying to ride through the narrow cobbled streets (I was screaming, people were laughing) but once I got the hang of it – it was so awesome!
You can find Activate Cyprus in Tochni (HQ), Troodos (@ Troodos Hotel), and Paphos (@ Olympic Lagoon Resort)
Learn the art (and fun) of Basket Weaving!
Location: Choirokitia Village
Welcome to the humble abode of the King of basket weaving! And by humble abode, I mean an oasis of fountains with running waters, bunnies, parrots, birds, and various other animals. Attached to this incredible farmhouse is the weaving museum – packed to the brim with tradition, detail, and everything made of reed.
In this basket weaving museum, you will see numerous examples of his perfect basket weaving technique (13 techniques in total) – an art that he learned from his grandparents
The coolest thing is that Petros will teach you how to weave yourself – an art that is vital to Cyprus culture, and a must of any Cyprus lists! Combine this with the authentic brunch service (listed below) and you have an incredible and genuine experience that no one should miss!
For bookings: Call Petros 99518277
Learn How to make Halloumi Cheese
Location: Choirokitia Village – at the Basket Weaving Museum
This is a workshop and indulgent brunch in one! Here, you can learn how to make halloumi cheese, and unless you have been living under a rock somewhere, you KNOW halloumi is the EPITOME of deliciousness and an authentic Cypriot delicacy!
In Petro’s courtyard, the wood-fired oven brings out steamed bread and traditional delicacies, and in its kitchen, fresh anari and hot halloumi drive the visitors crazy. His excellent brunch is completed with fresh produce such as eggs and vegetables from his yard and farm.
Price: 15 euros for brunch AND museum entry and basket weaving! Call: 99518277
Watch a silversmith at work
Location: Lefkara Village
Have you ever seen a man carve a pine cone or pomegranate out of silver? You should! And quite frankly, you simply haven’t been to Lefkara Cyprus, or done a Cyprus tour unless you visited Mr. Mihalakis! He is the ”last of the Mohicans” one of the only old silversmiths, who still make the traditional “kapnistomerecha”.
His hammer, loud voice, and laughter can be heard from afar! Mihalakis Christou is incredible, and while he lovingly works on a sheet of silver, transforming it into a pine cone, apple, or pear, he talks. And his stories are fascinating like the man himself. He is endearing, captivating, fascinating! Hurry up and visit him, and you would be glad you did!
Price: Free. Mr Michalakis is 1-minute walk from Rouvis Lace and Silver, right in the center of the village.
Check out all there is to do in Lefkara Village!
Discover the art of Lefkaritika Lace
Lefkaritika lace designs are known around the world – and their birthplace is Cyprus, and in particular Lefkara Village. ”What are lefkaritika?” Lefkaritika or Lefkara Lace is a handmade lace from Pano Lefkara Cyprus. Notable characteristics are the hemstitch; satin stitch fillings, needlepoint edgings, white, brown, ecru colors, and geometric intricate patterns
So to see the REAL lefkaritika, you really should visit the village, and Rouvis Lace and Silver. This is the only village shop that sells 100% authentic Lefkaritika and it is of course under the auspices of the EU. Mihalis Rouvis, an embroidery designer, his wife Stavroula, and their son Dimosthenis pride themselves on their authenticity and quality! They are lovely people who will gladly show you their huge collection of designs, and explain everything about their history!
Price: Free
Become a Beekeeper for the day
Fascinated or intrigued by bees, and nature? Or maybe you simply love honey? I was seriously blown away by everything i learned here and I now have an admiration for bee colonies and everything about their ecosystem. Who knew bees were so clever?! Like clever enough to know when it is time to dethrone their own Queen – clever enough to ”prep” a baby into a new Queen and so much more! Fascinating stuff, at Ecophysis in the nearby village of Vavla – utterly fascinating.
You can wear a suit and become a beekeeper for the day, or choose one of the other experiences on offer at Ecophysis – like hiking and collection of wild herbs, candle making workshop, and more!
Prices: Contact Ecophysis (linked above)
Visit a museum that showcases Cypriot Culture
Location: Kato Drys Village
This family has turned a 300-year-old multi-level mansion into a wonderful museum full of old real-life stories and traditions. I’ve never seen such a museum in Cyprus -each room takes you back to generations past – and the accuracy is immaculate. You walk through an incredible garden filled with orange, lemon, and olive trees, as well as flowers of every kind. It is stunning! People interested in getting a virtual look into how Cypriot homes looked like in the past, then this is great for you!
Memories and images of Kato Drys and its people brought to life in a collection of agricultural, livestock, and apian tools, furniture, and general household items. A highlight is the beautiful collection of lace and embroidery dating back to the 1880s. Enjoying a trip down Memory Lane and a taste of old village life in Cyprus is a breeze at Kato Drys Bee and Embroidery Museum
Check out all there is to do in Kato Drys
Learn how to make tremithopittes
Location: Kato Drys Village
In this gorgeous little shop right in the center of Kato Drys Village, you’ll find Mrs. Lygia. She makes her own ”Tremithopites” – and if you ask nicely, she’ll teach you how to make them too! Tremithopites are crunchy, round-shaped pies, made with terebinth berries, raisins, flour, water, and oil.
Additionally, her shop ”Madratzi tis Giagias” is filled with traditional handmade goodies – like rose water, cinnamon water, spoon sweets, and more from Lygia’s magical hands and her selected partners too. You absolutely MUST try her almost spoon sweet – it is to die for! Madratzi Tis Giagias is a big slice of Cypriot hospitality, culture, and tradition!
Price: Free
Cyprus Tours – Limassol District
Find out how the humble grape is elevated to new heights
Location: Stafyli Allospos, at Arsos Village
The humble grape is elevated and transformed with mastery and care at Stafili Allospos! Hre, you will find Elena, a kind, endearing and energetic woman, who went out of her way to infuse us in her fascinating world of grape!
Here you can observe Elena at work – she produces fresh almond and walnut soutzioukos, grape syrup cookies, dried grapes, and fresh palouze that has the locals queing outside on a Sunday! There are also spoon sweets, herbs and other Cypriot goodies too!
Price: Free Tel: +357 99559451
Check out all there is to do in Arsos Village
Trozena Bridge
Location: Limassol District – the abandoned Trozena Village
If you fancy Cyprus tours with a touch of ”off the beaten path” – this is great!
Trozena bridge is a modern metallic bridge in the abandoned villages of Trozena and Gerovasa on the border of the Paphos and Limassol districts! It was built during the 20th century by the Royal Marines during the British rule of Cyprus. The Diarizos river flows underneath the bridge, (which is safe to cross and walk on by the way) and the area is surrounded by thick vegetation. It’s a fabulous spot for pictures (make sure you tag me in yours!)
Price: Free
Get a taste of ”Arkatena”
Location: Arkatena Fotinis – Omodos Village
Arkatena is a type of “koulouri”, a circular bread made with leaven using the foam produced from chickpea fermentation called Arktis. At Arkatena Fotinis, you will find a plethora of products all made with arkatena, that attract a plethora of visitors from all over Cyprus! Cookies and pastries as well as bread, and jams! Good quality coffees too( often difficult to find in rural Cyprus!) P.s The brunch is amazing too!
Check out all there is to do in Omodos Village
Discover Tzelefou Bridge – a medieveal stone bridge
Location: Paphos
Tzelefou Bridge is the largest and biggest medieval stone bridge in Cyprus! This Venetian bridge is built over the river of Diarizos, and it is located at an altitude of 440 meters deep within the forest of Paphos. It is therefore considered as one of the most magical places to see across the whole island as it was built on an area with rich vegetation within the deep forest.
Price: Free
Discover a church buried underwater at Fragma Kouris
Location – Ayios Nicolaos Church at Kouris Dam
Kouris is the largest dam of a network of 107 dams in Cyprus. This huge reservoir is 115 meters high and can hold 115,000,000 cubic meters of water! But the dam holds other wonders too – such as an abandoned church buried deep into its waters!
Ayios Nicolaos Church was part of the old Alassa Village. Nowadays, the abandoned church is almost fully submerged in water, and only visible when the water levels of Kouris Dam drop. During the winter, the church is completely buried in water – an amazing phenomenon!
Price: Free
Cyprus Tours – Paphos District
Visit a winery that stores its wines in caves instead of cellars!
Location: Kathikas Village, Paphos
There are so many gorgeous wineries in Cyprus! But I’ll leave those for another post! What is special about Sterna Winery is its location – that is situated above ancient springs and 31 caves dating back over 3000 years – and its ”cellars”
You see, In ancient times, wines were kept to mature in dark caves instead of fridges, and at Sterna, one such cave is still used to store the wines! The darkness of the cave cellar and its isothermic conditions (15-16’C) maintained all year round, create the ideal conditions for aging the fine wines. You can visit the winery and cave, and test the wines too!
Prices: Wine tasting is Free
Check out all there is to do in Kathikas Village
Hike the Avakas Gorge
Village: Pegeia Village in Paphos – Akamas Peninsula
Avakas Gorge is in a single sentence, a breathtaking masterpiece of nature and a trekkers paradise! You will find it located at the start of the Akamas Peninsula just16km west of Pafos. Nature and trekking enthusiasts are in for a treat, in the hike, you’ll discover magnificent nature views, rivers, and incredibly rich flora and fauna. The hike lasts for about 45 minutes – but feel free to take your time! At the end, you’ll be rewarded with a dramatic canyon, with a raging stream and limestone cliffs up to 30m in height!
Price: Free
Visit a vineyard with incredible sunset views
Location: Pano Panayia Village- Paphos
There is something so magical about witnessing a summer sunset from the top of a hill overlooking mountains, forests, and hectare upon hectare of vineyards. And if you’ve got a glass of top-notch wine for company…well your Cyprus tours itinerary doesn’t get much better than that! You too can witness this at Vouni Panayia – an incredible winery in Paphos that boasts vineyards 1100 meters high at the top of the hill! Incredible wine, fresh halloumi, home-grown tomatoes, and sunset I will never forget. Truly magical stuff!
Discover Mouflon and exquisite wildlife at Stavros tis Psokas
Location: Paphos
”Stavros tis Psokas” is a part of the vast Paphos Forest, and absolutely excellent for camping, picnics, and wildlife enthusiasts. This incredibly dense forest is a place where wildlife thrives, particularly the endangered Agrino (Mouflon). This beautiful animal (that used to be the symbol on the Cyprus Lira before the Euro) is rather shy but you can catch glimpses of them galloping early in the morning and in the afternoon when it cools down!
The journey to Stavros tis Psokas from any direction is very beautiful. You will pass through beautiful forests, pines, and plane trees and enjoy the fresh air and landscape. Breathtaking nature and Cyprus’s most protected animal make for one hell of an addition to your Cyprus tours!
Price: Free
Check out all the nearby villages in Paphos
Bake bread, halloumi and anari cheese at Sofia’s Traditional House
Village: Letympou – Paphos
Sofia and Andreas in Letymbou will give you a warm welcome! They bake their own bread, halloumi, and anari cheese (a soft cheese) right in their large courtyard – and the fun part? You can observe the process and even be a part of it! I loved helping Sofia knead bread, make halloumi cheese, and work the wood fire oven, before indulging in a full-on Cypriot feast! You will be fed Scrumptious food that is prepared fresh on the wood fire oven in the courtyard. Cyprus tours goals, for sure!
Thank you Sofia and Andreas – I cannot wait to be back!
Seeing as no drop-ins are allowed, please call ahead and reserve at 99995961
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Thank you for reading through my Cyprus tours article – I hope I have given you some lovely options to include in your itinerary!
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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)
Exploring Cyprus Content
- Where to stay in Cyprus – The Best hotels And Cottages In The Villages
- Cyprus Meze – The best Cyprus Taverns in the Villages and Mountains of the island!
- Cyprus Travel Blog – Everything you need to know to visit Cyprus. Start with this first if you are not local!
- A city by city guide to Cyprus. Decide which city in Cyprus suits you best!
- Incredible food in Cyprus to try. You will most likely drool at this article!
- Edem’s Yard – Best Brunch in Cyprus – Larnaca. The best brunch spot in Cyprus- hands down!
- Hamam Omeriye – Stunning Turkish baths in the heart of Nicosia– A Hamam Experience you are unlikely to forget!
- The best beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras. The best blue flag beaches on the island – say hello to paradise!
- Cyprus Passport Visa Free Countries – Travel to paradise without a visa!
Beautiful Seaside Hotels in Cyprus
- Hotel Napa Suites – Gorgeous, Central, with infinity pools
- Almyra Hotel Paphos – Luxury, elegance, and class.
- King Jason Hotel Protaras – Modern, central, fun, breathtaking!
- 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
15 comments
So many interesting activities you can do in Cyprus! Thanks for sharing them all, it gives me a lot of ideas for the time i can finally visit this island! Also the grape treats look like something the ones had in Tbilisi!
Ah, i was reading your article on Tbilisi earlier, i loved your photography!
Great round-up posts of activities to do in Cyprus! Even though I am from Cyprus too, I haven’t yet visited many of the places you recommend! I guess I will need to put them in my list for the next time I will be there.
Thanks Elina mou, great to see a fellow Cypriot in my readers! 🙂 x
Oh I wish I knew about all these things before my trip to Cyprus last year! We did go to Paphos but only to the tombs of the kings and the archaeological museum. I hope I can go back one day and do all the things you recommended here 🙂
I feel the same after i left a destination – like i hardly saw anything! you must come back for round 2 🙂
This is so useful Tia, thank you so much! You are really helping a lot to show and talk about the beauties of your home. I haven’t been to Greece yet, but definitely will go visit as soon as I can travel again, and this guide is amazing. I had no idea about all the amazing things we can do and experience in Cyprus. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for reading dear Paula! I started writing about my country at the start of the pandemic – and my goodness, I’ve fallen in love with my island all over again! I really hope you make it down here 🙂
After reading your article, I think that I’ll need to stay in Cyprus for at least a week, because so many of these activities are right up my alley – nature safaris, halloumi-making, thermal spas – wow!
if you can strech it out to 10-14 days – you can fall in love with the MANY blue-flag beaches- voted clearest in Europe in 2020 – enjoy the nightlife, explore historical sights, and discover the beauty of the mountains and its activities!
What a great list of activities…there are so many to choose from! Hiking the Avakas Gorge is absolutely topping my list though! It looks absolutely spectacular! What an incredible hike! There are so many things here I’d love to try though, I can’t wait until we can travel again so I can visit! Thanks for the great guide!
Avakas gorge and the entire Akamas Peninsula are paradisical! Such beauty!
This is such an amazingly thorough article! I especially love that there’s a bike rental option, will be sure to save if I’m ever in Cyprus 🙂
Wow. I honestly had no idea there was so much to do in Cyprus. Super cool. Saving this for when I can finally visit.
Learning about Cyprus here is very refreshing. Your trip seems to be very fulfilling as you have covered a lot of places. Loved to read about it.