Last Updated on August 4, 2021 by Tia
We are located in Kyperounta, in the District of Limassol, and specifically, in the area of Pitsilia.
Kyperounta is the highest village in Cyprus as it is located in the Troodos Mountains, at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level, and took its name from Kyperi – the type of wood that abounds in the area!
This traditional village is characterized by steep uphill roads, vineyards, and houses with tiles and small picturesque courtyards.
Among its attractions are the church of Agios Arsenios and Agia Marina, which dates from the 18th century, the impressive Kyperounta Winery and the Adventure Mountain Park. Here, we spent hours of fun doing archery, rock climbing, paintballing, orientation lessons and so much more! We take a break for food in ouzeries and taverns, and when we get enough strength, we go for hiking on one of the two nature trails of the village.
Table of Contents
Kyperounta Climate and Weather
The weather conditions in Kyperounta are excellent throughout the whole year with cold icy winters down to 0 degrees and mild dry summers.
The uniqueness of its climate is what urged the colonial government in the 1930s ,to established a sanatorium,which is now the Kyperounta hospital.
The sanatorium was extremely beneficial to patients suffering from respiratory or chest-related diseases, and to this day, many people move to Kyperounta and find their symptoms lessening and even dissapearing!
1. Marvel at the majestic Agios Arsenios Church
One of the most majestic and jaw-dropping churches I have witnessed, Agios Arsenios is one of the kind.
It is thought to be the largest church in Cyprus and one of the only ones on the island that recreate the typical basilicas in Cyprus in the 5th and 6th centuries.
Τhe impressive church of Agios Arsenios of Cappadocia is a revival of an early Christian five-aisled wooden-roofed basilica Ιτ tands out for the marble floor, the colonnades with the Corinthian capitals, the early Christian despotic throne, the pulpit and the iconostasis with its majestic icons
Even though it is big enough to sit over 750 people (!) – a fact that the 1500 strong population of Kyperounta is very happy about, there is something incredible calming, soothing and spiritual about this church.
I would even go as far as to say it is the most beautiful Christian church I have laid eyes on!
2. Hike the challenging Doxa Si O Theos – Madari Nature Trail
Are you up for a challenge? This 3.8 km nature trail is hard, and long, but absolutely worth it!
This is probably why it’s called ”Doxa Si O Theos” – which literally means ”Thank God” in Greek because you will most likely say thank God when it’s over haha!
At the beginning of the trail, there is a cold water fountain, so I suggest you will up your water bottles! Next up is 13 steps and the trail begins.
From its starting point, the trail is uphill, and at some points, extremely uphill, so hiking shoes or comfortable trainers are definitely a must!
The trail is long and marvelous, with stunning views all around! You can see Pentadaktilos mountains, Troodos mountains and Morfou, along with panoramic views all around from an altitude of 1400-1600m!
On the east, you see the highest point at the peak of Madari! There are many different points in which you can observe the views along the trail.
Important nature trail Information
Location: Starting point: (a) The site “Thank God” in distance of 2 km from Kyperounta and 5 km from Spilia on the road Kyperounta-Caves
Trail length: 3,8 km
Considerable time: 2 hours minimum
Degree of difficulty: 3 (very difficult, children should avoid)
Format: Linear
ATTENTION! The trail is only linear if you take it on its own. It is circular if you continue to one of the other trails present in the area where the fire lookout station is located.
If you choose to not follow a circular trail, then beware that you will need to walk back another 3.8 km ( Good luck, and may the Gods be ever in your favor!)
3. Refuel with coffee and dessert at Hovoli Cafe
After an exhilirating and exaugting hike, we definitely needed a caffeine and sugar boost! And thank God for Hovoli Cafe!
This spot is super popular with the locals of Kyperounta and i can see why!
From the outside, it looks like a small traditional coffee shop with chairs and tables made of wood.
On the other side, there is a comfortable and colorful sitting area with beautiful mountain views and even shisha!
A quick strong Cyprus coffee later, and we are ready to devour the irresistible spoon sweets, carrot walnut cakes (yum!) and the refreshing homemade lemonade!
An hour later, and we are refueled, refreshed and ready to continue our adventure!
On Sundays, Hovoli Cafe serves traditional Cyprus brunch ( 9 am to 12 pm) that is very popular in Kyperounta, so be sure to make your bookings ahead of time at +357 99893756
4. Stroll Kyperounta’s village center
Around the village square, you will find cafes, restaurants, the community center, and Agia Marina church. Take time to stroll the streets and discover the beautiful houses and cobbled streets pictured below!
A lovely street thats worth photographing is ”Palia Geitonia” – which translates to Old Neighborhood.
From Agia Marina Ouzeri restaurant – which you will have on your left hand side, keep walking straight past the church and turn left. There you will find a gorgeous little neighborhood that is super traditional and so picturesque!
5. Light a candle at Agia Marina Church
The holy saints of the community are Agia Marina and Agios Arsenios the Cappadocian. The central church of the community is dedicated to Agia Marina, which in its current form is a three-aisled wooden-roofed basilica of the 18th century.
The current church is an extension of an older wood-carved church and stands out for the beautiful wood-carved iconostasis, and the unique three-aisled roof supported by wooden pillars. It celebrates on July 17
6. Enjoy a meat feast at Kyperia Tavern and Bar
On Saturday, we stopped for lunch at Kyperia Tavern, located just off the center of Kyperounta. This is a tavern, restaurant and bar too, with a beautiful large outside and inside area.
We opted to try things off the menu, although Kyperia Restaurant also offers traditional Cyprus Meze.
Along with the traditional starters, we got various other dishes like sausages and halloumi, grilled chicken, lamb chops, vegetables and pork in koumandaria (port wine) and apples!
Each dish was brought out in its own time, a sure sign that it was cooked fresh and on the spot!
I was particularly impressed with the pork in koumantaria and apples (and im not even an apple fan!)
I devoured the perfectly cooked tender pork and the sauce was phenomenal.
For Bookings, call +357 99358167
Address: Deisis 66, Kyperounta, Limassol, Kyperounta 4876
7. Taste wine from some of the highest vineyards in the world at Kyperounda Winery
Kyperounda Winery has a vision – to leave its own mark on the long history of viticulture and winemaking in Cyprus.
From 1998 until today, in this state-of-the-art winery, the tradition of viticulture and the deep knowledge of the winemakers, create exceptional wines of the highest quality, with distinctions and awards all over the world.
The vineyards of Kyperounda Winery, which reach 1200 meters, are among the highest in Europe and in the world.
In combination with the steep soil and the mild temperatures, the altitude matures the wines slowly and effortlessly, filling them with the rich aromas and flavors of various fruit.
The cellar houses more than 300 barrels, in which the wines of the Winery mature slowly, before being released on the market. The total annual production is around 300,000 bottles.
The only sure thing is that there are many excellent wines here, and a visit will help you find your favorite!
To Visit, call tel:+357 25532043
8. Spend the night at Livadia Hotel Kyperounta
Livadia Hotel is a contemporary Alpine-style hotel set on a hillside above the traditional village of Kyperounta. Beautifully and cleverly designed, all of its spacious rooms have a balcony — some overlooking the pool, some looking to the mountain scenery.
Livadia Hotel was first built in 1947 to accommodate guests visiting the Kyperounta Sanatorium (now the hospital). The hotel passed on from generation to generation and is now transformed into this present-day superb hotel.
Guests are sure to find that the old family traditions of hospitality, high standards of guest care and cleanliness, and of course fine food and courteous service still remain very much intact!
A large outdoor swimming pool with poolside bar service, a gym,a small spa with sauna, jacuzzi and steam room, and an outdoor terrace for dining and relaxing complement the hotel’s fine reputation for friendly guest service.
The Rooms
The hotel comprises 21 guest rooms: one executive suite with fireplace, Jacuzzi, and a complimentary bottle of wine; 3 two-room suites with fireplace and sofa-bed for extra accommodation; and 17 spacious double rooms.
Guest facilities include the main lounge area, a full bar, an excellent restaurant, and a well-equipped 50-seater conference/exhibition room for business meetings, mini conventions, or cultural events.
9. Indulge in hours of fun and sports at Adventure Mountain Park Kyperounta
Located in the beautiful village of Kyperounda at the foothills of Troodos, Adventure Mountain Park is the longest running provider of quality outdoor adventures in Cyprus!
The park is renowned for its extensive range of skills-based adventure sports activities and its surrounding breath-taking nature trails and views.
I literally had the BEST time trying out different activities and cannot wait to return with a large group of friends and test my limits in the team building activities too!
Archery
A much loved sport through the ages, archery is a recent addition to the range of activities available at Adventure Mountain Park. This game entails technique, concentration and strong mental focus.
Suitable from age 8 and up, archery simply requires the ability to hold and use a bow and arrow in order to hit a target. For an alternative way of having fun, this is one activity you must try.
Orienteering
Orienteering…Lord knows I need a lesson or ten, as I am forever getting lost everywhere! This is a recent addition to Adventure Mountain Park and a great skills learning experience for adults and children.
It’s an exciting outdoor adventure sport that combines mental and physical ability, as well as map reading and direction finding skills, to enable a participant to navigate routes between isolated control points using just a compass and a map.
Taking place in the forest next to Adventure Mountain Park, participants (orienteers) aged 8 and up have to find their way along unfamiliar courses located between checkpoints, running or walking, all the while determining the best route to complete the set course in the fastest time, using quick decision making and navigation skills.
All gear including control flags and control cards will be provided by the park.
Rock Climbing
This was so much fun! Rock climbing is no doubt one of the most exciting and adrenaline fueled outdoor adventures that you can experience at Adventure Mountain Park.
It definitely pushes the body and mind and requires determination, perseverance, coordination, physical strength, intuition and good instinct to overcome the challenges this activity involves.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert climber, there are instructors and professional equipment to help you learn to climb the artificial rock wall, quickly progressing in ways that you may never have thought possible to accomplish.
Rock climbing is available all year round for anyone aged 8 and up.
Other activities at Adventure Mountain Park Kyperounta
- Paintball
- Paintball in the woods
- Laser Tag
- Laser maze
- Tyrolean Traverse
- Team Building Activities
- Children Play Area
- Botanic Garden
- Outdoor Excursions
You can split your activities and use the restaurant for coffee, lunch or a sugar boost – the orange pie is literally to die for!
Opening hours
- Winter Season: (November-March). Daily (except Monday) Daily From 08:00 to 18:00
- Summer Season: (April-October). Daily (except Monday) from 09:00 to 20:00
For reservations call +357 97772177 and +357 99674126
10. Enjoy the freshest fish at Tsipouradiko- Ouzeri Agia Marina
Fresh fish in a village? Well, yes! When the restaurant is owned by a man born and raised in Paphos, then yes!
He is so commited to providing only the freshest fish, that he drives the 96 km to Paphos four times a week to buy the best, seasonal fresh fish
And it is no wonder that it is so popular. The fish is fresh, tender and cooked to perfection, and thank GOD for the fresh Cypriot potatoes (and not a frozen chip in sight!)
Arrive hungry, as the portions are literally huge!
This gorgeous restaurant in Kyperounta is open 7 days a week, from 12 am to 12 pm.
For bookings: Call +357 99 655890
11. Join the Annual Kyperounta Apple Festival
The village is famous for its production of apples and it actually produces 1/3 of apples on the island! There are 6 apple varieties including ”Nachi” – a variety that is a cross between apples and pears!
Every year, on the second weekend of October, the Apple Festival attracts thousands, who come to try delicious pies, sweets, juices, and everything else, made with local Kyperounta apples.
12. Take a 5 minute drive to Ekfraseis Winery
Simple, simple, and ergonomic – this is the Ekfraseis Winery in Chandria, just 5 minutes from Kyperounta.
And this is exactly how Christos Vassiliadis is, the wine producer and seasoned winemaker who takes care to leave his own personal mark at every production stage.
Since 2013, the winery operates some of the highest vineyards both in Europe and worldwide and produces quality, classy wines with a strong element of distinction.
Here you will find the classics but also some alternative inspirations of the winemaker which often lead to the creation of rare and fine wines.
The wines of Ekfraseis winery have managed to stand out repeatedly in competitions both domestically and internationally.
In the winery, there are specially designed tasting areas, open to the public where the visitor can taste the wines, talk to the people behind the production, and be introduced to the secrets of the winery and the estate.
For bookings and visits, please call +357 22 25211604 or +357 99400205
Like this Kyperounta post? Then save it for later
Related Cyprus Articles
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)
- 9. Season 2 Episode 1 Pelendri and Agros Cyprus – Rose factories, wineries, brunch, and religious tourism ( and Video)
- 10. Season 2 Episode 2 – Platres Cyprus and Pera Pedi – A nature lover’s paradise (and Video)
- 11. Season 2 Episode 3 – Paliometoxo and Nikitari – A gorgeous farm and religious tourism (and video)
- 12. Season 2 Episode 4 – Lympia, Skarinou, and Agios Theodoros – Street Art, donkey farms, and hiking trails (And Video)
- 13. Season 2 Episode 5 – Kakopetria and Galata – Nature, traditional architecture, and fantastic food (And Video)
- 14. Season 2 Episode 6 – Kyperounta – Wineries, hiking and religious tourism in Limassol (and Video)
Exploring Cyprus Content
- When to Visit Cyprus – A guide to choosing the season to visit Cyprus
- 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
1 comment
[…] all the details, read the accompanying blog post, here. View the original […]