Omodos, Arsos, Ayios Amvrosios – An incredible getaway, to Cyprus

Last Updated on March 4, 2021 by Tia

Omodos, Arsos, and Ayios Amvrosios are the backbones of Episode 3 of Tia Does Agrotourism! This time we are exploring some gorgeous villages in the Limassol District, like Omodos – one of Limassol’s jewel villages, Arsos – an unexpected surprise and a winemaker that impressed me in Ayios Amvrosios. Keep reading for Cypriot agrotourism heaven, in my beloved Limassol.

WATCH THE VIDEO EPISODE HERE

All 3 villages are very close to each other, and therefore perfect to combine on a weekend getaway! Pick and choose your favorite things to do, and explore rural Cyprus the right way!

Omodos – Day 1

In the gorgeous Limassol District, you will find the traditional but at the same time modern, Omodos Village. One of Limassol’s largest wine villages, it is located 42 kilometers northwest of the city. It is built on the western bank of the river known as ‘Ha Potami,’ at an average altitude of 810 meters

Despite its small size, is known for a lot of things – like the making of wine and zivania, arkatena, and the spiritual Holy Cross Monastery.

Omodos – What to do in the village

Strolling through the village, you can admire colorful cobbled narrow streets, taste good Cypriot food, and arkatena and buy a plethora of traditional products. The large square of the village is one of the oldest and largest on the island, dating back to 1910. Stone-paved, it is surrounded by beautiful, traditional homes with flowering balconies, and also framed by tall, proud sycamore trees

I also advise you to walk to the Eoka Hideout Museum, and to visit the ancient wine pressing mill (Linos) in the village too!

Arkatena Fotinis

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!)

Holy Cross Monastery

The Holy Cross Monastery is one of the most beautiful on the island! According to tradition, the Monastery has established before St. Helen’s arrival in Cyprus in 327 AD. Various Cypriot historians, make reference to St. Helen’s visit to Cyprus and to the fact that she left a part of the Holy Rope and the Holy Rood in the Monastery.

The monastery is said to have begun as a small chapel that garnered a gathering of several monks, resulting in its transformation into a magnificent monastery. You will see it right in the center of the village square! Modest clothing is advised, although there are gowns situated outside that you can wear to enter the church too.

 Eoka Struggle Museum

With Church Steward Dositheos, from the Holy Monastery of the Holy Cross in Omodos, as the head figure, the inhabitants actively participated in the Greek revolution and the national liberation struggle of EOKA 1955 — 1959. A hideout was created in the home of Aristos and Maroulla Theodorou from Omodos, following instructions from Grigoris Afxentiou. On the morning of 21st January, however, security forces surrounded the hideout and captured the fighters in the process. After their arrest, all furniture and objects were removed from the house, which was then blown up, along with the hideout.

I found the museum to be very moving! There are signs to follow – and it’s about a 10-minute walk from the Monastery.

Hours: Winter Schedule November 1 – March 31 daily 09:30 to 16:00 Summer Schedule April 1 – October 31 Daily 09:30 to 19:00.

Admission – Free

Tel: 00357-99794899 / 00357-25422678

Shopping

Whilst walking – you will find various shops for shopping. You can find handmade jewelry, traditional products to eat, and embroidery and textiles! The delicate pattern of the lace created by the embroiderers of Omodos is truly a work of art, one that is passed down from one generation to the next.

Omodos- Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades Winery

Since 2013, Oenou Yi is without a doubt the jewel of Omodos. 1500 tens of vineyards, 10 different varieties of wine, and 300.000 bottles of year!

Yes, at Oenou Yi they love wine; and their goal is for you to love it just as much as them!

In these beautiful surroundings, you can do wine tasting, learn all about Cypriot wine and its history, enjoy breathtaking views, and of course, taste elevated quality food, at Playia Restaurant.

At Oenou Yi, tradition meets luxury and innovation, and together, they take us on an unforgettable tasting experience.

Group and individual tours and wine tastings daily, Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00.

*The tour takes place at the winery premises and lasts between 30-45 minutes. It includes a tour of the winery building and the vineyards around the winery and tasting.

Bookings are essential! +357 25 446 000 or email them at info@oenouyi.wine

Where to eat in Omodos

Arkatena Fwtinis for Brunch

This place is buzzing during the weekends!! Totally adore the layout, and simple yet tasty things on offer!

You won’t find eggs benedict, but those platters are delicious! The arkateno joins forces with homemade marmalade, chocolate praline, and dried nuts, creating a delicious combo for breakfast and brunch! The egg, cured meats, cheese, halloumi, and olive platter is equally mouthwatering and pays homage to what Cypriots do best; eat! Besides the platters, the shop also offers homemade sweets like apple pie and cakes, cheese pie, and my personal favorite- homemade halloumi pie!

Bookings are vital! Brunch is available during the weekends only! Call +357 99284201

Ampelothea – for lunch or Dinner

Anyone that knows me, knows I am obsessed with food. But not just any food; Cypriot delicious food! At Ampelothea, I have to say, I probably ate the best meze I’ve had in Cyprus for a long time!

It is Cypriot Meze at its finest, endless dishes of incredibly well-cooked food, and true Cypriot recipes that go far beyond souvlaki and tzatziki! Sparkling clean, excellent service and beautiful surroundings too. Arrive, hungry, relax, and enjoy!

Ampelothea is a 1-minute walk from the parking of Omodos – just make sure you walk away from the square. Bookings are essential, especially during the weekends! Book a table at +357 25421366

Playia – Ktima Vassiliades for Dinner

The menu is sophisticated – a blend of Cypriot cuisine with a gourmet twist! I personally found the options to be just right – not too many, but not too little either – I often get overwhelmed by too many options!

I tried many dishes – the crunchy halloumi salad, calamari, and red pepper risotto, and the 3 desserts were my favorite!

Tia’s Tip: The sunset views are incredible, so book for pre-dinner drinks with a view at 6 pm and then stay on for dinner!

Telephone to Book: Τ +357 25 446 000

Open Friday and Saturday Night: 12:00-15:00 and 19:00 – 23:00

Open Sunday – 12:00 – 16:00

Where to stay – Oenou Yi Cottages

Brand new, and utterly gorgeous, Oenou Yi Cottages are in the center of the village, making your stay comfortable and fuss-free.

There are many different cottages to choose from – varying in size- but one thing that remains the same is the attention to detail and comfort of them all!

You will want for nothing here, the cottages are fully equipped, tastefully furnished, and provide all modern and luxe amenities with a flair and an agro touristic twist!

The cottages are not yet advertised to the public but all readers of Tia Does Travel can call and book a cottage house by email or phone! Reservations: email at bookings@oenouyi.wine  phone number: 99746674

Nature points For excellent photos- Trozena Bridge

A modern mechanic in an abandoned village – yes, please! 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!)

Day 2 – Arsos Village

Clean, beautiful, and utterly traditional – this is Arsos village in Limassol District! 200 citizens live in Arsos and they really go above and beyond to preserve the character and tradition of their village.

The first thing that impresses me is how welcoming and kind they are! Secondly, the beautiful village square, and the ancient church of Apostle Philip.

I found my talk with the community council very interesting too! Andreas informed me of the admirable efforts of the locals to build a new female monastery in the village; particularly, the one of Virgin Mary the Catholic.

What to do in the Village

In Arsos you will find luxurious  accommodation, taverns and traditional coffee houses filled with life and people, as well as shops that make fresh traditional products, like palouze and shoushouko.

”Stafili Allospos”

The humble grape is elevated and transformed with mastery and care at Stafili Allospos! The shop is cared for by Elena, a kind, endearing and energetic woman, who went out of her way to infuse us in her fascinating world of grape!

The shop produces fresh almond and walnut soutzioukos, grape syrup cookies, dried grapes, and fresh palouze that has the local’s queing outside on a Sunday! There are also spoon sweets, herbs and other Cypriot goodies too!

Location: Apostolou Philippou 4, Square Arsos Village

Tel: +357 99559451

Arsos Nature Trail – The 6 fountains

I just loved my walk at this nature trail! Nature lovers will adore it too – just be sure to carry water with you, and mosquito repellant! The trail is filled with over 40 species of rich flora, such as plane trees, willows, poplars, and walnut-trees. As regards the fauna, be prepared to encounter birds, rare butterflies, reptiles, soft water crabs, frogs, and even foxes! Along the river and at a distance of about 800 meters, six medieval fountains are built.  The riverbed has been cleared and there is now a clear pathway to the fountains so be sure to make a stop!

What to eat in Arsos – Cafe Arsos and Restaurant

Don’t be fooled by the sign that says ”cafe”. This is a restaurant and an excellent one at that! Want to eat incredible Cypriot food? Drink cold beer? Indulge in mezedes or a la carte? Then book a table – and you will be thanking me! Located right in the center of the square, you’ve got lunch with a view too.

Where to stay – Arsorama

Oh how it warms my heart to spent time with lovely people!

Such is the case for Zoi and her husband, the owners of Arsorama at Arsos village. The complex is actually where Zoe spent all her childhood as it belonged to her grandparents, and her personal connection to the place shines through. The attention to detail is immense, from the lush garden to the interior design, mattresses and so on, This is home for her, and it shows!

A perfect location, right in the center of the village, that offers much more than just …location. For those who are looking for an oasis to escape to, Arsorama is a warm nest of hospitality to be found in the village of Arsos, ideal for couples, families, and groups on weekdays, weekends, and festivals.

The complex comprises of 4 fully equipped autonomous apartments able to house from 2-4 persons. They are beautifully decorated, with excellent beds for the ultimate relaxation! Each apartment is named after Zoe’s family members, a kind and endearing touch!

This complex is super popular with locals, travelers, yoga and meditation groups, so be sure to book ahead!

Nature points you must visit – Tzelefou Bridge

The Gefiri tou Tzelefou is the largest and biggest medieval stone bridge ever built on 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. The Gefiri tou Tzelefou is 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.

Ayios Amvrosios – Zambartas Winery

What makes a winery special; the wine or the person behind it all ?

Simple and at the same time fascinating is Markos Zambartas the key man behind Zambartas Winery in Ayios Amvrosios, a short drive from Arsos.

This is a different winery. It is minimal yet stunning, simple yet impressive, and modern yet true to the traditional values that matter.

The winery produces excellent wine that you can taste if you book a wine tasting session. Since 2008, the winery produces 110.000 bottles of wine yearly, 13 varieties of wine, with many of them being local; like Mavro, Giannoudi, Promara, Maratheutiko, and Kanela.

But for me, the ideology is even more exciting than the wine. The team inside the premises, (and Mara the estate’s dog i fell in love with) from oenologists to workers work as one.

It really is a team effort, but the bond between them is evident for all to see. There is a quiet energy that can only come from working with a well-selected team, and it all comes out in the visitor’s experience too.

The winery’s environmentally friendly efforts stand out, and are worth mentioning!

Zambartas Winery gives 1% of profit to ‘’1% for the Earth’’ and particularly to ‘’Bird Life Cyprus, and ‘’Terra Cypria’’ At the same time, they keep increasing their production of Biological wines, and follow bio winemaking practices!

Come and visit this gem, taste the beautiful wines, but most importantly, find out all about its incredible ideology.

Book a wine tasting tour : EMAILvisit@zambartaswineries.com or call +357 25 94 24 24

Thank you for reading through the details of my journey through Omodos, Arsos and Ayios Amvrosios! Yes, Limassol District is indeed incredible, and its villages certaintly deserve a visit!

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