The wine route through the Troodos villages

Cyprus has been making wine for more than 5,000 years — Commandaria, the island's sweet dessert wine, is considered the oldest wine in the world still in production. The southern slopes of the Troodos mountains are covered in vineyards and villages where the clocks tick more slowly.

The route

A classic day route climbs from Lemesos via Omodos (with its monastery square and cobblestones), Vasa, Koilani and Vouni. Along the way you stop at small family wineries; almost everywhere you can taste without an appointment, and the winemaker is often behind the counter in person.

What to taste

Ask for wines made from the indigenous grapes Xynisteri (fresh, white) and Maratheftiko (spicy, red) — you won't find them anywhere else. And of course Commandaria, drunk the way the Cypriots do: chilled, after dinner.

Niki's insider tip

Combine the route with lunch in Omodos: souvla from the charcoal grill, village bread and a carafe of house wine. Prefer not to drive? We'll arrange a driver or a guided tour as part of your travel programme.