At an altitude of 800 metres in the Troodos Mountains, in the Krassohoria area, lies Omodos, a wine village 42 kilometres from Lemesos. Winegrowing, historical sites, lace craft and local foods give visitors several tangible ways to explore the village. When planning a trip, you can therefore get to know Omodos through its cultural heritage, crafts, local produce and recurring festival dates.
Historical Sites in Omodos
The medieval Linos wine press in Omodos is designated an ancient monument. The hall of the Synodicon in Timios Stavros Monastery is also an ancient monument. Omodos’s paved square dates back to 1910 and covers 3,000 square metres. Together, a medieval testament to winemaking, a monastery hall with monument status and a precisely dated square provide distinct historical points of interest.
Annual Festivals in August and September
LINAIA takes place every August, with four days of celebrations and exhibitions. The festival in honour of the Holy Cross is held annually on 14 September and lasts three days; traders sell goods in the square in front of the monastery. The dates fall in consecutive months, but the festivals differ in duration and programme. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, please check the dates before booking.
Lace Craft and a Monastery Visit
Women in Omodos make narrow, tightly woven lace in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is used to decorate furniture and beds. Visitors to Timios Stavros Monastery can visit the Centre for the Preservation of narrow-knit lacing and view lace there. The subject of lace thus encompasses both local production and a specific place to visit. Check current visiting arrangements in advance.
Wine and Local Produce
The people of Omodos grow grapevines and produce wine and zivania. They also make soutzoukos, palouze, kkiofterka and koulourka (rusks); Omodos is also known for its arkatena bread. Winemaking and the production of drinks are complemented by a diverse tradition of breads and foods. These named products offer a tangible introduction to local food culture, without implying that any particular tasting is available.
Wine Route and Getting There
The Krasochoria Wine Route from Lemesos passes through Omodos, giving the village’s connection with wine a regional context. To put it in geographical context, Omodos lies in the Troodos Mountains at an altitude of 800 metres, 42 kilometres from Lemesos. You can reach the village via the E601, or via the B8, E802 and then F825. As route numbers may change, check current directions before travelling.
This makes it possible to match your choice of travel dates with the interests that define Omodos.
Discover more destinations: Agios Amvrosios, Dora, Arakapas, Moni, Kato Polemidia, Asgata, Potamitissa, Eptagonia
For the broader travel overview: Limassol.
