Troodos Villages — A Route Through the Mountains of Cyprus: Crafts, Wine, and Traditions

The Troodos Mountains are the heart of Cyprus, where life flows at its own pace. Their majestic slopes, the scent of pine, the crisp air, and the silence create the feeling that time moves slower here. Away from the bustling resorts, ancient villages hide, where the traditional Cypriot way of life and artisanal skills are still preserved and passed down through generations.

• Moutoullas — a source of pure water and ancient traditions
• Pedoulas — the kingdom of cherries
• Omodos — wine, lace, and glass
• Platres — the sweet side of Troodos
• Agros — the scent of roses and artisanal secrets
• Silicou — the Commandaria museum
• How to get there and what to see

Despite tourism development, Troodos still has villages where everything is still made by hand — from wine and lace to ceramics and essential oils. Each village has its own unique character and traditions, and traveling through them is an immersion into the atmosphere of old Cyprus.

Moutoullas — a source of pure water and ancient traditions

The village of Moutoullas is located on the northern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. It is known for its mineral springs, long considered healing. Moutoullas is one of the oldest settlements in the Marathasa region, mentioned in Byzantine chronicles.

Be sure to visit the Church of Saint Nicholas — one of the ten Troodos churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage. After exploring, try the local honey and bottled mineral water produced right in the village.

Pedoulas — the kingdom of cherries

At an altitude of over 1,100 meters lies Pedoulas — a village famous for its cherry orchards. Every year, the Cherry Festival is held here, attracting visitors from all over the island.

Try cherry jams, liqueurs, and sweets. Be sure to visit the Church of Archangel Michael — one of the UNESCO-listed churches. Pedoulas combines taste, spirituality, and the beauty of Cypriot nature.

Omodos — wine, lace, and glass

Omodos is the jewel of Troodos. White-stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and cozy courtyards create a warm atmosphere. Here, the legendary Cypriot wine Commandaria and other varieties known since the Crusader era are produced.

Visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) and the lace-making and glass workshops. Omodos is also famous for its wine festival held every August.

Platres — the sweet side of Troodos

Platres is the most famous mountain village of Cyprus. Writers, artists, and celebrities have rested here. Today, Platres is known for the Caledonia and Milomeri waterfalls, as well as a chocolate factory producing handmade desserts with rose and citrus flavors.

Agros — the scent of roses and artisanal secrets

Agros is the village of roses and fragrances. Here, rose water and essential oils are produced from Damask roses. Every May, the Rose Festival takes place, where visitors can see the distillation process and even pick petals themselves.

Agros is also famous for its meat delicacies — loukanika and smoked sausages prepared according to traditional recipes.

Silicou — the Commandaria museum

Silicou is a center of winemaking traditions where the famous Commandaria is produced. This drink is considered one of the oldest wines in the world.

The village is home to the Commandaria Museum, where visitors can see ancient amphorae and winemaking tools. Wine is still produced here following ancient recipes passed down through generations.

How to get there and what to see

The villages of Troodos are most easily reached by car — the distances are short, but the roads are mountainous and winding. From Limassol to Omodos, take bus No. 40, and from Nicosia to Pedoulas and Moutoullas — No. 81. However, renting a car is more convenient for exploring.

Each village has guesthouses and boutique hotels in historic houses. Be sure to visit the UNESCO churches, as well as the waterfalls and nature trails. Every turn of the road in Troodos reveals a new story and a breathtaking view.