Omodos
Omodos, 4760
Terraced vineyards hint at Omodos’ reputation for good wine, but there’s more than wineries to this quaint mountain town. From cobblestone lanes to Byzantine art, it’s a great introduction to the villages of the Troodos Mountains. Add a historic monastery, shops, and tavernas for a deservedly popular day-trip destination.
The basics
Among the prettiest villages in Cyprus, Omodos is an included stop on some tours of the Troodos Mountains. Whether you’re visiting on your own or with a tour, highlights include wine tasting, strolling narrow lanes, and visiting the small Museum of Byzantine Art at Timios Stavros Monastery. Omodos is also known for pipilla, traditional lacework made from white thread; find beautiful examples for sale in the village’s souvenir shops.
Things to know before you go
- Bring layered clothing. At 2,657 feet (810 meters) above sea level, Omodos can be much cooler than the coast.
- Sturdy shoes are a must as many steep streets are paved with uneven cobblestones.
- Troodos tavernas are popular weekend lunch destinations for locals, so consider booking ahead if you’re hoping to dine here on Saturday or Sunday.
How to get there
Omodos is located on E601 in the Troodos Mountains. Public transit in the mountains is limited, making a rental car a good option if you’re not on a tour. If you’re driving, find a public parking lot on the southern edge of Omodos–parking is limited in the narrow village streets.
When to get there
When the weather turns sweltering on the coast, excursions to Omodos and other Troodos Mountain villages offer a welcome break from the heat. In winter, however, the weather sometimes turns downright cold. Bring a warm coat and check updated road reports before leaving. Snowstorms can close the winding roads in the Troodos Mountains altogether.
Where to Taste Wine in Omodos
With dozens of wineries surrounding Omodos, it’s hard to know where to start. Favorites include the family-run Zenon Winery, which offers wine tours and tastings, and the organic Ktima Gerolemo winery north of the village. Making wine with a range of international varieties– including Shiraz and Merlot–is the town’s more commercial Olympus Wineries.
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