AGRO-TOURISM IN THE TROODOS MOUNTAINS
A GROWING INDUSTRY
Although agro-tourism is a growing industry across the island, it has become a particularly popular feature of the Troodos mountains. A great way for visitors to experience the island’s rural life, culture and natural beauty, it also helps to support local rural farmers and businesses. Visitors, who partake in Agro-tourism, gain a valuable insight into Cypriot village life and the traditional farming practices that still exist. Experiencing village life first-hand, these visitors also experience the inner workings of the life that the villages of Cyprus offer its residents today. They also have the opportunity to acknowledge and connect with the local agricultural way of life, and are also able to sample local customs and traditions in rural Cyprus.
A RURAL SETTING
Visitors wanting to participate in agro-tourism have the option of choosing a suitable rural setting. These are available across the island, offering several different types of accommodation. Visitors can opt to stay in a traditional farmhouse, cottage, country villa, rural guest house or hotel. In addition to this, several campers, nature lovers, and backpackers also take advantage of the camping and glamping sites that are offered throughout the island.
LOCAL WORKSHOPS
Agro-tourism in Cyprus is a growing industry, and with this in mind, the island now offers several different options for this type of tourism. Visitors are offered a chance to sample rural village life first-hand. They are offered several opportunities to partake in several farm activities that allow them to experience and learn about the island’s traditional agricultural practices. Several workshops, taking place daily, are also available for those who want to take a hands-on approach. These include farm tours, harvesting programs, olive oil production, winemaking, and traditional cooking.
FARM TOURS
Typical farm tours enable visitors to experience everyday life on a real-life working Cypriot farm. This allows them to experience rural farming life first-hand. They are often encouraged to actively participate in several activities, which include agriculture and livestock maintenance.
HARVESTING PROGRAMS
Trips to plantations allow visitors to actively partake in the harvesting process of several fruits across the island. Visitors are generally allowed to join the harvest teams that make up part of the fruit production teams and then follow the whole process from plantation to marketplace.
WINE PRODUCTION
Cyprus also has a long tradition of viticulture. Special wine workshops allow visitors to gain knowledge and first-hand experience of how wine is made using traditional Cypriot methods. Visitors are generally allowed to follow the whole process of wine creation.
OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION
Trips are also available to the famous Cyprus olive groves. These trips allow visitors to actively participate in the process of olive harvesting. Visitors will be directly involved in the production of locally sourced olive oil, and they will be afforded the chance to follow the olives all the way to the local press. Here, they experience the process of pressing the olives to create their much sought-after oil
LOCALLY SOURCED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
Special cooking workshops are available that allow visitors to cook their own versions of classic Cypriot dishes. Visitors select their own fresh, locally sourced organic ingredients and are then taught to cook these traditional Cypriot recipes.
NATURE & HIKING TRAILS
The Cyprus countryside is there to be both explored and enjoyed, with several pre-designated nature trails winding their way through the mountains. These trails offer a chance to explore the island’s flora and fauna on foot or on a bike. Rated in terms of difficulty, most offer clear, concise signage with designated pit stops for rest and refreshments along the way.
BACKPACKING
The nature trails are dotted with various camping and glamping sites. All offer good facilities for backpackers who want to traverse the mountains at their own pace.
