The route

This tour starts by taking the B7, which is the main road to Polis Chrysochous. After 5km, make the first stop at Mesogi village. On the left side of the road, within the industrial area, well worth a stop is one of the best known

producers in the area, the Fikardos Winery. Even though the winery does not own a significant area of its own vineyards, the quality dynamic is quite remarkable. Recently, the winery invested extensively in a unified vineyard of 2.5 hectares in Kat Arodes and 3.5 hectares in Choulou.

The varieties planted there are Yiannoudi, Xynisteri, Moschato Samou, Maratheftiko, Mataro and Shiraz. This acquisition supplements the long-time co-operation between the winery and carefully chosen local contracted vinegrowers.

All this means the winemaker here has a good knowledge of the dynamic in the area which, in less than two decades (the unit was established in 1990), allowed the natural development of labels with a varietal synthesis that utilises the strengths of the vineyards. A noticeable thing about Fikardos Winery is the production of a large selection of wines from different grapes; such as the reds, Maratheftiko, Lefkada, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the whites Xynisteri, Chardonnay and Semillon. On your visit you may taste the rose Valentina, the whites, Amalthia and Alkisti and the reds Shiraz and Maratheftiko.

The winery welcomes visitors and offers a good introduction to the style of Pafos region wines.

Before continuing your wine exploration, it is worth visiting the monastery of Agios Neofytos, by taking the rural road that turns off the B7 at Mesogi. The monastery, at an altitude of 412 metres, is considered one of the most important in Cyprus and was built on the spot where the hermit saint lived (1134-1214).

Return to the B7 and head north towards the village of Tsada. A small trip on the narrow paths is worth the visit.

The limestone fountains (Yerolakkos, Rodkias and Pyadkia) have a unique beauty of their own. But what is worth to stop for is the exquisite view to the sea and the vineyards that surround the village.

The road to Stroumbi is twisty and steep with the impressive gorges as its main feature. Stroumbi is located at an altitude of 450 metres. The local grape variety cultivated in the area is mainly the indigenous red Mavro, followed to a lesser extent by the white Xynisteri. Of equal importance today is the cultivation of international varieties, undertaken in recent years. Every August, Stroumbi hosts the annual “Dionyssia” grape festival, an event not to be missed.

Before leaving the this picturesque wine village you may make a short trip to visit the churches and chapels in the area.

Just outside Stroumbi, about 1km away, is the village of Polemi, home to the Kamanterena Winery that belongs to the SODAP Co-operative Organisation of Vine Products. A modern, large and technologically advanced unit built in 2004, it is one of the most important wine production facilities in the area. Visit the museum of historical machinery and winery equipment, the modern tasting room and the restaurant. The view of the almond groves which welcomes the visitor to the winery is truly magical, unexpected yet a complementary combination with the vineyards of the area that reach out to the edge of the winery itself. A unique wine which is made here is the Kamanterena Riesling, which expresses the new identity of the SODAP-Kamanterena Winery. The Mountain Vines (white Semillon and red Cabernet/ Maratheftiko) are also worth tasting, as is the new, high quality “Stroumbeli” range, in which the intense local variety Maratheftiko are the basis for interesting rose and red wines. A fulsome Shiraz is also in this range. The story of the SODAP cooperative partnership started in 1947 when about 10,000 families from 144 wine villages of Cyprus united and decided to establish this Co-operative wine making enterprise.

Continuing northwest for 1km after Stroumbi, leave the B7 and turn left to the Ε711 headed to Kathikas. It is situated among green hills which in the past was considered the heartland of north-western Cyprus. Apart from the charming area surrounding Kathikas, there are also a pair of wineries worth visiting and delicious Cypriot dishes to be enjoyed in the local tavernas.

The Vasilikon Winery is one of the first to be established in western Cyprus in 1993. Today, it is housed in a brand new facility built on three levels that include a wine laboratory, storage cellars, administration, a wine museum, tasting room and shop wine shop, and conference facilities. The winery has 14 hectares (35 acres) of its own vineyards, which provide a variety of grapes for two very popular wines: the white varietal Xyinsteri “Vassilikon” and the red “Ayios Onoufrios”, a blend of Mourvedre (Mataro), Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and local varieties. Wines produced by the Vasilikon Winery are considered to be excellent value for money. Recently the winery added a rose named “Einalia”. A classy premium red is also made in moderate quantities, mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon with a minority amount of Cabernet Franc.

A small producer which has a friendly welcome for visitors is Sterna Winery, located east of Kathikas. From the centre of the village head towards

Akourdaleia. The owner will give you a multilingual tour of the winery where tasting takes place with narration in Greek, English, Russian and German.

The view northeast of the winery’s balcony is amazing. Of interest are the small natural caves, found within the winery’s boundaries. They remind us of catacombs and were used to store wine in ideal conditions millennia ago. The grapes of this winery come mainly from the 13 hectares (32 acres) of its own vineyards. Try their Xynisteri wine from Kathikas grapes.

Leaving Kathikas and after 2km turn left, taking the rural road that leads to a collection of pretty villages, well worth stopping at to enjoy the environment and the view. The first village on the way, Pano Arodes, is characterised by a well preserved architectural environment embracing stone-built houses and the restored church of Agios Kalantionas. It is located at the edge of a well presented square which can be enjoyed sitting at the village coffee shop.

A further kilometre northwards is Kato Arodes. It would be best to stop and take in the white community office.

It reminds you of an 18th century church but without its bell-tower. Continue north and you will get to the village of Ineia, from where you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea.

At Ineia, the visitor will notice that the local signs refer to the village as “Oineia”, respecting the root of the name from the word “oinos” for wine. The village also has a basket weaving museum.

Nearby is the next village of Drouseia.

Like Ineia, it is extremely popular among Cypriot holidaymakers, especially at weekends, both because of the natural beauty of the area and the traditional dishes served in the eating places. The magical view to the sea follows you here as well. Drouseia is also home to vineyards, without however, having a winery of its own. The village has a popular hotel which was recently refurbished. It is worth visiting the Textile Museum in the village.

This Route 1 adventure is coming towards its close. Polis Chrysochous is the short distace of 10km away. Returning to the E709 make a small detour to the right and visit Kritou Terra. The water mill, the old coffee-shop with its murals and the cobbled threshing areas are unique features that are worth making a final stop before heading to Polis Chrysochous. There you can have an overnight stay and enjoy Cypriot wines at the restaurants and tavernas of this modern coastal town, with plenty of options for entertainment. Otherwise, you could embark on your return south, this time driving through the lively hillside village of Pegeia.