Limassol Wine Villages Tour

The Krasochoria, literally the wine villages, spread across the southern foothills of the Troodos above Limassol. This is the heartland of the Cyprus wine industry, where small family wineries work terraced vineyards at altitude. A tour from the coast typically links several villages with stops to taste and to see how the wine is made.

The region is also Commandaria country. Commandaria is a sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes in a defined group of villages on the Troodos foothills, and it is recognised as one of the oldest named wines still in production. Many tours combine a Krasochoria circuit with the chance to taste it. Native grapes such as Xynisteri and Maratheftiko feature alongside the more familiar international varieties.

How the day runs

Guided minibus tours handle the winding mountain roads and the driving, which matters when tasting is involved. Stops often include a village lunch of meze and a walk through old stone lanes between the wineries. The cooler village air at altitude is a welcome relief from the summer coast, and the terraced vineyards make for a scenic drive up and back.

• Focus a tasting day on Commandaria, the region's signature dessert wine.
• The cobbled village of Omodos is a common base; see the Omodos wine tour.
• Walkers can add a stretch of the Troodos trails higher up.
• The estate at Kolossi Castle gave Commandaria part of its history.

Go with a driver or guided tour if you plan to taste, bring a light layer for the higher villages, and allow a full day to do the circuit without rushing.