Agrotourism Blossoms on Green Cyprus

Tourists head upcountry to the green heart of Cyprus for rural activities.

2 June 2011. Village life on the slopes of the famous Troodos Mountains is getting a sudden boost.  Cyprus’ pine covered national park includes 97 marked walking trails (covering 861 km) through forests and waterfalls via an organised visitor centre in Platres.

Visitor levels surged in April this year, lured away from the coast by traditional guesthouses and small hotels.

Mountain villages like Tochni are gateways for outdoor fun like bike riding, horse riding and walking escapes, while cookery courses and food foraging are easily bookable to indulge in seasonal Cypriot food (www.agrotourism.com.cy).

Meanwhile Laneia village has set a new pace with its charming cultural trail. A progressive mayor works closely with local artists and galleries to showcase its home grown talent, as well as a lively expat scene. Village lanes and squares have been beautifully restored with intricate stonework, while ancient olive mills have been rescued from decay. Most impressive is a large-scale outdoor photographic exhibit with material dating back 100 years, which gives a heartwarming glimpse of a close knit rural community.

Bibliophiles should make a beeline for Kalavassos just 10km from Lemesos. The Library Wellness Resort and Spa (www.libraryhotelcyprus.com) is a former merchant’s house on the village churchyard. With six suites named after famous poets and authors, it makes a wonderful year round base for eating your way around marvellous local tavernas in Lofou and Omodos and sampling organic wines on the numerous wine trails.

Buy bottles of Cyprus’ delicious Commandaria sweet wine direct from Tsiakkas Winery in Pelentri village grown on Kostas’ high altitude vineyards, or a robust red produced from Cypriot Vamvakada grapes.  Otherwise hire a car and take in the timeless scenery of the Troodos mountains while absorbing a seamless supply of hospitality.

For more information visit www.visitcyprus.com or www.agrotourism.com.cy

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Downloadable images: http://mediacentre.kallaway.co.uk/cyprus-tourism-picture-library1.htm

For media information or to arrange an individual visit to Cyprus:-

Contact: June Field, Kallaway Travel and Lifestyle PR

T: 0207 221 7883 D: 0207 313 6274

E: june.field@kallaway.com (www.kallaway.com)

Kallaway Travel team are organising 'Around Cyprus with a Fork' group press trip, 24th to 27th June. Meet the island's hottest new chefs like Roddy Damalis - Cyprus' Jamie Oliver - attend his workshop and get a signed copy of his new book 'Little Plates'; meet Sophia the cheese pie guru and sample organic wines and oil in a wild olive grove.