Kition Cyprus Trail
Explore Cyprus through Phoenician eyes: Kition's 9th-century BC ruins,...
Explore Cyprus through Phoenician eyes: Kition's 9th-century BC ruins, UNESCO sites, mountain Commandaria villages, and indigenous wine varieties. This is where Phoenician traders established their Eastern Mediterranean stronghold.
A Wine Memories curated trail · winememories.fi
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Stops
Curated by Wine Memories
- 1🗺️
Kition Archaeological Site - Phoenician City Ruins
The ancient Phoenician city of Kition, featuring the Temple of Aphrodite-Astarte built by Phoenician masons in the 9th century BC - the same craftsmen who built Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The Kathari and Bamboula sites reveal temples, copper workshops, and a 5th-century BC Phoenician warship harbour.
tour $ - 2🍷
Tsiakkas Winery - Mountain Terroir Pioneer
A family winery at 1,200m altitude in the Pitsilia region, producing 200,000 bottles annually from 18 hectares. The second generation now leads, championing indigenous varieties like Yiannoudi and Promara. Taste from the tower overlooking Troodos peaks, including their 9-year-old Commandaria barrel sample.
tasting $$ - 3🍷
Zambartas Winery - Commandaria Masters
Established in 2006 by Akis Zambartas and now run by his Adelaide-trained son Marcos, this 13-hectare organic estate produces 120,000 bottles annually. The premium tasting includes 5 Single Vineyard wines plus a barrel sample of 9-year-old Commandaria.
tasting $$ - 4🗺️
Kolossi Castle - Birthplace of Commandaria
This 15th-century Crusader castle was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller's "Grande Commanderie" - the military estate that gave Commandaria wine its name. The surrounding lands produced the sweet wine that became famous across medieval Europe.
tour $ - 5🍷
Cyprus Wine Museum - 5,500 Years of Winemaking
Located in Erimi village - the birthplace of European wine with a 5,500-year history - this museum occupies a restored inn where wine merchants once gathered. Exhibits span from Neolithic jars to medieval vessels, with wine tasting included.
education $ - 6🍷
Vouni Panayia Winery - First Regional Winery
Founded in 1987 as Cyprus's first private regional winery, this family estate at 850m altitude focuses on indigenous varieties and natural winemaking. Free tastings with cheese, a traditional museum, and an educational film about Cypriot viticulture.
tasting free - 7🍷
ETKO Olympus Winery - Oldest Producer
Cyprus's oldest winemaker (since 1844), now in its sixth generation. The modern Olympus facility in Omodos village features an underground isothermic cellar and offers tours showing wines at different production stages - unique among Cyprus wineries.
tasting $$ - 8🗺️
Paphos Archaeological Park - Aphrodite's Domain
UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring spectacular Roman mosaics, the House of Dionysus with wine-themed floor art, and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at nearby Kouklia. The goddess was worshipped here from Mycenaean through Roman times.
tour $ - 9🍷
Ayia Mavri Winery - Best Commandaria
A small family winery in Koilani village (heart of the Commandaria region) famous for its exceptional Commandaria and Mosxatos wines. The 90-year-old founder still shares winemaking stories. 5 hectares at 800-900m altitude.
tasting $$ - 10🗺️
Tombs of the Kings - Ptolemaic Necropolis
UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring spectacular rock-cut underground tombs carved for Ptolemaic aristocrats (3rd century BC - 3rd century AD). The architecture was inspired by Alexandrian traditions, with peristyle courtyards carved from solid rock.
tour $
Plan the trip
Getting there and around
- Safety
- Very safe. Cyprus is one of Europe's safest destinations.
- Parking
- Free at all sites and wineries. Larnaca/Limassol have paid street parking.
- Accessibility
- Most sites accessible. Kition ruins have uneven ancient stone paths.
- Getting there
- Fly to Larnaca International Airport (LCA). Rent a car at airport - essential for winery touring.
- Getting around
- Car required. Roads excellent. Mountain roads to Troodos are winding but paved.
Where to stay
- Overview
- Stay in Limassol for central access to both archaeological sites and mountain wineries.
Budget
- Tips
- Book via Booking.com. Limassol has better restaurant scene.
- Where
- Larnaca or Limassol guesthouses
- Price range
- 40-70 EUR/night
Splurge
- Where
- Luxury coastal resorts
- Price range
- 200-400 EUR/night
- Recommended stays
-
- Four Seasons Limassol
- Parklane Resort
Mid-range
- Where
- Limassol boutique hotels
- Price range
- 80-150 EUR/night
- Recommended stays
-
- Amathus Beach Hotel
- Mediterranean Beach Hotel
What it costs
- Per day, low
- 70 EUR (budget hotel, picnic lunches, entry fees)
- Per day, mid
- 150 EUR (mid-range hotel, restaurants, wine tastings)
- Per day, high
- 350 EUR (luxury hotel, winery dining, premium tours)
- Ways to spend less
-
- Many archaeological sites are €2.50 only
- Commandaria tastings are affordable (€8-15)
- Lunch at local tavernas (€10-15) vs winery restaurants (€30-50)
- Free parking everywhere except city centers
Booking and timing
- Lead time
- Book Commandaria winery tours 2-3 days ahead. Other sites are walk-in friendly.
- Group size
- Most wineries accommodate groups up to 15. Smaller tastings more intimate.
- Reservation tips
-
- St. John Commandaria requires appointment
- Zambartas winery books up on weekends
- Paphos Archaeological Park: arrive at opening (8:30 AM)
- Cancellations
- Wineries are flexible. Hotels standard 24-48 hours.
Where to eat
- Overview
- Cypriot cuisine blends Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors. Mezze platters are the move.
- Must-try dishes
-
- Halloumi cheese (grilled or fried)
- Kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb)
- Souvlaki and sheftalia
- Mezze platters (20+ small dishes)
- Commandaria wine with carob syrup dessert
- Food and wine
- Pair Xynisteri white with halloumi, Commandaria with dessert, Maratheftiko red with lamb.
Recommended tables
- Cleopatra's (Paphos)
- Best mezze in Paphos, family-run, authentic · traditional · 25-40 EUR
- Kefraya restaurant (at winery)
- Terrace views, wine pairings, local cuisine · winery · 30-50 EUR
If your time is short
- Do not miss
-
- Kition Archaeological Site (9th-century BC Phoenician city)
- Commandaria wine villages (world's oldest wine)
- Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO mosaics)
- Indigenous wine tasting (Xynisteri, Maratheftiko)
- Skip if time is short
-
- Cyprus Wine Museum (if pressed for time)
- Tsiakkas Winery (if already visited Zambartas)
Mistakes to avoid
-
- Don't skip booking Commandaria tours - some require appointments
- Bring cash for small village wine estates
- Mountain roads to Troodos: allow extra time, they're winding
- Paphos sites close early in winter (5 PM) - plan accordingly
Worth stopping for
-
- Kition ruins: morning light (9-10 AM) for dramatic shadows
- Commandaria vineyards: golden hour (6-7 PM) with Troodos backdrop
- Paphos mosaics: overcast days reduce glare
- Tombs of the Kings: sunset for warm stone colors