The village of Omodos belonging to the Limassol district, is probably the most famous village of Cyprus, on the island itself as well as to the rest of the world, just after the village of Lefkara in the district of Larnaca. It is built 40 kilometres northwest of Limassol, among high mountain peaks. On the east side you will find the river Ha-Potami crossing it.
The journey to Omodos from Limassol is made through a relatively new road, that even though it is in the mountains, it offers comfort and safety to its users. It is a journey that at its most crosses a mountain peak, something which while ascending it offers you unlimited view of the mountain peaks of Troodos and you can also enjoy the small, traditional wine producing villages and their slopes.
On your way back home, you will have a view towards Limassol and its shores. You will be impressed by the image of Limassol, you will have the impression that if you spread out your hand you will be able to hold it in your hands.
Upon reaching Omodos, you will see comfortable parking areas, very close to the Monastery of Timiou kai Zoopoiou Stavrou (The Holy Life Giving Cross) and the great paved square with the picturesque coffee shops and restaurants.
On the square you will find many small shops that sell products made by the residents. Of course the most popular product is good wine. This wine has honoured Cyprus many times. There are many reasons to choose Omodos to visit, either for a single day or multiple day stay. For this reason there are quite a few accommodation points, but you should reserve in advance.
Agrotourism is most popular in Omodos, with vine cultivation being its main occupation. Even though its population decreases year by year, resulting to it only having about 300 residents, the grape and wine production as well as other products that have grapes as their base remain at high rates. It is one of the few villages of Cyprus that have not “obeyed” to prompts and indemnities given by the then government of the island, chaired by Mr. George Vassiliou, to uproot the vineyards. Today Omodos exists because it disposes of the ancient, elite sort of vineyards on the mountain peaks of “Afamis” and “Laona”.
Geographical names in Omodos reveal its history and its existence, many years before the tracks of history that are mentioned in some historical archives. The mountain peaks of “Afamis” show us that it had a worshipping temple in honour of Euphemius Zeus, which reveals the existence of the village in the area at least 1000 years before 1100 B.C., the year during which the first reference of the village is made.
In addition, the location in which the chapel dedicated to Apostle Philippos is found, there was a Temple in the honour of the god Apollon, and the only thing that is still saved today is the perennial Laurel tree the symbol of the god.
A visitor in Omodos has a lot to do and see. Museums, churches, sights and monuments that will take more than just one day to visit them all. If you wish to learn the village as well, and walk along its narrow, paved streets, then it is better to reserve a place to stay.
There are many taverns. The important thing is that the prices are reasonable. The Cypriot hospitality, based on host Zeus, will not let you go away with just what you have ordered from the menu. A series of traditional Cypriot dishes as well as a lot of zivania will be offered to you. The service such towards the Cypriot as well as the foreign visitors by the owners of the restaurants, truly honours Cyprus.
Do not leave the village without trying the local traditional rusks. They will be unforgettable to you, such for their taste, as for their texture. The destination of Omodos is one of those that are truly worth “sacrificing” time and money to visit it.
