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Best Cyprus Wineries Near Protaras: Your Complete Guide

 

Planning a wine adventure from Protaras? Cyprus offers some of the Mediterranean’s most authentic wine experiences, from boutique mountain wineries to ancient monastery cellars. Located just 45-90 minutes from your Protaras base, these hidden wine gems provide the perfect day trip combining history, culture, and exceptional tastings.

You already know Cyprus for its sunlit beaches and delicious meze—but there’s another side to this island, one where wine flows with history and village spirit. From slate-roofed wineries in the Troodos Mountains to centuries-old traditions reborn in boutique cellars, Cyprus offers a wine culture that’s as layered as its landscapes.

Tsiakkas Winery – High-Altitude Excellence

Location: 88 Ampelonon Street, Pelendri 4878, Limassol

Distance from Protaras: 90 minutes via A1

Specialty: Cyprus’s highest vineyards (up to 1,460 meters) and organic cultivation

Best for: Wine connoisseurs seeking premium terroir expressions

 

Quick Facts:

  • Operating Since: 1988 (founded by Costas and Marina Tsiakkas)

  • Production: 230,000 bottles annually from 13 hectares

  • Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:30, Sunday closed

  • Contact: +357 96 844111 | contact@tsiakkaswinery.com

  • Certifications: Organic since 1995, EMAS certified 2012

  • Current Generation: Led by Orestis and Ektoras Tsiakkas

 

Located in the “biodiverse Pitsilia winemaking region,” Tsiakkas Winery operates “the highest vineyard in Cyprus” at 1,460 meters altitude. The cold winters and cool summers create ideal conditions for producing quality grapes, with vineyards ranging from “Agros village, with an altitude of 1500 meters, to Petralona.”

 

What to Expect: Guided winery tours through barrel room and production areas, curated 5-wine tastings showcasing recent bottlings and experimental wines, discussions about organic cultivation principles, and spectacular mountain views. Experience includes explanation of indigenous varieties like Xynisteri, Maratheftiko (Bambakada), and Yiannoudi, plus their renowned Commandaria and Zivania.

Ktima Gerolemo – Organic Pioneer in Omodos

Location: 1km north of Omodos village, Limassol

Distance from Protaras: 60 minutes via A1

Specialty: Organic wine production and comprehensive wine portfolio

Best for: Families and wine enthusiasts seeking diverse tasting experiences

 

Quick Facts:

  • Operating Since: 1989 (reopened with modern facilities)

  • Production: 960,000 bottles annually

  • Altitude: 900 meters above sea level

  • Contact: +357 99 696025 | ktimagerolemo@gmail.com

  • Experiences: Wine tours, brunches, private events, weddings

  • Languages: Greek, English

 

Ktima Gerolemo spans “127 acres of countryside” and offers visitors an introduction to “the principles of organic cultivation of the vine and the ‘secrets’ of wine.” The winery produces an extensive range including white wines (Morokanella, Xynisteri, Spourtiko), red wines (Maratheftiko, Cabernet Sauvignon, Giannoudi), rosé wines, dessert wines including Commandaria, and even orange wine.

 

What to Expect: Modern family winery tour, extensive wine portfolio tasting, organic vineyard principles explanation, and opportunity for special events like “Wine Brunching Sundays.” The winery offers “cozy ambience, excellent service” with “genuinely friendly” owners and staff who provide comprehensive wine education.

Fikardos Winery – Award-Winning Family Tradition

Location: 22 Michalaki Savvidi, Mesogi Industrial Area, Paphos

Distance from Protaras: 75 minutes via A1 and local roads

Specialty: Both indigenous and international varieties, family-owned excellence

Best for: Wine lovers seeking exceptional value and personal attention

 

Quick Facts:

  • Operating Since: 1987 (founded by Theodoros Fikardos)

  • Production: 90,000 bottles annually from 5 hectares of own vineyards

  • Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-13:00 & 14:30-17:00, Saturday 8:00-13:00

  • Contact: +357 26 949814 | www.fikardoswines.com.cy

  • Current Generation: Run by Fikardos and Valentina (second generation)

  • Tasting Cost: €10 for 6-8 wines with crackers and cheese

 

“One of the largest” Cyprus wineries, Fikardos is the “5th oldest winery in Cyprus” and supplies “many of the best hotels and restaurants in Cyprus.” The family winery combines traditional Cypriot grape varieties (Xinisteri, Yiannoudi) with international varieties grown in “villages of Kili, Tsada, Kallepia, Polemi, Stroumbi and Letymbou.”

 

What to Expect: Personal tour by family members through barrel room, production area, and bottling stations. Comprehensive 6-8 wine tasting including “premium limited edition wines and experimental wines” with detailed explanations of each wine’s characteristics. Excellent value at €10 for extensive tasting, with “great hospitality” and awards displayed throughout the facility.

Lambouri Winery – Luxury Boutique Experience

Location: Ag. Demetrius Street 24A, Kato Platres 4810, Limassol

Distance from Protaras: 100 minutes via A1 and mountain roads

Specialty: Premium boutique wines and luxury tasting experience

Best for: Special occasions and luxury wine experiences

 

Quick Facts:

  • Family Heritage: Over 350 years of winemaking tradition

  • Production: 75,000 bottles annually from 3 hectares

  • Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00

  • Contact: +357 25 422525 | info@lambouri.com

  • Recognition: “Region’s top winery, five years in a row” with “more than a hundred awards since 2007”

  • Facilities: 300 square meter custom-designed tasting room

 

“Cyprus’s only luxury boutique winery,” Lambouri operates from “the heart of Kato Platres” in the Troodos region. The winery combines “traditional methods used for generations” with modern luxury, offering “state-of-the-art video, audio and multimedia facilities” in their impressive tasting room.

 

What to Expect: Premium tasting experience in custom-designed facilities, comprehensive wine range from dry to sweet including their renowned Commandaria, and exceptional hospitality with multilingual staff (Greek, English, German, Russian). The winery also produces LionSpirit whisky matured in Commandaria barrels. Note: Advanced booking recommended for individual visitors as some reviews suggest preference for organized groups.

 

Indigenous Cyprus Wine Varieties You Must Try

Maratheftiko: Cyprus’s Rediscovered Treasure

No discussion of Cypriot wine is complete without mentioning Maratheftiko. An old grape nearly forgotten, it is now seeing a revival among boutique wineries—especially around Pitsilia. The story goes beyond flavor; it’s about rediscovery, heritage, and terroir. Sip a Maratheftiko from a small producer, and you taste not just fruit, but a reconnection with ancient roots.

Commandaria: The World’s Oldest Named Wine

History: Mentioned by Homer, enjoyed by medieval Crusader kings

Production method: Sun-dried grapes, centuries-old techniques

Modern revival: Micro-producers like Revecca creating premium small batches

Commandaria isn’t just wine—it’s legend in a bottle. Recently, micro-producers are quietly reviving its reputation with small-batch quality and renewed care—showing that even sweet wines can be serious.

 

Cyprus Official Wine Routes: Seven Scenic Trails from Protaras

Cyprus offers seven official wine routes created by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation that showcase “6,000 years” of winemaking tradition. These professionally mapped and signposted routes wind through picturesque villages, ancient vineyards, and stunning mountain landscapes—perfect for discovering authentic Cyprus beyond the beaches.

Pro tip: These wine routes perfectly complement the cultural experiences highlighted in our guide to discovering Cyprus’s hidden gems.

Most Accessible Routes from Protaras

Krasochoria Lemesou (The Wine Villages Route) The crown jewel of Cyprus wine tourism, this route encompasses 20 charming villages known as “Krasochoria” (literally “wine villages”) with “the greatest concentration of wineries on the island”. Located “on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range,” it includes 16 wineries and features villages like Koilani and Omodos.

What makes it special: Traditional architecture, cobblestone streets, and “23 different grape types grown here” including the indigenous Xynisteri and Mavro varieties. Omodos village is particularly enchanting with its amphoras, walkable wine shops, and monastery that feels like stepping into a living museum.

Commandaria Route – The World’s Oldest Wine This route traverses “14 Commandaria villages, tracing back to 1192 AD when the knights of St. John perfected the production of this world-famous wine”. Commandaria “gained fame by winning the first recorded wine-tasting competition in the 13th century, hosted by French King Philip Augustus”.

Unique experience: Visit traditional wine presses, witness sun-dried grape techniques unchanged for centuries, and taste “one of the oldest named wines in the world, made from sun dried grapes to enhance their sugar content result in a sweet wine not dissimilar to sweet cherry”.

Planning Your Wine Route Adventure

Self-Guided vs. Organized:

 

  • Self-guided: All routes are well-signposted with official tourism signs

  • Organized tours: Options like “Troodos Vino Venture, which includes visits to three wineries, over 18 tastings, and traditional meze meals”

  • Digital support: Use the Cyprus Bus app for transport connections to route starting points

 

Route Infrastructure: “EU funding between 2004-2013 significantly enhanced infrastructure and signage along wine routes, making independent exploration accessible”. Each route includes wineries, traditional tavernas, museums, churches, and cultural sites.

 

Best Times to Explore:

  • Harvest season (August-September): Join grape festivals and traditional harvest activities

  • Spring/Fall: Ideal weather and fewer crowds

  • Winter: Cozy taverna experiences and local festivals

 

Perfect Cyprus Wine Day Trip from Protaras: Suggested Itinerary

8:30 AM – Departure from Protaras

  • Drive time: Allow 60-90 minutes to reach wine regions

  • Route: Take A1 west toward Nicosia, then B7 south to Troodos foothills

 

10:00 AM – Morning Tasting

  • Start at: Omodos’ Linos Winery

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Experience: History, wine tasting, and traditional sweets

  • Book ahead: Recommended for personalized tours

 

12:00 PM – Midday Exploration

  • Continue to: Nelion or Avacas Winery

  • Duration: 2 hours including lunch

  • Experience: Intimate tastings with vineyard views

  • Tip: Many wineries offer light meals or cheese platters

 

3:00 PM – Afternoon Cultural Experience

  • Finish at: Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery Estate

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Experience: Commandaria tasting and monastery tour

  • Perfect for: Those seeking spiritual and cultural depth

 

5:30 PM – Return Journey

 

Best Times to Visit Cyprus Wineries

  • Peak season: May-October (advance booking essential)

  • Harvest season: August-September (special harvest experiences available)

  • Quieter period: November-April (more intimate tastings, cooler weather)

  • September special: Ideal weather combines with harvest activities – check our Protaras in September guide

 

Why Cyprus Wine Tourism from Protaras is Special

These places don’t do grandeur. There are no flashy digitized labels or manicured tasting rooms—just real places with real humanity behind the glass. You’ll leave tasting not only what grows in the soil, but also what lives in small villages and quiet valleys: memory, pride, and unhurried beauty. The proximity to Protaras makes these wine experiences perfect day trips, allowing you to return to your accommodation for beautiful sunset views or evening entertainment.

 

We can help

Frequenlty Asked Questions

Full day tours typically last 8-10 hours, including travel time. Half-day options (4-5 hours) focus on 1-2 wineries.

While some larger estates accept walk-ins, we strongly recommend booking ahead, especially for boutique wineries and monastery visits.

Many wineries welcome families and offer grape juice tastings for children. Check our family-friendly Protaras activities guide for more options.

Comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing (especially for monastery visits). Layers recommended for mountain wineries.

Yes, most wineries offer international shipping. EU residents can typically take bottles in checked luggage.

Ready to Experience Cyprus Wineries from Protaras?

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Cyprus’s ancient wine heritage – from boutique mountain wineries to monastery cellars producing wines with 6,000 years of tradition. Browse our collection of beachfront villas and apartments, all perfectly positioned to maximize your wine adventures while enjoying the beauty of Protaras.

Contact us today to plan your wine-focused getaway and discover why combining Cyprus’s exceptional wines with beachfront relaxation creates the perfect Mediterranean escape.