AGRICULTURAL TOURISM IN CYPRUS
HOLIDAY
with a hint of nature
Agri-tourism, also known as ecotourism or ‘green’ tourism, is one of the ambitious
and most popular trends in world tourism industry today.
O
ne might think there is no need to
explain reasons behind increas-
ing popularity of this type of tour-
ism because the answer is clear;
the modern-day person, dwelling in the big
city, gets exhausted from the constant rush,
on-going stress, suffers from deteriorating
health and other issues. But by coming to the
countryside, he may let the worries go, forget
about monotonously mundane tasks, take a
deep breath of fresh, clean air and enjoy nat-
ural landscapes, which remedy the soul and
relieve tiredness, filling the modern people
back with an ability to enjoy the simplicity of
life and rejoice in the small things. Besides
that, agri-tourism is a perfect way to learn
about local customs and traditions, witness
authentic rural life and get close to nature.
Cyprus, with its wonderful climate, crys-
tal-clear seas and stunning beaches, was
and still is the favourite destination for tour-
ists. However, the focus on beaches and
the sea has cast a shade on agri-tourism.
Worth mentioning, though, that over a dec-
ade ago Cyprus Tourism Organisation made
first steps towards this direction. The Island
has the established foundation needed to
springboard her to a formidable success.
Small farming holdings are almost extinct
in many countries, giving way to agricultural
holdings.
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Along with old farms, traditions and cus-
toms have been forgotten, which defined the
culturally unique nature of each country. On
the contrary to others, traditional rural com-
munes of Cyprus are still alive in tiny villag-
es. The government has been trying to sup-
port Cyprus Villages project launched back
in 1987 and focused on conservation and
restoration of authentic village builds.
The project was developed in hope of
agri-tourism acting as a propaganda of an
ancient island with its stable rhythm of rural
existence and traditions but will also attract
the needed capital to rural agriculture. Un-
fortunately, the final aim of the project has
never been achieved. But if truly feel the
urge within towards isolated village life and
ready to join ecotourists ranks for the time
of your holiday, nothing shall stand on the
way of your search for such resort corner on
Cyprus.
One of true pearls of this project is the
cosy, endowed village of Pera Pedi, which
is located in the eye of four main touristic
areas in the Troodos and Platres region; The
Koumandaria, Pistillia, and Wine villages,
and the top of the Troodos range.
Crossed by the Krios river, which is a life-
line to the surrounding villages, and serene
sight to tourists, the village is blessed with
a gloriously clement weather and verdancy.
The flourish of nature and fruit trees allows
the village to be one of the prestigious wine-
producing villages of the island.
The homely village is also dotted and
surrounded by a number of UNESCO-rec-
ognised sites of historical, cultural, and re-
ONE OF TRUE
PEARLS OF THIS
PROJECT IS THE
COSY, ENDOWED
VILLAGE OF PERA
PEDI, WHICH IS
LOCATED IN THE
EYE OF FOUR MAIN
TOURISTIC AREAS
IN THE TROODOS
AND PLATRES
REGION.