The history of winemaking in Cyprus is very old, one of the oldest in the world, dating back some 6000 years. This cultural heritage is the oldest in the whole Mediterranean basin and leads to the assumption that Cyprus triggered the spread of winemaking to Greece, Italy, France and other regions.
The CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organization) has organised seven wine routes where visitors can get acquainted with the island’s enchanting and humble wineries. The CTO has also published a Cyprus Wine Route Guide which is available to the public to all the tourist information offices.
The Cyprus Wine Route 2 – “VOUNI AMBELITIS” passes through the villages of Mesogi, Tsada, Stroumpi, Polemi, Psathi, Kannaviou, Asprogia, Pano Panagia, Chrysorrogiatissa, Agia Moni, Statos-Agios Fotios, Koilineia, Galataria, Pentalia, Amargeti, Eledio, Agia Varvara, Choulou, Lemona, Kourdaka, Letymbou and Kali.
A trail to explore the villages and sights along the wine route, hopefully adding more over time.
Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate. It was founded by a monk called Ignatius (Greek: Ιγνάτιος) in the 12th century. It lies 1.5 kilometres from the today village of Panayia, birthplace of the late Archbishop Makarios. The present building dates to 1770. You can park at the monastery and walk around the corner and find the nature trail, on the opposite side of the road. The cache is a short walk. Care might need to be taken on path, especially if wet.