There are so many cosy villages in Cyprus. Some are popular with tourists, whilst others are less well known but no less interesting.
Autumn trip
Although Arsos village is located on one of Cyprus’ wine routes, it is not as popular as its neighbour, Omodos. However, it is definitely worth a visit. To reach it, you need to go on highway A6 and turn left after Erimi village and follow the signs towards Omodos. If you go non-stop, the road from the highway to the village takes about 25 minutes.
The name of the village has no literal translation, however, according to one version it comes from the Greek word ‘αλσος, which means “wood”. In the old days these slopes were covered with lush vegetation and the locals called them Aprhodite grove.
Especially now, in early November, climbing in the mountains, you can feel the change of seasons. All the deciduous trees were painted in yellow and red colours. Numerous vineyards on the right and left of the road stand with yellowed leaves.
Welcome back!
Arsos village welcomes all travelers. Immediately after it there is a monument dedicated to the Cypriot volunteer soldiers who died in the wars.
Leave the car on the outskirts of the village and follow the narrow winding streets and in a couple of minutes you will reach the central square.
Your attention will be attracted to the unusual house with the green shutters. This is the local bakery and the wonderful smell of fresh baking fills the street!
Here, as throughout the region, the main activity has been winemaking and the village has had its share of good times and bad.
In 1960 its population was 2,000 but when wine production decreased significantly many left in search of work.
Only in the last 17 years, due to reforms, has life begun here again. The family wineries and other small family businesses began to revive.
Treasure Hunt
At the small central square one can find the main village church of St. Philip. It is known that the first church on this site was built in the 13th century, but has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. There is a small family tavern, Αγορά, and several small cafes in the village square.
If you walk a little further down the street you will see a large wooden door. This is the local Folk Museum. The display is small, but the room is very cozy and locals use it for all kinds of meetings and conferences.
If you turn to the right from the church, you can see a small house with blue shutters and a large wooden gate, which hides a cozy patio. This is the local pub with the sonorous name of Cornaro House.
Going back to the centre we noticed a large building with a sign “Kallena Herbs”. Arsos is full of treasures and discoveries! It turned out that the owner of shop is a winemaker, who only recently became engaged in the cultivation of medicinal herbs. Mr. Evagoros still makes wine, and while we were drinking tea and enjoying the homemade desserts made from the grapes, he willingly told us about the wonderful advantages of grapes, and the many things that can be made from them.
The fact that grapes contain a lot of vitamins and trace elements is well known , but what we didn’t know was that wine vinegar is almost an elixir of youth. The ancient Greeks used vinaigre – «sour wine” – as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Due to the high content of antioxidants in wine vinegar, doctors recommend it be used regularly. It actively prevents the formation of cholesterol and is an excellent preventative of cardiovascular disease. Vinegar also has a rejuvenating effect on the skin and hair.
Having bought a couple of bottles of the homemade wine, we received a gift bag of delicious raisins and the recipe for the dessert, “paluze”, which is well worth trying if you get a chance!
We hope our little story will inspire you to make an interesting journey and bring you much pleasure!
