The traditional communities of Larnaka region that stretch from coastline to countryside, all the way up to the shady, green mountains, are perfect for an autumnal brunch with a village view. Here you will find a different pace of life and will be uniquely welcomed at each village to enjoy its character, charm and delicious, locally-produced and handmade food. 

Starting at Choirokoitia village – home to an important UNESCO Neolithic site - local weaver Petros serves a traditional brunch at his Basketry Museum (on Sundays and public holidays). Visitors can look at the display of traditional, coloured baskets and learn of their many uses in bygone times. The buffet of over 20 cold and hot delights includes warm Halloumi and Anari cheeses made by Petros fresh on the day. Contact details here. 

Follow the winding roads up to Kato Drys – one of the EDEN – Cultural Tourism villages and the Rural Larnaka Honey Villages, where brunch comes with a wine twist at the Ktima Christoudia Winery. The Cypriot ‘boukoma’ is an elegant set menu that incorporates the fruits of labour of the vineyard, such as warm Halloumi cheese with honey, seeds, tremithopitta (a crunchy bread) and raisins in Commandaria sweet dessert wine. 

Neighbouring Lefkara village – famous for its UNESCO-listed handmade lace and silversmithing crafts – is an idyllic hillside setting for brunch, amidst the cobbled lanes and stunning, old architecture that helped the village to win the title of UNWTO Best Tourism Villages in 2021. You will be spoilt for choice. At Marikou Pou ta Lefkara Café, the modern cuisine combines with a traditional setting, whilst at Stafilaris Coffee Shop, a traditional Cypriot brunch can be enjoyed under a canopy of vine leaves. 

Climbing higher still is the village of Agioi Vavatsinias; another EDEN – Cultural Tourism village and Rural Larnaka Honey Village. At Ermi Traditional Sweets where traditional spoon sweets and preserves are made, diners can also enjoy a hearty Cypriot brunch (which includes the homemade, traditional marmalades) in the leafy courtyard opposite the sweet workshop. Free workshops on traditional sweet preparation also take place as part of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s programme of Handicraft and Enogastronomy Workshops (running until December 2022).  

Whichever village you choose to visit, don’t forget to take advantage of all its other wonderful attractions too!