Beekeeping is perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Larnaka region and its golden coastline, but up in the mountainous communities (known as ‘Orini’), it is a sweet, longstanding tradition! 

Leaving Larnaka city (heading towards Limassol), the region’s countryside villages make way for its mountainous ones where the Rural Larnaka Honey Villages are nestled. The first beekeeping experience can be found in quaint Vavla, and a second in petite Melini as you climb higher into the Orini areas.  

Ecophysis - Vavla

The popular ‘Become a Beekeeper for a Day’ activity gives visitors the chance to inspect the hives to learn all about the different ‘jobs’ the bees have (with protective suit), combined with other activities depending on the season. For autumn, activities focus on extraction of fresh beeswax and raw honey, honey bottling and maintaining the bee population in the hives, including making repairs. A picnic in nature with fresh, local produce and honey treats can also be enjoyed. 

Thematic workshops are held throughout the year, with the next ones - 'Trip in Nature with Honeybees' taking place on September 14, 21 and 28, 2025 (a day of beekeeping, honeypie baking, village brunch and beeswax candle making). 

Director, Georgia Shoshilou's story started with “a biologist falling in love with a beekeeper”, and she is devoted to promoting the importance of bees: "Our focus at Ecophysis is two-fold; producing premium honey and honey-based products, alongside promoting environmental education about the life of bees and the flora of Cyprus through our various activities and workshops. By creating something immersive we are able to share our passion for sustainability in an informative and engaging way for all ages, set in our nature lover’s paradise!". 

Oros Maxaira - Melini 

At Oros Maxaira, a guided visit through the facilities passes by the apitherapy (bee wellness) hut and features short, informative videos and a fun quiz. Visitors get to observe the live bottling process at the honey production unit... and to taste the delicious honey and other hive products!

‘Adventures in the Hives’ is an immersive beekeeping activity where participants observe the bee community up close, learning about their fascinating world and the natural treasures they produce for human health, complete with protective suit. Seasonal workshops are also available, with bee hotel workshops taking place this autumn. 

Beekeeping has been in the Fillipou family for generations. As Maria Solomonidou explains: "Quality, tradition and family are our ethos, and we have been beekeeping since 1983, producing multi-awarded raw honey. We are also deeply committed to raising awareness about bee protection. 

“The second generation continues to evolve our product line and services, with the expansion to new premises in 2020. We are also dedicated to spreading awareness about bee protection through a programme called ‘Adopt a Hive’, mainly for companies. 

Visitors are warmly welcomed into our beautiful, natural setting; a place where tradition, innovation, and respect for nature come together to offer a meaningful and unforgettable experience for all ages!".