Local Experiences at the Casale Panayiotis

Located in the Troodos Mountains and offering a fascinating insight into the culture and history of Cyprus, Casale Panayiotis has a range of activities to help you get the most from your holidays.

Foodies will love wine tasting and cheese making classes, using local ingredients produced on the farms in the surrounding mountains. Visit local artisans and learn about their way of life, as well as how they farm honey and nuts and how to weave traditional baskets. If you prefer to keep active try cycling or hiking, or you could explore some of the many excellent examples of Byzantine churches and buildings dotted throughout the island.

Mountain Biking

Bikes are available to rent from the hotel and can be used to explore the spectacular surrounding mountains. Beginners can enjoy 4km trails, while there are longer 25km trails for a more challenging excursion. GPS navigation systems and helmets are also available.

Nature Trails

The hotel will pack you a picnic for a day of exploring along the surrounding nature trails. Guides are available from the reception and guests can choose from shorter trails up to 6km walks. The walks vary in difficulty and will take you through forests and up into the Troodos Mountains from where you can see the Mediterranean as it stretches out below.

Halloumi making workshop

Mrs Soulla and Mrs Toulla, locals from the village, will take you through their perfected art of halloumi and anari cheese making. Learn local stories about the village as you work before sampling your handiwork over a glass of white wine in the hotel’s pretty garden.

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Wine tasting

Learn about the wine making and growing process before sampling some delicious and unique bottles of Cypriot wine. Held in the subterranean wine cellar, enjoy the quiet atmosphere as the experts take you through the varieties of wines and cava, accompanied by a meat, cheese or fruit platter.

Make local honey

Learn from local beekeepers about their way of life and the honey making process. Located in the Myrianthousa Valley, also known as the “valley of a thousand blossoms”, the area produces unique and varied flavours of honey.

Interested in any of these local experiences? To book or for more information, call our Trusted Advisers on 01293 762400*.

01293 762400

St John Lampadistis Monastery

Dating back to the 11th Century the St John Lampadistis Monastery is a secluded and peaceful UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Troodos Mountains. Stop off at the Icon Museum which is located in the neighbouring schoolhouse and offers an interesting insight into the area’s past.

Theoskepasti Chapel

Local guides will take you around this quaint chapel, which dates back to the 12th Century and is shaded by a 700 year old oak tree. Take a two hour tour with one of the local guides and learn about the history of the area, as well as taking a short nature walk where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the landscape.

Day tour of Kykkos Monastery

Take the 30 minute drive to Kykkos Monastery and spend the day learning about its fascinating past. The most lavish monastery in Cyprus, enjoy the serene tranquillity of Paphos Forest. The first president of Cyprus served in the monastery as a novice, with the property’s museum bringing its history to life.

Day tour of Byzantine Churches

Home to some fascinating examples of Byzantine art and architecture, there are plenty of UNESCO listed sites to visit during a day excursion. Start with nearby St John Lampadistis Monastery before visiting the Church of the Virgin in Moutoullas and the Church of the Archangel Michael in Pedoula. You can also extend your tour to four other UNESCO listed churches in the area.