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Kyperounda: The Apple Village in the Mountains of Cyprus

Updated: 7 days ago

September and October are a good reason to travel from the hot coast to the Troodos Mountains. The apple season begins in Kyperounda: the village is known for its orchards and is considered one of the main apple-growing centres in the Republic of Cyprus. In autumn, the fresh harvest is sold here, and the highlight of the season is the annual Apple Festival, featuring different apple varieties, juice, pies and other local products.

Kyperounda is located in the Pitsilia region at an altitude of around 1,300 m. Thanks to the mountain climate, apples and pears, grapes and other crops are grown here.

Why Kyperounda is known for its apples

Kyperounda is located high in the Troodos Mountains, at the foot of Mount Madari. The altitude of around 1,300 m and the local microclimate create conditions that differ noticeably from those on the hot coast.

Kyperounda is one of the main apple-growing areas of Cyprus. Thanks to the high-altitude climate, apple and pear trees grow well here, and the local orchards produce a significant share of the island's harvest of these fruits. In addition to orchards, the village is known for its vineyards, wine and traditional meat products.

Therefore, apples here are not merely a symbol of the autumn festival. Horticulture is genuinely part of the area's agricultural life.
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When is apple season

Autumn is the most interesting time to visit Kyperounda if you want to catch the fresh harvest. Different varieties ripen at different times, so the apple season is not limited to one specific week.

In September, you can already look for local apples from the new harvest, while in October the apple theme becomes especially noticeable: the Apple Festival traditionally takes place during this period.

It is best to buy apples from local producers and at seasonal sales points. The selection depends on the harvest and the specific date of your trip.

The Apple Festival in Kyperounda

The annual Apple Festival is the main event of the apple season in Kyperounda. The festival takes place in the centre of the village and occupies not only the square but also the main streets.

According to the official programme, the festival lasts two days. An open-air market with fresh seasonal apples and traditional products is set up here.

At the festival, you can find:

  • fresh apples from the local harvest;
  • fresh apple juice;
  • apple pies;
  • apple vinegar;
  • traditional products;
  • an exhibition of apple varieties grown in Cyprus.

The programme also includes a competition for the best apple pie, events dedicated to the properties of apples, traditional music and entertainment.

For information, the Kyperounda Community Board telephone number is: +357 25 813204.

What to see in Kyperounda

Even without the festival, Kyperounda is suitable for a separate autumn trip. It is one of the highest-altitude villages in the Republic of Cyprus, with steep streets, small courtyards, vineyards and traditional houses with tiled roofs.

The village dates back to the Byzantine period. Its name is associated with the plant kypros or kyperi, which grew abundantly in this area.

Therefore, after buying apples, it is worth leaving time simply for a walk. Unlike the resort areas of the coast, the landscape and climate are completely different here, and in autumn the agricultural life of the mountainous part of the island is especially noticeable.

Historic churches

Among Kyperounda's historic sites, the 18th-century Agia Marina church stands out. The village is also home to the more modern Agios Arsenios church.

Another interesting place is the historic Timios Stavros church with wall paintings. It is also used to store icons.

Kyperounda has museums dedicated to natural history, folk life and the history of the village. It is best to check the opening hours of the small rural museums directly before your trip.

Kyperounda Winery

Kyperounda is known for more than just apples. Grapes are grown in the surrounding area, and Kyperounda Winery operates near the village.

Therefore, an autumn trip can be combined with a wine-themed visit. If you plan to visit the winery or take part in a tasting, you should check the opening hours and the possibility of visiting in advance.
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Ekfraseis Winery is located not far from Kyperounda. It is a small family winery that can be added to a trip around the mountain villages. Visitors are introduced to local winemaking and tastings are held here; the possibility of visiting and the opening hours are best agreed with the winery in advance.
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Where to eat in Kyperounda

In Kyperounda itself, you can stop for lunch at Kyperia Tavern & Bar, a traditional taverna in a restored village house. The menu includes Cypriot meze, grilled meat, trout and dishes made with local seasonal products; desserts sometimes include options with apples from Kyperounda.

Another option is the ouzeri-taverna Agia Marina, where you can try traditional meze, fish and seafood, as well as local wine and tsipouro. Both tavernas are located in the village, so they are convenient to combine with a walk around Kyperounda.

Mountain walks

Kyperounda is located at the foot of Madari, so another reason to come here in autumn is mountain walking. The natural trails are Doksa soi o Theos and Teisia tis Madaris. The latter is particularly interesting for its views of the mountainous part of the island.

It is cooler in the mountains in autumn than on the coast. Even if summer weather continues in Limassol or Larnaca, you should bring an extra layer of clothing and suitable footwear for a trip to Kyperounda.

Adventure Mountain Park

Adventure Mountain Park is located not far from Kyperounda. It is a large outdoor activity centre in the Troodos Mountains where you can spend practically an entire day. Activities include rock climbing, archery, paintball, orienteering, team games and electric mountain-bike rides; natural trails, including Teishia tis Madaris, run nearby. The site also has a restaurant serving Cypriot cuisine and a campsite, so you can come here not only for activities but also to relax among the mountains and pine forest. All organised activities must be booked in advance.
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How to spend a day in Kyperounda

The trip does not have to be tied only to the Apple Festival. On an ordinary autumn day, you can arrive in the morning, walk around the village, buy seasonal apples and local products, see the old churches, and then choose a winery or one of the natural trails.

During the Apple Festival, the village centre becomes considerably busier, so you should allow extra time for the journey and parking.

If you come across small stalls selling apples or other seasonal products along the way, pay attention to the origin of the produce: in autumn, this is a good way to buy the harvest directly in the mountain region.

Is Kyperounda worth visiting in autumn

Yes, especially if you want to see a different Cyprus—not the beachside version, but a mountainous and agricultural one. In autumn, a trip here coincides with the apple season, and in October the village traditionally hosts the Apple Festival.

At the same time, Kyperounda is interesting even without the festival: mountain streets, orchards, traditional houses, churches, a winery and trails near Madari make it possible to spend a full day here.

If you are planning a route to see the main attractions of the Republic of Cyprus and want to travel without relying on taxis, it is convenient to compare car rental options in advance through Localrent. It is also worth planning basic practical matters in advance. Travel medical insurance can be arranged before departure, for example through Tripinsurance, while for navigation and communication on the road, it is convenient to connect a travel eSIM in advance, for example through Drimsim.

Frequently asked questions

Are apples grown in Kyperounda?

Yes. The official tourism portal of the Republic of Cyprus calls Kyperounda a village known for its apples. Horticulture is an important part of the agriculture of this mountainous area.

When is the best time to go for apples?

Autumn is the best season for an apple-themed trip. The period of the fresh harvest of different varieties begins in September, while the Apple Festival traditionally takes place in Kyperounda in October.

When will the Apple Festival take place in 2026?

The festival is included in the official calendar of traditional events of the Republic of Cyprus for 2026; however, at the time of checking, the exact dates were marked as TBA. The date must be confirmed with the organisers before travelling.

What is sold at the Apple Festival?

The festival features a market selling fresh apples and traditional products. The official programme also lists fresh apple juice, apple pies, apple vinegar and an exhibition of apple varieties grown in Cyprus.

What else can you see in Kyperounda?

You can visit the 18th-century Agia Marina church, Timios Stavros church, the local museums and Kyperounda Winery, and go for a walk along one of the natural trails in the Madari area.

At what altitude is Kyperounda located?

The village is located at an altitude of around 1,300 m above sea level in the Pitsilia region, in the Troodos Mountains.

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