Traditional Cyprus Souvenirs: What to Bring Home

The best souvenir from the Republic of Cyprus is not a generic magnet, but something connected with the island’s culture, crafts and gastronomic traditions. In the villages, you can find handmade lace, silver jewellery, ceramics and olive-wood products, while wineries, farm shops and supermarkets offer Commandaria, zivania, halloumi, carob syrup, honey and traditional sweets.

We have collected popular Cypriot products that are genuinely worth buying during your trip and bringing home. We begin with handicrafts, followed by food, drinks and sweets.

• Handicrafts
• Lefkara lace
• Silver jewellery
• Handmade ceramics
• Copper products
• Olive-wood products
• Woven baskets
• Icons and religious art
• Mosaic reproductions
• Food and drinks
• Commandaria
• Zivania
• Halloumi
• Olive oil and olives
• Carob products
• Cypriot honey
• Traditional sweets
• Herbs and spices
• Cypriot coffee
• Where to buy souvenirs
• How to transport your purchases
• Frequently asked questions

Handicrafts

Cypriot crafts developed over many generations. Embroidery, lace-making, jewellery, ceramics, wood carving and weaving are especially well known. The best products are worth looking for not in mass-market souvenir shops in resort areas, but in villages, workshops, municipal craft centres and museum shops.

Lefkara lace

Lefkaritika is traditional lace from the village of Lefkara and one of the most recognisable Cypriot souvenirs. It is made by hand on linen fabric, creating geometric patterns, openwork inserts and intricate embroidery.

The traditional technique of Lefkara lace is included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Genuine handmade work requires a great deal of time, so a large tablecloth or an elaborate napkin cannot be cheap.

As a souvenir, you can buy:

• a small napkin;
• a table runner;
• a tablecloth;
• a linen pillowcase;
• an embroidered bookmark;
• a framed wall panel.

The best places to buy it are Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara. In the workshops, you can see the working process and confirm that the item was made entirely by hand.

How to identify handmade work

With handmade lace, the pattern may not be absolutely identical along its entire length, and neat stitches can be seen on the reverse side. Machine-made products usually look too even and repetitive and cost noticeably less.

Silver jewellery

Lefkara is known not only for its lace, but also for its silversmithing. Family-run jewellery workshops operate in the village, producing earrings, bracelets, rings, crosses, pendants and decorative items.

Filigree work, made with thin interwoven silver threads, is common. This technique makes it possible to create lightweight, detailed jewellery with floral and geometric motifs.

Before buying, check for a hallmark and ask for a receipt. Tourist shops may sell products made outside the Republic of Cyprus, so it is best to clarify the origin of the jewellery.

Handmade ceramics

Ceramic craftsmanship has existed in Cyprus since ancient times. Modern artisans use both traditional forms and motifs inspired by archaeological finds, the sea, plants and village life.

Popular ceramic souvenirs include:

• plates and serving dishes;
• coffee cups;
• jugs;
• olive bowls;
• candle holders;
• decorative amphorae;
• wall panels;
• figurines of donkeys and mouflons.

Items on which the artisan indicates their name or the name of the workshop are especially interesting. Such ceramics can be found in Larnaca, Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia and craft villages.

Copper products

Copper is closely connected with the island’s history. In Cyprus, it was traditionally used to make kitchen utensils, trays, coffee pots, decorative plates and vessels.

Today, copper products are more often bought as interior décor. They may include:

• coffee cezves;
• decorative plates;
• small trays;
• embossed panels;
• candle holders;
• miniature vessels.

If you plan to use copper cookware for preparing food or drinks, ask the seller whether it is intended for contact with food and whether it has an internal protective coating.

Olive-wood products

Olive wood is valued for its distinctive grain, density and durability. Artisans use it to make practical kitchen items and small decorative souvenirs.

The most common purchases are:

• cutting boards;
• spoons and spatulas;
• mortars;
• salad bowls;
• trivets;
• boxes;
• small icons;
• key rings and figurines.

Handmade items are distinguished by their natural shape, visible wood grain and small differences between individual pieces. For care, they are usually periodically wiped with food-grade mineral oil or another product recommended by the artisan.

Woven baskets

Weaving was an important part of village life. Baskets were used to collect grapes and olives, store food, carry bread and perform agricultural work.

Today, workshops offer small decorative baskets, trays, bread baskets, stands and bags. Such a souvenir is lightweight, practical and conveys the atmosphere of a traditional Cypriot village.

Icons and religious art

Monasteries, church shops and workshops sell reproductions of Byzantine icons, crosses, small folding icons and wooden items. Some icons are painted by hand using traditional techniques, while others are printed images on a wooden base.

Be cautious before buying an antique item. The export of genuine antiques, archaeological finds and cultural valuables is regulated by law. For an ordinary souvenir, it is safer to choose a contemporary item and keep the receipt.

Reproductions of ancient mosaics

Paphos is known for its Roman mosaics, so local workshops and museum shops sell panels, coasters, magnets and decorative tiles featuring ancient subjects.

A small handmade mosaic panel with a geometric pattern or a depiction of a bird, fish or mythological character is a good option. It takes up little space in your luggage and is connected with the cultural heritage of Paphos.

Food and drinks

Gastronomic souvenirs are convenient because they are easy to find in ordinary supermarkets, village shops, markets and directly from producers. Before buying, it is important to check the expiry date, storage conditions and the rules for importing food into the destination country.

Commandaria

Commandaria is a traditional sweet wine of the Republic of Cyprus associated with the wine-producing villages in the Troodos area. It is made from grapes dried in the sun, giving the drink a rich flavour with notes of dried fruit, honey, caramel and spices.

Commandaria has a protected designation of origin. It is produced by both large producers and small wineries. As a gift, it is convenient to choose a bottle in a sturdy box or special transport packaging.

Commandaria is served in small portions with desserts, nuts and mature cheeses.

Zivania

Zivania is a strong grape spirit traditionally made from grape pomace and wine. The drink is particularly common in mountain villages, where it is often offered after a meal.

Both classic clear zivania and aged versions are available. It is best to buy alcohol from licensed producers, wineries or large shops. The bottle should indicate the producer, alcohol content and volume.

Halloumi

Halloumi is Cyprus’s best-known cheese. Its distinctive feature is its firm texture and high melting point, which means that halloumi can be fried in a pan or grilled.

For transport, it is best to choose vacuum packaging and buy the cheese shortly before departure. During the journey, it must be kept cool, especially in summer.

Farm shops offer different varieties of halloumi:

• young and soft;
• saltier and matured;
• with mint;
• made from mixed milk;
• in small portions.

Olive oil and olives

Cypriot olive oil is suitable both as a food product and as a practical gift. It is best to choose extra virgin olive oil in a dark glass bottle or metal container.

It is worth checking the following on the label:

• the producer’s name;
• the place of production;
• the harvest or bottling date;
• the storage period;
• the oil category.

In addition to oil, green and black olives with herbs, lemon, coriander or garlic are popular. For luggage, airtight plastic or vacuum packaging is more convenient than a glass jar filled with brine.

Carob products

Carob fruit was once an important export product of Cyprus and acquired the unofficial name “black gold”. Today, it is used to make syrup, powder, paste and sweets.

Carob syrup

The thick, dark syrup is used as an addition to yoghurt, porridge, ice cream and baked goods. It has a sweet flavour with caramel and chocolate notes.

Pasteli

Traditional Cypriot pasteli is made from boiled-down carob syrup. It is a dense sweet with a distinctive flavour that is convenient to transport in its factory packaging.

Carob powder

It is added to drinks, desserts and baked goods as an alternative to cocoa. Before buying, check the ingredients: a quality product should not contain a large amount of added sugar.

Cypriot honey

The island produces honey from thyme, citrus flowers, wild herbs and mountain plants. Its flavour and aroma depend on the season and the area where it was collected.

It is best to buy honey from beekeepers, at farmers’ markets or in specialised shops. The packaging should indicate the producer and country of origin. The wording “packed in Cyprus” does not always mean that the honey was collected on the island.

Traditional sweets

Glyka tou koutaliou

The name translates as “spoon sweets”. These are fruits, nuts or vegetables cooked in thick syrup. They are served in small portions with water or Cypriot coffee.

The most popular varieties include:

• green walnuts;
• cherries;
• grapes;
• figs;
• bergamot;
• small aubergines;
• watermelon rind.

Loukoumi

Cypriot loukoumi is traditionally associated with the village of Geroskipou. Available varieties include rose, bergamot, mastic, nut and fruit flavours.

Soutzoukos

Soutzoukos is made from nuts threaded onto a string and repeatedly coated with thickened grape juice and flour. It looks like a firm, sweet sausage. It is one of the most characteristic souvenirs from wine-producing villages.

Palouze and kiofterka

Palouze is a dessert made from grape juice. After being dried, it is cut into pieces to produce kiofterka, a sweet that is easier to transport and store.

Halva and tahini

Sesame halva and tahini are sold in most supermarkets. Classic varieties as well as products with cocoa, pistachios, almonds and honey are available.

Herbs and spices

Mountain villages and specialised shops sell dried herbs used in Cypriot cuisine and herbal drinks.

Tourists most often buy:

• oregano;
• mint;
• sage;
• rosemary;
• thyme;
• mountain tea;
• coriander;
• spice blends for meat and grilling.

It is best to choose herbs in airtight packaging that indicates the ingredients and storage period.

Cypriot coffee

Cypriot coffee is prepared from very finely ground beans in a small copper or brass cezve. The drink is served in a small cup with a glass of water.

As a gift, you can buy a packet of coffee, a cezve and a set of small cups. It is a practical souvenir that is easy to use at home.

Where to buy souvenirs

Product	Best places to buy it
Lefkara lace	Workshops in Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara
Silver jewellery	Jewellery workshops and specialised shops
Ceramics	Workshops, craft centres and museum shops
Wooden products	Village shops and workshops
Commandaria and zivania	Wineries and licensed shops
Halloumi	Farm shops and supermarkets
Olive oil	Olive mills, farm shops and supermarkets
Honey	Apiaries, markets and specialised shops
Loukoumi	Geroskipou and confectionery shops
Soutzoukos and grape sweets	Wine-producing villages of Troodos

How to transport your purchases

Ceramics, glass bottles and honey should be wrapped in bubble wrap or clothing and placed in the centre of the suitcase. Bottles should additionally be placed in an airtight bag.

Cheese and other chilled products should be bought on the day of departure and transported in an insulated bag. Before travelling, check the customs and veterinary rules of the destination country: restrictions on importing alcohol, products of animal origin, honey, plants and seeds vary.

Liquids in carry-on luggage are subject to aviation security rules, so large bottles of oil, wine, syrup and honey are usually transported in checked baggage or purchased after passing through security.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous souvenir from Cyprus?

Among the most recognisable souvenirs are Lefkara lace, silver jewellery, Commandaria, zivania, halloumi and carob products.

What can you bring from Cyprus as an inexpensive gift?

Inexpensive gifts may include dried herbs, Cypriot coffee, a small packet of loukoumi, carob syrup, olive soap, a handmade ceramic magnet or a small olive-wood item.

What should you buy as a gift for someone who does not drink alcohol?

Olive oil, honey, halloumi, loukoumi, soutzoukos, coffee, herbal tea, ceramics or an olive-wood item are suitable options.

Can you bring halloumi on a plane?

The possibility of importing it depends on the destination country. For transport, choose sealed vacuum packaging, maintain the required temperature and check veterinary restrictions in advance.

Where can you buy genuine Cypriot products?

Handicrafts are best sought in workshops and villages, wine at wineries, and food products in farm shops, markets and large supermarkets. It is worth checking the producer and country of origin on the packaging.

How can you tell a local souvenir from an imported one?

Ask about the place of production, check the labelling and ask about the artisan or producer. Handmade items usually have small differences, the artisan’s signature or the name of the workshop.

Is it worth buying souvenirs at the airport?

The airport is convenient for buying alcohol and last-minute items, but the selection of handicrafts is usually smaller and prices may be higher. Lace, ceramics and wooden products are best chosen directly in the workshops.