Rural Larnaka Honey Villages
The sweetest shared tradition!
The cluster of nine honey producing communities of mountainous Larnaka are collectively known as Rural Larnaka Honey Villages for their rich and shared tradition.
Under the European MEDFEST programme with the Troodos Network of Thematic Centers as partner, Kato Drys, Kato Lefkara, Layia, Melini, Odou, Ora, Vavla, Vavatsinia and Agioi Vavatsinias have been branded with a shared identity and participation in the ‘Honey Routes – Cyprus’ tourism programme.
Together they promote the pastime of beekeeping; help to encourage and protect biodiversity through increased bee-attracting plants and offer visitors authentic experiences, from nature trails and annual bee-themed festivals, to bee hotels for solitary species that can be observed. The villages are also active in promoting the beneficial properties of honey, including recipes, products and the inclusion of honey on local menus.
Each community bears the logo of ‘Rural Larnaka Honey Villages’ and is charming to explore, not only for its sweet beekeeping tradition but for the beautiful landscape and traditional architecture.
Bee-themed Attractions
Nature Trail
The Vavatsinia Honeybee Trail - ‘The Humming of the Bees’ is the first of the Larnaka Honeybee Nature Trails. It combines walking in the picturesque and tranquil surroundings of mountainous Vavatsinia village with an educational and healing experience centered around the therapeutic sound of the humming of bees; something that has been proven to have health and wellness benefits.
The 2.5km path has bee-friendly plants signposted along the way, decorative beehives and bee ‘hotels’ that offer refuge for solitary bees. Hexagonal, wooden urban furniture has been installed to symbolize beehives, including a pavilion and benches, along with wooden loungers for a relaxing break. Walkers will discover plenty of interesting information on bees, such as facts about apitherapy and the way in which bees communicate with flowers, and can enjoy some time out at the different points and yoga spots to breathe in the fresh mountain air whilst listening to the gentle melodies of nature.
With a difficulty rating of just 2, the path is suitable for all and will delight you with its insights and natural beauty. And whilst you are there, don’t forget to visit Vavatsinia village and the rest of its attractions!
Parks
Children will be buzzing with delight at the three bee-themed parks in Odou, Ora and Melini villages! The parks combine the fun of colourful honeybee-themed playground toys with educational information about bees and their importance, completed with bee hotels, bee-themed signage and urban furniture.
Honey & Beekeeping Activities
Vavatsinia Honeybee Trail - ‘The Humming of the Bees’ - bee-themed nature trail
Become a Beekeeper for a Day at Ecophysis in Vavla
Create your own beeswax candles at Ecophysis in Vavla
Participate in seasonal thematic activities at Ecophysis in Vavla
Visit the Bee & Embroidery Museum in Kato Drys
Follow the Journey of Knowledge about Bees in Odou
Combine a tour and honey tasting with watching the Honey processing and bottling your own Honey in Odou
Visit the Bee Park in Melini
Make your own beeswax healing cream in Melini
Take your children to the Bee House in Melini to learn everything about the Bees and the Hive products
Visit one of the 4 Bee Hotels and learn about Solidarity Bees (Layia, Melini, Ora, Odou)
Honey Festivals
World Bee Day and Bee Festival in May
Honey & Beekeeping Festival in June
Honey Children's Festival in September