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 (map here).

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 Trails

The Vavatsinia Honeybee Trail - ‘The Humming of the Bees’ and Vavla Honeybee Nature Trail are two nature trails with bee theme in Vavatsinia and Vavla villages. The first has a theme of wellness and bees and the second highlights the different types of bees and their role in the hive. 

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’ and Vavla Honeybee Natura Trail  - bee-themed nature trails, each with their own unique bee-related theme.

Visit the Bee & Embroidery Museum in Kato Drys.

Ecophysis in Vavla: Become a Beekeeper for a Day, create your own beeswax candles, participate in seasonal thematic activities.

Oros Maxaira (Melini): Combine a tour and honey tasting with watching the honey production process and bottling your own honey, participate in seasonal workshops, enjoy 'beehive adventures', experience the ancient therapeutic practice of bee therapy.

Follow the Journey of Knowledge about Bees in Odou (self-guided).

Create a bee hotel and other bee-themed crafts at Layia Village Crafts.

Visit the Bee Parks (playgrounds) in Melini, Odou and Ora.

Take your children to the Bee House in Melini to learn everything about bees and the hive products.

Visit one of the 4 Bee Hotels and learn about Solidarity Bees (Layia, Melini, Ora, Odou).

Children's bee and honey arts and workshops (3-hrs including local lunch) with Cyprus Art Retreat in Agioi Vavatsinias.

Find the bee-themed photo benches and take a snap!

Honey Festivals

World Bee Day and Bee Festival in May

Honey & Beekeeping Festival in June

Honey Children's Festival in September