Cyprus Wine Museum

The basics

From ancient wine jars to Greek drinking practices, the Cyprus Wine Museum is an ode to Cypriot wine. It’s possible to purchase tickets to the museum that include wine tastings in the downstairs tasting room, where local wine is available for sale. Since it’s just a short distance from Limassol, the Cyprus Wine Museum can be visited in an afternoon, or combined with nearby sites including the ancient site of Kourion.

Things to know before you go

• This is a great spot for history buffs. Even if you’re not a wine drinker, enjoy displays on the island’s early agriculture.
• A few cats live in and around the wine museum. Visitors with severe cat allergies may wish to avoid this destination.
• The Cyprus Wine Museum is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The Cyprus Wine Museum is located at 42 Pafos Street in Erimi, roughly 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) from the historic center of Limassol. Many visitors arrive by private car and free parking is available onsite. To reach the museum by bus from Limassol, catch the #16 at EMEL Station and get off at the Erimi bus stop, which is 650 feet (198 meters) from the entrance.

When to get there

The museum is open daily, year round. A great time to visit is during the Limassol Wine Festival from late August through early September. To visit Cypriot wineries during the grape harvest, however, come anywhere between August and mid-November. Since vineyards extend from lower to higher altitudes, the harvest time varies widely with location.

Cyprus Wine Villages to Visit

Wineries are scattered through some of the island’s most scenic places, such as pretty Omodos, a winemaking village with cobblestone streets and plenty of traditional charm. Another favorite is Kathikas, a rural spot that’s home to the Vasilikon Winery. The Troodos Mountains town of Koilani makes both wine and a spirit distilled from grapes; try some of each at the annual grape festival held here in October and November.