Overview
750m above sea level and 35km from Lemesos (Limassol) city is this very small and cute village (also part of Wine villages- Krassohoria), Vasa. It is the fifth wine village of Lemesos in terms of vine area, and together with Omodos and Arsos it produces the best red wine of the island. Due to the large production of grapes, the village also produces raisins as well as the traditional drink, Zivania.
Despite the great wine production, the inhabitants are slightly less than 300. The vicinity of the village from the Lemesos city, the winery, the preserved limestone, and the small and cute feel make the village an attractive place for locals, tourists as well as an increasing number of holiday houses.
Where to Eat
Ariadni
Around 1km outside the village, 25944064, Mon-Sun 8:00-24:00, €€
Fantastic traditional “meze” (small dishes to share), with tables inside and outside. The “meze” would include traditional keftedes (fried meatballs), koupepia (stuffed vine leaves), pork chops, fried liver and many more. One of the highlights was the traditional (and homemade) dessert, “palouze” (grape jelly). We only realized it was homemade when we saw the grape pots next door!
Palati
Village center, 25943888, Tue-Sat lunch/dinner, Sun lunch, €€
Palati offers the standard traditional menu, even though it is better for its grilled options than the cooked food (as in Ariadni), so if you are looking for good meat this is the place.
Where to Stay
Oikia Roti
Village Center, 99373722, pelasgis@cytanet.com.cy, Rooms from 77 EUR/night
http://www.pelasgis.net/cyprus-agrotourism/welcome.php?language=en
Tips
Vasa is very near Omodos and Arsos so if you are there it is worth driving through those villages as well. Wine lovers can also drive through the rest of the nearby Wine Villages (Krassohoria) and visit the nearby wineries (follow the signs):
- Zenon Winery, Omodos, 25423555
- Vasa Winery, Vasa, 25945999
- Malia Winery, Malia, 25942131
- I.M. Gaia Oinotechniki, Agios Amvrosios, 25943981, Agios Amvrosios, www.gaia.com.cy
- Agia Mavri Winery, Koilani, 25470225, 25370777, www.agiamavri.com
- Vardalis Winery, Koilani 25470261, 25392198, 99688150 99642255,
- Lambouris Winery, Kato Platres, 70009463, www.lambouri.com
- M. Antoniades Winery, Mandria, 25384121, 25422638, www.antoniadeswinery.com
- Nikolettino Winery, Arsos, 99437137
http://www.vasakilaniou.org/English/index.shtm
