If you’re visiting Cyprus over the Christmas festivities then you’re in for a real treat. Learn more!

Christmas in Cyprus is a wonderful time that everyone truly embraces. There are many traditions related to the festive season that live on to this day, with some tasty treats, fun things to do, and a sprinkle of magic! If you’re visiting Cyprus over the Christmas festivities then you’re in for a real treat. Be sure to join in with some of the traditional Cypriot festive customs…

See if you get lucky with a slice of Vasilopitta 

Vasilopitta is a cake with a hidden secret. Not only is it delicious, but hidden within the cake is a coin. If you’re the lucky person to find the coin in your slice of cake, it is said that for the whole of the next year you’ll experience good luck! But even if you don’t find the coin, you’re still lucky as you get to eat a slice of one of the most tasty cakes in Cyprus.

Sing along with Kalanda 

Kalanda are ancient Christmas songs dating back to ancient Byzantine times. In Cyprus children will go from house to house singing kalanda in return for gifts of sweets or money. You’ll also find groups singing kalanda in the towns and villages, so be sure to take time to enjoy their renditions, or even join in.

Enjoy delicious Kourabiedes and Melomakarona  

It’s just not Christmas in Cyprus without these two divine sweet treats. Melomakarona are festive biscuits that are soaked in honey making them wonderfully gooey and sweet and kourabiedes are a type of shortbread biscuit, often flavoured with rose water, with a layer of caramelised icing sugar on top.

Dealing with Kalikantzari 

Some Christmas traditions are a little more troublesome than others, and so here’s your word of warning. When you spend Christmas in Cyprus you need to keep a good eye out for Kalikantzari, the very naughty Christmas goblin. As soon as you turn your back, he may be up to no good causing trouble in your home! The only way to ensure he doesn’t wreak havoc in your house is to bake a batch of Kserotiana cakes and throw them on your roof. Once Kalikanzari has had his fill, he’ll be off to cause trouble somewhere else.

Take a magical walk in the Troodos mountains 

Head up to the snow-capped peaks of the Troodos mountains and you’re instantly transported to a magical winter wonderland. Who says a summer sun holiday destination can’t be a wondrous snowy Christmas location too? Certainly not us! The local villages in the area are also beautiful at this time of year, so take your time to explore and discover some of the less touristic parts of this fascinating country.

Have a wonderful Christmas time 

Whatever your Christmas plans are, we hope you have a fantastic time this holiday season.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! 

When you’re next in Cyprus during the winter, you should definitely experience some of these Cypriot soups.

There’s nothing more comforting in winter than a hearty, nourishing bowl of soup. While Cyprus does have year round sunshine, in the cooler winter months, a delicious bowl of soup is certainly going to hit the spot, particularly if you take a trip up into the snow-capped Troodos mountains.

Cyprus has many unique, traditional recipes that are a delight to savour, and this includes a wide selection of soup dishes. Some are made particularly for special feast days, others are a traditional mainstay for fishermen, and they’re all truly delicious! When you’re next in Cyprus during the winter, you should definitely experience some of these Cypriot soups.

Gardiosupa Seafood Soup 

If you love seafood, then you’ll adore Gardiosupa seafood soup, and it’s surprisingly easy to make yourself. However, you’ll find this dish served up at many restaurants in Cyprus, so why not enjoy a dish on the seafront while soaking up a beautiful view? Made with prawns and vegetables, Gardiosupa may also be made to a creamed consistency by blending the soup before the prawns are added.

Trahana Soup 

Trahana is a creamy soup made from goat’s cheese, chicken broth, wheat groats and lemon juice. Its preparation method is quite unusual as it is made solid, and then prepared with boiling water when needed. Trahana is usually served with yoghurt and grated Halloumi cheese.

Fakes Soup 

For a truly hearty dish, Fakes soup is a sure fire winner. Made with lentils, potato and vegetables, it’s a thick and nourishing soup, and with the addition of garlic and bacon, it’s also packed full of flavour.

Chickpea Soup 

Being at the crossroads of the continents, the cuisine of Cyprus has been influenced widely, and the Cypriot chickpea soup certainly has a Middle Eastern flavour. Popularly eaten during Lent, it’s a nutritious soup that’s perfect for vegetarians. Made with chickpeas, tahini paste, wheat bread and garlic, it’s a substantial soup that’s a true meal in itself.

Avgolemono Soup 

This rich and creamy soup is made with chicken broth, egg yolks and rice. It’s a filling dish, perfect if you’re feeling particularly hungry. Avgolemono is sometimes also used as a sauce to accompany dishes such as pork or vegetables, so it’s particularly versatile, however, when in Cyprus, you’ll generally find it served up as a stand-alone dish.

Kakavia Soup

Originating from Greece, Kakavia is originally a fisherman’s soup. As with many imported dishes, the Cypriots have put their own spin on the traditional Kakavia soup by adding spices, onions and tomatoes to the basic recipe of fish and broth.

Hortosupa Soup 

If you’re looking for a healthy soup, that also packs a flavour punch, then opt for Hortosupa soup. Full of fresh local vegetables, with a little rice, tomatoes, potatoes and meat or chicken broth, it’s a simple soup that is just perfect on a winter’s day.