Vouni village is one of the Limassol wine villages, at a distance of 35 kilometers from the city and an altitude of approximately 800 meters. The village maintains a very picturesque image, with cobbled streets and stone built homes with colourful doors.
The village homes are built very close together, giving the image of a fortress from afar. Its unique natural beauty as well as its architectural heritage make it a popular agrotourism destination as well as a permanent residence.
The name of the village is associated with its location, which is considered a small mountain (vouno), due to the hills that surround it.
The village is believed to have existed since the Middle Ages, as it appears on Venetian maps as ‘Voni.’ It appears to have had 4 large settlements, but 3 of those were destroyed by the plague epidemic of 1692.
It is believed that the surviving settlement was under the protection of Saint John the Baptist. Inhabitants of other settlements that survived the plague were transferred to Vouni, where a monastery dedicated to the Saint was built.
In the middle of the 20th century, the population reached 2000 residents. Their financial prosperity allowed many residents to build two-story homes which are impressive to this day.
Simple, smiley and welcoming, the people of the village are among the reasons for visiting Vouni.
The ‘Mesochoros’ is the main square of the village today. The typical coffee shop and other shops in the area attract both locals and visitors.
On the southern slopes of the village, there are 2 very old caves, which are thought to have been used as catacombes during the early Christian times. The caves branch out into chambers and burrows, that create a stunning and mysterious image.
At the top of the village there stands the old Primary School, which has been completely restored and functions as an event space. Its courtyard houses the monument with the names of the fallen in the village during the fight against the British in ’55-’59, as well as during the Turkish Invasion of 1974.
Museum of Folk Art: Elements of daily life, furniture and clothing of people who resided in the village during the last century are on display at the Museum of Folk Art.
Havouzes (Reservoirs): In the entrance of the village there are 2 reservoirs (havouzes) that were building during the Venetian occupation and during the Turkish occupation, to supply fresh water to inhabitants.
Olive Mill: As a mainly agricultural village, Vouni has its own Olive Mill, which has been reserved and is open for visits.
Oenology Centre: Next to the community park, near the entrance of the village, a space dedicated to the tradition of wine was created.
Next to the Oenological Center, there is a contemporary park with a play area and an outdoor amphitheater for hosting events.
Church of Timios Prodromos: It is the main church of the community. The walls are stone built, while the entrances are decorated with carved stone. The decoration of the stone belfry is exceptional, as are the 19th century frescoes in its interior.
Our Lady of Peravouniotisa Church: A stone-built basilica in a peaceful location about 1km from the village, with panoramic views towards Vouni.
Chrysosotiros Chapel: This chapel is located on a hill just outside Vouni. It is a rectangular temple with a dome, and enjoys excellent views of the surrounding slopes. It celebrates on 6 August, on the anniversary of the Transfiguration of the Savior, with a large festival in its courtyard.
Chapel of St. John the Russian: This small chapel is the only one of the island dedicated to Saint John the Russian. It is located south of the village, and many faithful visitors make a pilgrimage there, as the saint is believed to be a miracle worker.
Agios Mamas Chapel: The chapel of Saint Mamas is a basilica with a dome, built in 1938 with local stone both on the inside and the outside. The chapel is always open to visitors.
Skiti Anastaseos tou Sotiros (Hermitage of the Resurrection of the Savior): This small church is located about 4 kilometers south of the village. It was looked after by the monk Damaskinos, who died in 2005. In 2012, Father Georgios settled there, and he continues to look after this small chapel alone.
Vouni has plenty of options for accommodation, mainly in terms of restored houses, that are suitable for families, large groups, as well as couples.
Serenity Suites (99 226600)
Ipio Vouni Suites (99 215530)
Oenochori (99 511587)
Oenou Strata (25 944244)
Villa Cabernet (25 944244)
Vouni Hideaway and Lookout (25 352066, 99 834719)
Balcony House (25 352066, 99 834719)
Walnut Grove (25 942286)
Vouni Lodge (99 215530)
Nostos Suites (99 577140)
Vouni Clock House (99 816581)
The village has become well known for its remarkable taverns.
Takis Tavern (25 943631, 99406434)
To Vouniotiko (99 440218)
Oraia Ellas (25 944328, 96 868748)
Tavernaki tis Lenias (25 717117, 99 542803)
Monte Vouni (25 943987)
Additionally, in the square, one will find Mahazaki (96611909), a snack bar serving burgers, crepes, etc.
Coffee shops have a timeless presence in the village, and the Mesochoros is the spot where the surviving ones are gathered.
“I Plateia”
“I gonia ton aggelon”(99 401077, 99 883003)
Additionally, the Oenou Strata lodge (25 944244) offers a lounge bar for wine and cocktails.
Palouze Festival: Annual festival at the end of September.
On May Day, the village residents organize a Flower Wreath Competition.