Discovering Mesana- A True Taste of Rural Cyprus
- Eve Gratton
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
For many travellers, the greatest joy of visiting Cyprus lies not in its bustling towns but in its unspoiled rural villages, where time moves more slowly and the rhythm of daily life is guided by the seasons. Here, in the quiet hills of the Paphos District, lies Mesana - a small village with a big heart. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and rolling countryside, Mesana is a place where visitors can step into the authentic traditions of Cyprus, savour local food and wine, and enjoy the natural beauty that makes each season special.
Standing at 540 metres above sea level in the Dhiarizos Valley, Mesana offers breath-taking views, crisp mountain air and a warm welcome. Situated just a few kilometres from the larger village of Salamiou and about 35 minutes from Paphos Airport, Mesana is the perfect stop for travellers seeking a more traditional, slower-paced holiday experience.
A Village Rich in History and Tradition
The history of Mesana dates back centuries, with archaeological evidence revealing that there has been continuous habitation thanks to the fertile soil and its strategic position overlooking the Dhiarizos River. Like many Cypriot villages, Mesana developed around its agriculture and grape growing and winemaking, remain central to village life.
Wandering through the quiet streets, there are traditional stone-built houses to admire. Some have been lovingly restored for modern living while retaining their rustic character and one, Melissothea Stone Suites, offers the perfect holiday accommodation. There is a charming village square, overlooked by the Church of Agios Tychikos, which holds religious and cultural significance for the community, and is a gathering place during feast days and other village celebrations.
The Vineyards of Mesana
Mesana lies in the heart of the Paphos wine region and there vines everywhere. The altitude and climate, with warm days balanced by cooler nights are the perfect growing conditions for producing quality indigenous grapes such as Xinisteri (a crisp white variety), Mavro (the local red) as well as some international favourites including Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine has long been an intrinsic part of daily life in Mesana, with families traditionally producing their own wines and storing the wine to age in red clay jars or oak barrels in their cool stone cellars. Today, some residents still make wine for home use, but the valley is home to several boutique wineries where visitors can taste and purchase their wines.
Red Clay Jar (Pithari) in Mellissothea Stone Suites
Nature and Walking Trails
The countryside around Mesana is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. The rolling hills are dotted with carob trees, olive groves and almond orchards and majestic oak trees. In the springtime, the valley bursts into a colourful patchwork of wild orchids and countless other flowers, whilst the arrival of autumn brings golden vineyards and the air is filled with the scent of ripening fruit.
Several trails start in or near Mesana, winding their way through the Dhiarizos Valley and offering spectacular views across to the slopes of the Troodos Mountains to the north and to the Paphos coastline to the south. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy here, as Cyprus lies on one of the main migratory routes between Europe, Asia and Africa. During spring and autumn, flocks of migratory birds - including magnificent birds of prey- can be seen in the skies above Mesana.
Authentic Village Life
What makes Mesana truly special is its sense of authenticity. This is not a village that has been crafted for tourism, but a working rural community where traditional Cypriot life continues at its own pace. Locals still tend their vineyards, orchards and allotments, producing seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs. Practices for sustainable beekeeping and ethical harvesting of honey is still practiced in Mesana.
Visitors will be greeted with a friendly kalosorisma (welcome) and may even be invited to sit and share a glass of local wine or a small dish of homemade preserves. Such warm and spontaneous hospitality is part of what makes exploring rural Cyprus so memorable.
Local Flavours
No visit to Mesana is complete without enjoying some traditional Cypriot food. Although the village itself is small, nearby Salamiou and Omodos offer tavernas where visitors can sample mezé - a selection of small seasonal tasting dishes that may include grilled halloumi, souvlaki, local sausages, village salad, and seasonal vegetables.
In autumn, Mesana and its neighbouring villages celebrate the grape harvest with foods that showcase the region’s produce. What better way to relax in the evening than with a glass of local wine and some kiofterka – squares of thickened grape juice that has been dried in the autumn sun-shine.
Mesana – a Great Year Round Destination
Like much of rural Cyprus, Mesana is a good year round destination and offers something different every season. Each season reveals a different side of the village, making it worth visiting at any time of year.
Spring brings carpets of wild flowers, orchids and the migration of millions of birds, later in the season there are so many different butterflies to spot in the countryside.
Summer offers cooler air than down at the coast, with shady walks and vineyard visits – it is the perfect time to adopt the daily habit of ‘siesta’.
Autumn is harvest time, the perfect season for wine and food lovers.
Winter in Mesana means quiet, cosy evenings with a log fire, enjoying hearty local dishes like stifado (beef stew) and afelia (pork in red wine and coriander).
Exploring the Nearby Area
Staying in Mesana makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Dhiarizos Valley and the Troodos foothills. Highlights nearby include:
Salamiou – a larger neighbouring village with a winery, monastery and tavernas.
Arsos – known for its traditional stone houses and annual wine festival.
Omodos- known for its historic Monastery of the Holy Cross, traditional houses, taverns and coffee shops and the traditional bread “arkatena”.
Arminou Dam – a peaceful spot for a walk, a picnic or birdwatching.
Panagia tou Sinti Monastery – This is the UNESCO-awarded restored 16th-century monastery, hidden in the valley.
Tzielefos and Elia Venetian Bridges – Medieval bridges in a lovely location in the woods over Dhiarizos River.
These villages and landmarks can easily be combined with a day trip to Paphos and its stunning Roman mosaics, churches and market. Paphos is also the gateway to many other beautiful villages and the natural wilderness of the Akamas peninsula.
Why Visit Mesana?
Mesana is not full of tourist attractions and has no night entertainment, but it offers something far more valuable: a window into rural Cyprus that many visitors never see. With its vineyards, traditions, nature and warm hospitality, Mesana invites you to step back from the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the rhythm of the seasons.
Whether you are a walker, a wine lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone seeking peace and tranquillity, Mesana offers a memorable and enriching experience in the heart of the Paphos District.
