The Village of Laneia: Wine, Artists and the Old Streets of Troodos

Laneia (Greek Λάνια, English Laneia) is a small traditional village on the southern slopes of Troodos, worth visiting not for one particular attraction but for its atmosphere. Stone houses, paved lanes, flower-filled courtyards, an old wine press, artists’ workshops and reminders of centuries-old winemaking turn a walk through Laneia into a short journey through the history of rural Cyprus.

The village is located not far from Limassol and is well suited to a leisurely trip lasting several hours. You can walk around without a pre-planned route, look into old courtyards, see traditional presses, discover the work of local artists and continue your journey through the wine villages of Troodos.

• Where Laneia is located
• The history and name of the village
• Winemaking traditions
• The old wine and olive presses
• Why Laneia is called a village of artists
• Streets, courtyards and old photographs
• The church and chapel of Panagia Valana
• What to try
• What to see nearby
• Practical tips
• Frequently asked questions

Where Laneia is located

Laneia is located in the Limassol district, in the foothills of Troodos. The village lies on the route towards the mountains and is a convenient stop on the way from Limassol to Platres and other mountain settlements.

Laneia is situated at an altitude of about 570 metres above sea level, approximately 25 kilometres from Limassol. The easiest way to get here is along the B8 road leading towards Troodos. A few hours are usually enough to explore the village, so Laneia is often included in routes through the mountain villages of the Republic of Cyprus.
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The history and name of the village

Laneia’s history is closely connected with grapes. For generations, residents cultivated vines and produced wine, zivania and soutzoukos — a traditional Cypriot sweet made from grape juice and nuts. Over time, many residents moved to the cities and the scale of agriculture declined, but the village’s winemaking past still defines its character.

There are several versions of the origin of the name. According to local tradition, Laneia may have been named after Lana, the daughter of Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine. Another version connects the name with the word valania — “acorns”, since many oak trees grew in this part of the island.

The winemaking traditions of Laneia

Laneia belongs to the historic winemaking region on the southern slopes of Troodos and is included in the official Commandaria route. Vineyards and the processing of the harvest were the foundation of village life for a long time.

Commandaria is produced from the local Mavro and Xynisteri grape varieties. After harvesting, the grapes are traditionally left in the sun to increase the sugar concentration and are then processed. The history of this wine is closely connected with the Limassol region and the medieval “Grande Commanderie”, from which it got its modern name.

In Laneia itself, what is of greatest interest is not a modern large-scale winery but the surviving evidence of old rural production. They make it easy to imagine what winemaking life in the village was like before modern equipment appeared.

The old wine and olive presses

One of Laneia’s main historical attractions is a restored old grape press. Local descriptions date it to 1822. Elements of a traditional winery are displayed nearby, allowing visitors to see how grapes were processed before production was mechanised.

The official tourism portal of the Republic of Cyprus specifically highlights Laneia’s old wine press as one of the stops on the Commandaria route. It is preserved as a reminder of the period when grape growing was the main occupation of the residents.

The village has also preserved an old olive press. It tells the story of another important part of traditional farming: olives were grown to produce oil, which was used in cooking and everyday life.

Commandaria Storage Museum

Laneia is also home to a small space dedicated to the storage of Commandaria. Together with the old wine press, it helps visitors understand how important winemaking was to the local economy and culture.
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Why Laneia is called a village of artists

Laneia is often called a village of artists thanks to the small workshops and galleries that have appeared in its old stone houses. During a walk, you can see paintings and other works by local artists, while some pieces are displayed directly outside the houses and workshops.

There is no large museum quarter in the usual sense. Art is instead woven into the everyday life of the village: a workshop may be located behind an ordinary wooden door, while a small exhibition may be housed in a traditional home or inner courtyard.

This format suits Laneia particularly well, as the main impression comes not from visiting individual sites on a list but from walking through the old streets.

Streets, courtyards and old photographs

Laneia’s historic centre has preserved characteristic rural architecture: stone walls, tiled roofs, wooden doors, shutters and small inner courtyards. In spring and summer, these are joined by grapevines, bougainvillea and numerous flower pots.

It is worth paying attention not only to the houses but also to the details: old doorways, wooden balconies, small arches, stone staircases and utility buildings. These are what make a walk through Laneia interesting even without museums.

Another unusual feature is the photographs of residents from past generations, which can be seen right in the streets. Among them is a large group photograph of Laneia’s residents taken in 1894. This outdoor exhibition turns the village into a small open-air museum of local memory.

The church and chapel of Panagia Valana

The village’s main church is Panagia Valana (Παναγία Βαλανά), built in the centre of Laneia. The present building dates from the 19th century, although historians believe that a church existed on this site much earlier.

A traditional wooden iconostasis and old icons have been preserved inside, while the church itself remains the village’s main spiritual centre.
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What to try in Laneia

The gastronomic part of the trip is naturally connected with grapes and traditional rural farming. In the village and its surroundings, it is worth looking out for local products.

• Commandaria — a sweet dessert wine historically associated with the region.
• Zivania — a strong traditional drink made from grape products.
• Soutzoukos — a sweet made from thickened grape juice and nuts.
• Local wine — the selection depends on the particular producer and the season.
• Olive products — another traditional branch of agriculture in the area.

The availability of tastings and the possibility of visiting specific producers are best checked shortly before the trip: small family businesses do not always operate according to a regular tourist schedule.

What is especially interesting to see

• the old wine press;
• the old olive press;
• the Commandaria storage space;
• workshops and galleries of local artists;
• old photographs of residents in the streets;
• traditional stone houses and courtyards;
• the church of Panagia Valana;
• the chapel of Panagia Valana outside the centre.

What to see nearby

Laneia is easy to include in a longer route through the southern slopes of Troodos. If you have a full day, you can continue your trip through the neighbouring wine-producing and mountain villages.

The Land of Dreams

After walking around Laneia, you can continue exploring the surrounding area and visit The Land of Dreams — an unusual sturgeon farm located just a few minutes’ drive from the village. Here you can try fishing, observe the sturgeon, walk along the lake and relax surrounded by nature. This place is often included in an itinerary together with a visit to Laneia, especially by families with children and those who enjoy a peaceful break.
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Doros

The neighbouring small village is very close to Laneia and is also connected with the region’s winemaking traditions.
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Silikou

Another village on the Commandaria route. It is suitable for continuing your journey through the less touristy part of the foothills.
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Trimiklini

A convenient stop on the road higher into Troodos. From here, you can continue towards Pano Platres and the mountain’s natural attractions.
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Practical tips

• A few hours are enough for a first introduction to Laneia.
• It is better to leave the car and explore the historic area on foot.
• Wear comfortable shoes: some streets are paved and have an incline.
• In spring, the village is particularly interesting thanks to its flower-filled courtyards.
• Before visiting small workshops and tastings, it is best to check their opening hours.
• For a full day, Laneia is easy to combine with other villages and attractions on the way to Troodos.

Why you should stop in Laneia

Laneia is interesting because there is practically no need to look for a “main attraction” here. The old wine press, artists’ workshops, photographs of residents, the church and traditional houses are all situated within a living village environment and are experienced as parts of one route.

This is a good choice for those who want to see rural Cyprus without a long hike or large tourist complexes. The walk can easily be combined with a wine route, a trip to Troodos or a stop in neighbouring villages.

Frequently asked questions

How much time do you need for Laneia?

For a leisurely walk around the centre and an introduction to the main attractions, you should plan to spend several hours. If you visit workshops and tastings, it is better to allow more time.

When is it especially interesting to visit?

In spring, the village is immersed in greenery and flowers. In May, the traditional event “Laneia’s Lanes and Courtyards” takes place, during which residents open their inner courtyards to visitors.

Is there anything related to Commandaria in Laneia?

Yes. Laneia is part of the official Commandaria route. The village has preserved an old wine press and a space dedicated to the storage of this wine.

Why is Laneia called a village of artists?

Small artists’ workshops and galleries operate in the old houses. As a result, art has become a noticeable part of the village’s modern appearance.

Is Laneia suitable for a trip with children?

For a peaceful family walk, yes. However, some streets have inclines and stone paving, which should be taken into account when travelling with small children and a pushchair.