Strawberry season in Cyprus — when, where, and how to pick fresh berries

The strawberry season in Cyprus is not just about delicious berries, but also about a unique culture appreciated by locals and tourists alike. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate and modern agricultural technologies, Cypriot strawberries are available for a much longer period than in countries with a temperate climate.

• When is the strawberry season in Cyprus
• Strawberry varieties
• Where to buy and pick strawberries
• How strawberries are grown in Cyprus
• Tips for enthusiasts

When is the strawberry season in Cyprus

Late January and February mark the peak of the strawberry season in Cyprus. For locals, this is one of the main signs that winter has arrived.

During this period, special "berry" kiosks appear across the island, selling fresh, fragrant strawberries straight from the farms.

• Main season — from late December – early January to late May – early June.
• Sometimes there is a second, less pronounced season — from September to November.
• In summer, strawberries can also be found in supermarkets, but their taste is noticeably inferior to the winter berries, as confirmed by the farmers themselves.

It is no coincidence that strawberries in Cyprus ripen not in June, as in colder climates, but in winter, after which they continue producing fruit for several more months.

Strawberry varieties in Cyprus

The island grows nine varieties of strawberries adapted to the local climate and cultivation technologies.

Most popular varieties:

• Camarosa — large, sweet, with a rich flavor.
• Ventana — an early variety with good yield.
• Candonga (Candonya) — firm and juicy, excellent for transportation.
• Albion — aromatic and sweet, with long shelf life.

Strawberry plantations are spread across the island, but the largest ones are located near Limassol and Famagusta.

Where to buy and pick strawberries

During the season, strawberries in Cyprus can be purchased not only in stores:

• Seasonal street kiosks — appear in winter along roads and near villages.
• Farmer's markets — fresh berries directly from producers.
• Private farms — you can not only buy but also pick strawberries yourself.
• Strawberry festival — usually held in May in the village of Dherynia.

A particularly popular area is the Curium region and the village of Episkopi. Here, you can find several strawberry farms:

• farm in Episkopi
• farm in Episkopi
• plantation in front of Curium beach — a family business with homemade jam;
• farm in the Dherynia area
• farm in the Paphos area
• STRAWBERRY FARM (Limassol area). Booking required. Entrance €15.
  Phone: +357 99128803 / Instagram

At the farms, you can walk between the rows, buy berries, or pick them yourself. They allow you to pick as many strawberries as you like directly from the bed.

Prices during the season are usually around €4 for a small tray and €8 for a large one.

How strawberries are grown in Cyprus

Cypriot strawberries are grown using modern technologies, most often through hydroponics.

Instead of soil, coconut fiber is used, and plants are fed via drip irrigation with a precisely balanced mix of microelements.

Farmers control:

• air temperature and humidity;
• lighting levels;
• water and nutrient supply.

This allows for firm, clean, long-lasting berries that do not touch the soil and rarely suffer from diseases.

Thanks to good ventilation and the absence of pests, strawberries almost do not require pesticides, so they can be purchased with confidence.

Tips for strawberry enthusiasts

• Buy in the morning — berries are fresher and last longer.
• Choose strawberries with a deep red color and green tops.
• Do not wash the berries in advance — this helps preserve their flavor longer.
• Be sure to visit a farm at the end of winter — the sight of hanging beds is impressive.
• Take extra — there's a risk that strawberries won't make it home, as you'll eat them on the way.

Cypriot strawberries are one of the gastronomic symbols of winter and spring on the island. The long season, vibrant taste, and opportunity to pick berries by hand make them a must-experience for both residents and visitors of Cyprus.