You guys know how much I love finding hidden gems when traveling, right? Well, I've got to tell you about this incredible place I just visited in Cyprus! For three days, I was exploring the mountain village of Agros, and honestly, it was such a refreshing change from the typical beach scene most people associate with Cyprus.
So What's the Deal with All These Roses?
Okay, so here's something I had no idea about before this trip - Cyprus is actually super famous for its roses! And Agros is basically rose headquarters! They have these special Damascus roses (Rosa damascena) that they've been growing forever, and the whole village economy revolves around them.
You should have seen my face when the locals started showing me their "Rose Factories" - that's what they call the places where they process these gorgeous flowers. I was absolutely fascinated by how they take these delicate petals and transform them into so many different products!
You Wouldn't Believe All the Rose Stuff They Make!
Seriously, friends, I was blown away by all the different things they create from these roses:
They make everything from rose water and essential oils (which smell DIVINE by the way) to scented candles that I couldn't resist buying. There's even rose wine and liqueurs (yes, I sampled them for research purposes, of course!), plus all kinds of cosmetics, soaps, and even food products with rose flavors!
I took so many pictures and notes because I'm definitely going to tell you all about these products in detail in my next few posts. You know how I get when I discover something cool - I have to learn EVERYTHING about it!
The Village Vibes Were Just My Style
Even though the weather wasn't perfect (a bit cloudy with some light rain showers), it honestly didn't matter. The village has this incredible charm that just pulls you in. Sitting up in the mountains at about 1,100 meters, it was actually nice to escape the heat you typically get on the coast.
I spent hours just wandering through the narrow streets, admiring the old stone buildings, and chatting with locals. It's so different from the touristy areas - this feels like the real Cyprus!
Made Some Amazing Connections!
You know how sometimes you meet people while traveling and it just clicks? That happened so many times in Agros! The locals were incredibly welcoming and so passionate about their rose heritage. I sat for hours with some families who have been doing this for generations, and they shared so many stories and secrets about rose production.
I've got all their contacts now, and I'm already planning when I can go back to learn more. They showed me things tourists don't typically get to see, and I can't wait to share all those insider details with you guys!
First Thoughts (But Definitely Not My Last Visit!)
I know it was just a quick three-day trip, but I'm already in love with Agros. Despite the weather not being perfect, I had such an amazing time, and I've barely scratched the surface of what this place has to offer.
I'll be posting tons of photos in my next updates (I took hundreds, as usual!), and I'll tell you exactly how they make all these rose products. I'll also share my favorites that you absolutely have to try if you ever visit!
If any of you are planning a Cyprus trip soon, PLEASE add Agros to your itinerary! Skip a beach day and head to the mountains instead - I promise you won't regret it! It's the perfect way to see a different side of Cyprus that most tourists never experience.
Stay tuned for more posts and all my photos! Can't wait to share more of this rose-scented adventure with you all!
Greetings from Cyprus.
Jonas @future24
