In 1996, three profound passions fueled Christo and Roula’s decision to establish a farm. Firstly, their deep reverence for nature. Secondly, a strong attachment to Cypriot tradition and folklore, an immense love for their family, as parents to five remarkable children.
Private Company
2022
Palaiometocho, Cyprus
“Dreams have to be big enough to come true,” Roula always emphasises and it’s through this grand vision that they’ve managed to turn it into reality. They made the decision to retire early, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to this cherished endeavour. Guided by their unwavering faith in nature and Cypriot tradition, they live out their dream, now reaping the most precious rewards life has to offer: peace, joy, and love. These, they believe, are treasures bestowed upon us by nature, a divine gift. Determined to share these blessings, they warmly welcome friends and visitors to their farm, inviting them to feel at home. Every corner of the farm offers moments of serenity, rejuvenation, relaxation, and a deeper connection with the land—a true initiation into the splendours of nature. It acquaints them with the unique tastes, sounds, scents, and aromas of Cyprus, rekindling forgotten sensations. Simultaneously, it reveals the boundless joy and abundance that nature generously provides.
The establishment of the farm started about 29 years ago. It was originally planted with lemon trees, orange trees, olives and an orchard with beds of seasonal vegetables was added. Later on came the greenhouse, and a little later the sheep pen was built. The animal kingdom was enriched with chickens, geese, turkeys, rabbits and donkeys. A small cheese & dairy workshop was established for the production of traditional Cypriot cheese like halloumi, anari, flaouna cheese, halitzi and for trachana and yoghurt. The bread shop with the traditional wood-fire ovens for the preparation of traditional breads and pastries, as well as the jam and spoon sweets workshop followed soon after, and the charcuterie workshop with the traditional wine ham (lountzes), wine sausages and bacon cured in wine, came to complete their workshops.
Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of farming, the richness of the land, get in touch with the animals and the way they are raised. The farm was created as a multi-purpose space that gives the opportunity to stop time for a while, to appreciate the natural beauty that generously surrounds and experience inner peace. The owners mission is to transform the farm into a meeting place for people of all ages who want to “redefine” the urban lifestyle and experience the harmony of nature.
Through the events and actions carried out, the owner’s aim is to collectively assure the well-being and to better their quality of life. At the farm, visitors get to know the Cypriot land and discover new forgotten places, tastes, sounds, smells and aromas. The beautiful courtyard of the farm and the rustic restaurant “THE BARN” are offered for relaxation and for the enjoyment of the traditional products. Also, by arrangement, or by following one of the programs visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the workshops, the farm (greenhouse, orchard, animal farm, chickens, geese, pigeons, rabbits, sheep, goats, donkeys) or participate in the interactive workshops which offer unique experiences and practical knowledge.
The owners of the Farm are doing their best to offer exceptional services for the visitors. They believe they do it well enough since they get a lot of positive and encouraging reviews.
Some of the many advantages that a multifunctional farm has is the increase of the income by selling local agricultural products directly to the consumers. The workshops and especially the ones that kids are included in are very successful and also the cooperation with private and public schools. The restaurant also increased the income since the visitors have the opportunity to taste authentic fresh local produce. The short distance of the farm from the city is also a big advantage. The disadvantages are the access to the authorities in order to get the necessary licences. Visitable Farms are not yet established by law in Cyprus, so you need to get several separate licence for each activity in the Farm.
In the coming months the farm will add in its programs new recreational activities. Organised Events, more types of kids workshops, thematic days in the Farm etc. The owner Ms. Roula Aristodemou Papadopoulou studied Business in Tourism and her family had a travel agency in Nicosia, Cyprus for many years.
The farm offers nature observations, courses and education to small groups and schools, social farming, tasting of local products. All these activities are linked with sustainability. The owners are cooperating with networks, travel agencies etc.
Following Roula’s statement a farmer that wants to make his farm open to the public visits and offer any kind of services (i.e. Accommodation, workshops, restaurant, local products shop etc) must love nature and farming and be able to manage a business. Considering her entrepreneurial experience in the field of differentiation of services in agriculture, she wouldn’t changed anything in her project. According to her experience, an agricultural entrepreneur before creating his agritourism business must prepare a detailed business plan in order to know exactly his actions, the timetables and the budget will need to succeed.
The Farms’ Charm project aims to develop learning materials to educate small and medium-sized farmers in possible ways of starting their agritourism activities which will help them not only diversify their incomes but also promote their farm products directly to consumers. All that while reviving the rural areas and local communities and promoting a sustainable way of tourism which is in line with the tendencies of slowing down and staying longer at one area.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The content of this website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
