If I was a betting kind a gal, I would bet that the majority of people do not regularly frequent the Cyprus farmers’ markets. Why? Well, I honestly don’t know is the simple answer. Perhaps it is because grocery stores tend to sell fruits and vegetables that are “local and in season” anyway. Perhaps it is because it is more convenient to go to a grocery store. Having said that, have you tried the fresh vegetables and fruits from a Cypriot farmers’ market? It’s cheaper. And – in a lot of cases – it’s tastier. I, for one, am a convert. Below is my guide to Cyprus farmers’ markets. At the very bottom of this article is a list of my favourite Cyprus farmers’ markets – including where, when and why you should go.
1. Go!
Sure, the settings aren’t plush. In Cyprus, some of the farmers’ markets literally take place in fields or parking lots. Also, not every farmers’ market is going to be at a convenient time, but there is at least one weekend market in Limassol and in Nicosia, so that’s two major cities covered. And, yes, the parking situation can be a bit tricky but there is always parking even if it means you have to walk 100 meters. But it’s worth it. If you want more “plush” settings, try the “covered” markets – the ones that take place in the old halls in Limassol and Nicosia. You may find a greater variety of fresh produce literally out of the back of farmers’ trucks, but it’s still very fresh!
2. Go Early
Farmers’ Markets in Cyprus start very early. Some start as early as 5am, and people go to shop as early as that too. Having said that, if you go by 11am, you will still find an ample selection of things. It’s around 12pm onwards that the selection starts to dwindle and, in some markets, the producers start to pack up. In addition, parking can be a nightmare close to the actual markets and it’s best to go early to find a good spot.
3. Browse Around
It can be overwhelming when you first arrive at a farmers’ market. Everything will look amazing and you might think you might as well just buy the first things you see. But look around. On closer inspection you will see that some stalls have cheaper prices or “deals”. This might be because the produce is older or not as fresh. The quality of produce also varies between stands, some have the best greens, others the best fruits, etc. Which leads us to the next tip.
4. Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Is the produce locally grown? If so, which city does it come from? When was it cut or picked? I’ve noticed that not all fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets are locally grown, so be sure to check before buying. Sometimes vendors might be willing to give you a sample, or show you the inside of the fruit or vegetable, but not always. It doesn’t hurt to ask and the vendors are always very friendly.
5. Carrier Bags
If your car is not nearby, and you plan to buy a lot, you might need a little trolley bag. There are people who bring these as it’s just easier than carrying many heavy bags around. If you buy a lot from a vendor, there may be someone there who can help you with your bags. This has certainly happened to me before and is quite welcome when you already are carrying 5 heavy bags!
6. Cash
No one takes payment in cards. It’s all cash. Something which I think is rather obvious, but I have forgotten this a few times and only realised once I arrived at the market. It’s very annoying. So bring cash with you.
7. My Tips
If you visit the Limassol New Town Farmers’ Market on a Sunday, there is an excellent bread maker who makes traditional Cypriot “arkatena”. You won’t be disappointed – I’ve had to carry loaves of this bread to Canada for relatives it is that good. But go early, she sells out quickly. Ask for “Georgia” if it’s not clear where you should go. Also, make sure you visit the Agro-Ktima truck at the end of the vegetable stalls. It’s a company that sells free range, locally grown chicken – a whole chicken (or one chopped in pieces) will cost you 10 euro. The company started 8 months ago – in 2013 – and already sell their produce in Melis (a major Cypriot butcher chain) in Limassol, and will be selling in Nicosia soon. Also, keep your eye out for carrots with long stems. For some reason I can only find baby carrots or very large carrots in the grocery stores, but I have found carrots which clearly look “homegrown” at the Limassol New Town Farmers’ Market. If you visit the Nicosia Oxi Market, keep an eye out for the small sweet strawberries in February and March. They are delicious.
MY FAVOURITE MARKETS *Nicosia
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Judy Fakir
Hi,
I would love if you have pictures of the local vegetables to post them with their names in English as well as Greek, especially the herbs.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge,
Warmest regards, Judy
afroditeskitchen
Hi Judy, what a wonderful idea ! 🙂 I am working on a post to do with Cyprus herbs (so it’s great to know hopefully others might find it useful too!)and I will make sure to include the Greek and English names. I think adding another article on the local vegetables is a beautiful idea, and one I will do. All my best, thanks for the wonderful idea and for reading the blog, Christina xx
Sonia Demetriou
Thanks for posting this I find it very useful. I have shared in on my blog.
afroditeskitchen
Thanks Sonia! Nice to meet you (virtually speaking of course!). 🙂 A few readers have sent in some information about other markets so I will be updating it for completeness too. 🙂
caroline evans
Hi Sonia,
Hope alls well with you. Maybe you didn’t know but we’ve been running the Pano Akourdaleia Herb Garden FARMERS MARKET for a year now on the first sunday of the month. Next one is on 6th April 10am-2pm. For directions check out: http://www.heavenonearthherbals.com/the-herb-garden/directions/. Is always such an electric atmosphere at the garden on market day. we emphasise local, quality produce.
See you when your next over.
Caroline
afroditeskitchen
Hi Caroline,
I didn’t know about this market, so am delighted to find out about it, and also about your wonderful Herb Gardens! I have updated the article above to include some information. I’d love to come and visit – I am based in Limassol, so it can be a bit hard to find the time sometimes on a Sunday with everyones’ schedules, but I will try. If not, it would be lovely to come and visit the herb gardens. All my best, Christina
Georgia
Hi There,
I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say what a great job I think you’re doing. As a food blog obsessive it’s wonderful to finally be able to follow something from home!
Also, I frequent the Sunday 6am – 1pm market in Anthoupoli. It’s right next to the church in the sinikismos. Even tho there are other markets closer to my house I make the trek quite regularly for the best dried louvi and traxanas I’ve ever had. I addition to the usual suspects – fruit, veg, local cheese, beans, olives etc. – you can buy homemade fresh prozimi as well as free range eggs, chicken and rabbit. If you really wanna go native – which I admit I am not brave enough to do – a variety of free range and wild caught live poultry is also available, for immediate consumption or for homesteading.
afroditeskitchen
Hi Georgia, thanks so much for reading, and for your wonderful words! 🙂 I started the blog in October 2013, and it’s slowly picking up pace – there’s a facebook page too, in case you are interested here. Thank you also for the wonderful tip! The market sounds fantastic – I love traxanas, and I would love to try the one they sell! I have added it to the list above (as well as another in Pafos a reader told me about). All My Best!
Askan
Thanks a lot for your list of markets. I added your list to my “worldwide” database of farmers markets http://askan.biz/database/
afroditeskitchen
Thank you!! Looking forward to checking out that list! 🙂
Tanith
Hi, Just wanted to tell you about a Farmers & Crafters market that runs once a month (on the 3rd Sunday) in Steni near Polis Chrysochou. 10am – 2pm there are stalls selling cakes, fruit & veg, spices, honey, handmade gifts, plants and more 🙂
afroditeskitchen
Thanks Tanith! I will add it to the article next time I update!
Lorna
Hi great informative posting thankyou. I
Have just moved to larnaca does anyone know anything about free range meat or similar markets available. 🙂
afroditeskitchen
Hi Lorna! I’ll see if I hear anything and will update the post in due course. I would start asking all the little butchers if they know where you can find free range meat.xxx
Andrew V
Christina, thank you for the super useful write-up. Despite some Greek Cypriot routes, I’m worlds apart from the life and culture. I’ll be heading out there from London for up to a year having only briefly visited before, so this post has been a great find. I’m in the process of trying to make some changes stick and I can relate to what you said in your ‘about’ page. Here’s to things working out! Andrew
afroditeskitchen
Good luck Andrew! Hope this helps, it’s a little dated now, but the markets should all be there. Do check out the organic market in Limassol – my favourite!
Rebecca
Hi, we’re heading to Cyprus to visit family in a couple of weeks and wonder if you have a current list? This is wonderfully helpful!
afroditeskitchen
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for your comment and visit to the website! I don’t have an updated list, but I would say that you should definitely visit the organic market in Limassol as the produce is incredible (I think I put a link to it’s facebook page in a comment above?) As well as the market in polemedia in Limassol for a more authentic feel of how locals shop. The market in oxi square in Nicosia is really good as well and a good example of where locals shop, but I don’t know if it has moved. Those, for me, are my favourites. I haven’t checked out the markets in Paphos yet, but that’s sort of next on my list as I am curious about them. …I would probably start with the organic market in Limassol – it’s small but fabulous produce. And then ask friends/locals in the other cities where and what time the markets are – I don’t think things have changed too much, but it’s better to be safe I think.
Jason
I use the bigger farmer’s market in Limassol, on the car park on Aiolou (near the Old Hospital and Police Station). It’s only open Saturday mornings, but is much bigger and cheaper than the covered market. It’s mainly local fruit and veg, but you can also get traditional meats, sweets and breads. Eggs are also very cheap here and sometimes there’s a stall with live snails if that’s your thing.
Dmitry
Hello, the municipal market in Paphos has been demolished. There is a big landscape upgrade project on that place now.
Lumidaire
These are actually wonderful ideas in about blogging.
You have touched some good points here. Any way keep
up wrinting.
Leone
I have seen bags of sea salt being sold at our local Farmers Market when we come over to Cyprus. Is there a process that has to be done to the salt before it’s sold? I know the sea salt sold by companies is bleached and whatever else they have to do to it but I would just like to be assured that it’s safe to consume. Would rather have it as natural as possible .