Why is Kyperounda famous for its apples?

You might not expect Cyprus to be an apple-growing country, but head up to the mountains and you will be surprised. 

Kyperounda’s high elevation gives it cooler conditions than the rest of the island, creating a colder growing environment in which apple trees thrive.

• High altitude: Kyperounda sits at about 1300 meters above sea level, making its climate very different from the coastal areas. 
• Cool nights: the mountain’s day to night temperature difference creates conditions that suit apple cultivation. 
• Cold winters: Apples need a period of colder temperatures during winter, and Kyperounda’s mountain climate provides conditions that are much more suitable for this.
• Plenty of sunshine: Despite the cooler temperatures, Kyperounda still benefits from Cyprus’ abundant sunshine, helping the apples develop their flavour and sweetness. 
• Mountain soils and water: The area’s mountain environment, including its soils and available water sources, supports fruit cultivation and has helped apple growing become an important part of the local agricultural landscape. 
• A local tradition: Apple cultivation has been part of life in Kyperounda for generations, with local producers passing their knowledge from one generation to the other. 
• A local identity: apples have been associated with Kyperounda village in a level that they have their very own annual Apple Festival every October, celebrating the fruit, local producers and the village’s agricultural heritage.