Pitsilia · Nicosia district
Alona Αλόνα
A painters’ village with a November Zivania Festival
Alona is a high, leafy Pitsilia village that has inspired many Cypriot painters. It celebrates zivania with an annual November festival.
Why visit Alona
- Zivania Festival every November
- A nature trail through hazelnut and cherry orchards
- The 15th-century church of Panagia Kardakiotissa
Pitsilia, Nicosia district
1200 metres
Limassol, about 28 km as the crow flies
November for zivania; spring for flowers.
Zivania, Hazelnuts, Cherries
A few buses a day
About the village Alona
Alona sits at about 1,200 metres, 53 km from Nicosia. Its leafy scenery has inspired artists, including many great names of modern Cypriot painting.
The village produces zivania and celebrates it with a yearly festival. A scenic trail starts in the village square and winds through hazelnut and cherry orchards, with violets and ferns in spring and wild cyclamen in winter.
Alona in pictures
Things to do in Alona
Alona nature trail
Starts in the square and runs through orchards.
Panagia Kardakiotissa
A 15th-century church.
Agios Georgios church
With an exceptional icon of the saint from 1835.
Festivals and events in Alona
- November
Zivania Festival
November
Sample and buy zivania, learn how it is made, with stalls and entertainment.
- November
Feast of Agios Georgios
3 November
A big celebration in the village square.
Festival dates move from year to year. Confirm with the community council or Visit Cyprus before you travel.
Getting to Alona
A few buses a day
On a typical weekday (Monday, 12 October 2026) about 12 bus trips in both directions stop within 800 m of the village, on these lines:
- Nicosia Public Transport: line 61
Rural services are often timed for school and work, so check the return times before you set off.
Check the bus from your hotelDirections to Alona (opens Google Maps in a new tab)Car, taxi or tour
Village roads are narrow and winding, but a hire car or taxi lets you combine several villages in a day. Day tours to the Troodos and wine villages leave from the main resorts.
Villages near Alona
Platanistasa1 km away · Stavros tou Agiasmati, a UNESCO church with a full painted interior
Polystypos2 km away · One of the highest villages, with a hazelnut-forest trail
Agros3 km away · The rose village: rose water, cured meats and a May Rose Festival
Askas4 km away · Towering stone walls and hand-baked roof tiles under Mount PapoutsaKeep exploring
Alona: questions
Why visit Alona?
Zivania Festival every November. A nature trail through hazelnut and cherry orchards. The 15th-century church of Panagia Kardakiotissa.
What is there to do in Alona?
Alona nature trail: Starts in the square and runs through orchards. Panagia Kardakiotissa: A 15th-century church. Agios Georgios church: With an exceptional icon of the saint from 1835.
When is the festival in Alona?
Zivania Festival: November. Feast of Agios Georgios: 3 November.
Can you get to Alona by bus?
Yes, but only a few buses a day on weekdays: Nicosia Public Transport 61. Check the timetable before you travel.
Sources
Information checked on 2026-10-10. Bus lines come from the official Motion GTFS timetables. Opening hours and festival dates change, so confirm before you go.
Visit Cyprus: Alona village ↗Cyprus Mail: zivania at Alona festival ↗