Red-soil villages · Famagusta district
Frenaros Φρέναρος
Watermelons and 12th-century Byzantine churches
Frenaros is one of the island’s main watermelon growers, with a July Watermelon Festival and Byzantine churches dating back to the 12th century.
Why visit Frenaros
- Watermelon Festival in July with free watermelon
- 12th-century churches of Agios Andronikos and Archangelos Michael
- Feast of Archangelos Michael on 6 September
Red-soil villages, Famagusta district
Ayia Napa, about 10 km as the crow flies
July for watermelons.
Watermelons, Potatoes
Regular buses
About the village Frenaros
Frenaros was named after the Lusignan monks, called Fremenors, who lived at the nearby monastery of Panagia of Hortakion. Its red earth makes it one of the main watermelon growers in Cyprus.
The village’s Byzantine churches of Agios Andronikos and Archangelos Michael date to the 12th century, and Agia Marina (15th century) has interesting frescoes.
Frenaros in pictures
Things to do in Frenaros
Old Archangelos Michael church
A small 12th-century Byzantine church.
Agios Andronikos
Another 12th-century church.
Agia Marina
A 15th-century church with frescoes.
Festivals and events in Frenaros
- July
Watermelon Festival
July
Free watermelon, watermelon ice cream and cocktails.
- September
Feast of Archangelos Michael
6 September
Stalls, entertainment, food and drink.
Festival dates move from year to year. Confirm with the community council or Visit Cyprus before you travel.
Getting to Frenaros
Regular buses
On a typical weekday (Monday, 12 October 2026) about 97 bus trips in both directions stop within 800 m of the village, on these lines:
- OSEA (Famagusta district buses): lines 501, 502, 702, 702A, 705A, 706, 707, 708, 709, 709A, 712
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 Frenaros
Keep exploring
Frenaros: questions
Why visit Frenaros?
Watermelon Festival in July with free watermelon. 12th-century churches of Agios Andronikos and Archangelos Michael. Feast of Archangelos Michael on 6 September.
What is there to do in Frenaros?
Old Archangelos Michael church: A small 12th-century Byzantine church. Agios Andronikos: Another 12th-century church. Agia Marina: A 15th-century church with frescoes.
When is the festival in Frenaros?
Watermelon Festival: July. Feast of Archangelos Michael: 6 September.
Can you get to Frenaros by bus?
Yes, with regular buses on weekdays: OSEA (Famagusta district buses) 501, 502, 702, 702A, 705A, 706, 707, 708, 709, 709A, 712. 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: Frenaros village ↗