If you’re in Cyprus between the 26th of July and the 1st of August this summer, the Koumandaria Festival may be worth attending, report Thomas Cook Holidays.

The locals of the Kourris Valley, one of Cyprus’ better known wine producing areas near Paphos, celebrates the wine called Koumandaria with this annual festival. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine. The main participating villages are Alassa, Agios Georgios, Doros, Laneia, Monagri and Silikou.

The ancient Greek poet Homer already mentioned a sweet wine produced in Cyprus, and scientists are fairly certain that Koumandaria is produced on this island since 4000 years ago. However, it got its name from the Gran Commanderie, an area surrounding the well preserved Kolossi Castle west of Limassol. This castle became the headquarters (Commanderia, Koumandaria) of the Knights of Templars in the 12th Century. Thanks to the knights, the wine became famous during the time of the Crusades. After all these centuries, it is still a popular drink with both locals and tourists.

Even though Cyprus is a warm weather destination all year long, the summers here are not as intensely hot as they are in other regions of the Med. August temperatures rarely climb higher than 32 C. Summer rain is nearly non-existent and humidity is also very low. Sea water in Paphos is warm throughout the summer months. Winter in Paphos is fairly mild with temperatures normally no colder than 10 degrees. However, winters in Paphos tend to be rainy. Late spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit this island when it comes to the weather, but the majority of tourists flock to Paphos in July and August and they hardly ever complain!

For those who have booked flights to Cyprus the Arkadia Festival will be an interesting event. This festival celebrates traditional Cypriot hospitality with live music, traditional dancing and wonderful Cypriot food.

For the latest Cyprus weather visit http://www.yourcyprus.info

Thomas Cook Holidays offer both flights and accommodation for the island.