Unique Cypriot Gifts: 8 Products You Can Only Get From Cyprus

A gift from Cyprus should taste of Cyprus. The island has a handful of foods and drinks so closely tied to their place that the European Union protects their names: they can only be made here, to a traditional method. Add a few more products that are not legally protected but simply are not found anywhere else, and you have the perfect shortlist.

The Protected Four

1. Commandaria: the Oldest Named Wine in the World

A sweet amber wine made from sun-dried grapes in fourteen villages on the slopes of Troodos, carrying PDO status. Crusader knights gave it its name. It is the ideal bottle for anyone who enjoys port or dessert wine. Start with KEO St. John, or for a wine lover choose Tsiakkas Commandaria. The full story is in our Commandaria guide.

2. Halloumi

Cyprus's famous grilling cheese received PDO status in 2021, so genuine halloumi must be made on the island. Because it is a chilled product, it travels by express in a cool box and makes the best gift for addresses in Europe. See our halloumi collection and halloumi guide.

3. Loukoumi Geroskipou

The first Cypriot product ever to receive EU protection, made in the village of Geroskipou near Paphos since 1895. The large bergamot and almond and rose and almond boxes are the classic gifts. Our loukoumi gift guide explains the traditions.

4. Zivania

The island's clear grape spirit, distilled from what is left after winemaking and protected as a Cypriot geographical indication. It is strong, clean and traditionally served ice cold with meze. Try LOEL Zivania or KEO Zivania, and read our zivania guide.

Four More You Won't Find Elsewhere

5. Soutzoukos

Strings of almonds or walnuts dipped again and again in thickened grape must until they form a chewy candle-shaped sweet. It is made in wine villages after the harvest and looks as unusual as it tastes. Choose almond or pomegranate and walnut.

6. Carob, the Black Gold of Cyprus

Carob trees once made Cyprus rich, and the island still turns their pods into a dark, malty syrup. It is lovely over yoghurt or mixed with tahini on toast. A jar of Amalia carob syrup or Mavroudes carob syrup, paired with carob loukoumi, makes a thoughtful gift for a keen cook.

7. Cyprus Coffee and a Briki

Finely ground, boiled slowly and served with foam on top. A bag of Laikou or G. Charalambous coffee is a small gift. Add an electric briki and it becomes a big one. Our guide shows how to make it properly.

8. The Foukou

The Cypriot charcoal grill with a motorised spit, the heart of every Sunday souvla. It is the most Cypriot present there is for anyone who loves cooking outdoors. See the triangle-style foukou and the rest of the foukou collection, and read about Cypriot barbecue.

Putting a Gift Together

• For a wine lover: Commandaria and a native-grape red such as Zambartas Maratheftiko.
• For grandparents abroad: loukoumi, coffee and a string of soutzoukos.
• For someone who cooks: carob syrup, trahanas and Cypriot olive oil.
• For a party: Zivania, Commandaria and Filfar.
• If you want us to choose: the Cypriot traditional products gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most traditional gift from Cyprus?

Loukoumi from Geroskipou, a bottle of Commandaria and halloumi are the three most traditional.

What does PDO or PGI mean?

They are EU labels. Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication mean the name can only be used for products made in a specific region to a defined method.

Can I send these as a gift to someone abroad?

Yes. Enter their address at checkout. Alcohol can only be sent to adults, and some countries restrict dairy, so halloumi is best for European addresses.

Looking for Greek gifts too? Read unique Greek gifts, or browse more ideas in our Cyprus gift guide.