Located in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district, the small town of Deryneia - originally known as ‘Yerinia’ - has a rich, ancient past and is likely to have been where settlers to the island arrived after the Trojan War.

 

As one of the fertile ‘red soil villages’ (Kokkinochoria), Deryneia is the main strawberry grower of the island, and is famous for its juicy, sweet fruit. Visitors to its Strawberry Festival - which takes place every two years - can enjoy complimentary fresh strawberries and their products, such as juice, jam, liquor and ice-cream.

 

The village’s sights of interest include a Folk Art Museum and Open Air Museum for Traditional Professions, and the Cultural Centre of Occupied Ammochostos. The village also has several significant churches, including the 15th century church of Agia Marina, the Byzantine church of Panagia (with its preserved 17th century icons), and the small Medieval church of Agios Georgios.

 

An important religious festival is held to honour Agios Modestos annually on December 16 (Feast of Saint Modestos), where visitors are welcome to join in the traditional festivities, which include stalls, entertainment and local food and drink.