Cyprus Holiday Villa BBQ Feast

A Perfect Cypriot BBQ Feast at Your Holiday Villa in Cyprus

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There’s no better way to soak in the Mediterranean vibes than firing up the BBQ and enjoying a laid-back feast with local flavours. Most of our villas in Cyprus have either a gas BBQ or Charcoal BBQ, so you’re in for a real treat! Cyprus is famous for its delicious, sun-kissed ingredients—from fresh seafood and fragrant herbs to local cheeses and succulent meats.

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Whether you're holidaying with family or friends, here’s how to host the ultimate Cypriot BBQ night at your holiday villa—complete with a full menu, local dishes, and a ready-to-go shopping list!

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Start with Traditional Cypriot Mezze

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Before the main feast, warm up your appetite with a few classic mezze dishes, all of which can be prepared easily on the grill.

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Grilled Halloumi with Lemon & Oregano

No Cypriot BBQ is complete without halloumi. This semi-hard, brined cheese holds up beautifully on the grill. Slice it thick, sear it to golden perfection, and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

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Sheftalia & Lountza Skewers

Pair smoky lountza (marinated pork loin) with traditional sheftalia, Cyprus’ juicy herb-stuffed sausages. Thread onto skewers and grill until crispy and cooked through. These are BBQ favourites with locals and tourists alike.

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Charred Pitta & Dips

Toss some local Cypriot pitta bread onto the grill and serve with a trio of dips like tzatziki, hummus, and tahini. You’ll find these dips fresh and ready-to-serve at any local supermarket.

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The Main Event: Classic Cypriot BBQ Dishes

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With a gas BBQ, you can enjoy even heat and precise grilling. Here are a few must-try mains that are packed with local character.

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Souvlaki – Chicken or Pork

Marinate cubes of pork shoulder or chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. Skewer and grill them until juicy and slightly charred. Serve in warm pitta with chopped tomatoes, onions, and a spoonful of tzatziki.

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Grilled Lamb Chops

Lamb in Cyprus is famously tender and flavourful. Brush chops with olive oil, lemon zest, rosemary, and garlic, then sear on the BBQ for a few minutes each side. Sprinkle with sea salt and you’re good to go.

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Whole Grilled Local Fish

Pick up some fresh seabream or seabass from the local fishmonger. Stuff with lemon and parsley, then grill whole. It’s simple, fresh, and perfect with a side salad.

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Sides That Shine

A Cypriot BBQ isn’t just about meat—balance the plate with colourful, seasonal sides.

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Village Salad (Horiatiki)

Chop up ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, black olives, and feta cheese. Dress with local olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar for a refreshing side that screams summer.

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Grilled Veggies

Char slices of aubergine, courgette, and bell pepper on the BBQ. Season with sea salt, oregano, and lemon juice.

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Bulgur Wheat Pilaf (Poungouri)

A delicious alternative to rice, bulgur wheat is sautéed with onion and tomato paste and then simmered until fluffy. It's simple, hearty, and complements grilled meats beautifully.

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Finish with a Sweet Local Touch

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Grilled Fruit with Honey & Yogurt

For dessert, grill slices of watermelon, figs, or peaches until lightly caramelised. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and drizzle with Cypriot thyme honey. Add some crushed walnuts for extra crunch.

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What to Buy: Your Cypriot BBQ Shopping List

Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials you’ll need:

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Dairy

• 2 packs Halloumi cheese
• 200g Feta cheese
• 500g Greek-style strained yogurt

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Meat & Fish

• 800g–1kg Pork shoulder or chicken thighs (for souvlaki)
• 500g Sheftalia (local sausage – pork or lamb)
• 300g Lountza (smoked pork loin, sliced or cubed)
• 6–8 Lamb chops
• 2 whole or filleted local fish (Seabream, Seabass, or similar)

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Fresh Vegetables & Herbs

• 4 Large tomatoes
• 2 Cucumbers
• 2 Red onions
• 1 Green pepper
• 2 Aubergines
• 2 Courgettes
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 Yellow bell pepper
• 1 Bunch fresh parsley
• 1 Bunch fresh mint
• 1 Bunch fresh rosemary
• 1 Garlic bulb
• 2 Lemons
• 1 Lime (optional)
• 1 small bag Mixed salad leaves (optional)

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Pantry Items & Seasonings

• Olive oil (Cypriot extra virgin if possible)
• Oregano (dried)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cinnamon (optional, for dessert)
• Paprika (optional, for grilled veg)
• Tomato paste or purée
• Red wine vinegar
• Honey (preferably thyme honey)
• Bulgar wheat (about 250g for side dish)
• Wooden skewers (soak in water before use)

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Bread & Dips

• 6–8 Cypriot pittas or Greek pita bread
• 1 tub Tzatziki
• 1 tub Tahini dip
• 1 tub Hummus

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Olives & Extras

• 1 jar Black Kalamata olives
• 1 jar Green olives (optional)
• Capers (optional for salad)

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Fruit & Dessert

• 1 small Watermelon
• 4 Figs or 3 Peaches/Nectarines
• Crushed walnuts (optional for topping dessert)

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Drinks (Optional)

• 3-4 bottles Cypriot wine (Xynisteri white / Maratheftiko red)
• 12-pack Keo or Leon beer
• 1 bottle Sour cherry juice or fresh lemonade

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Essentials You Might Need

• Charcoal or gas (check your BBQ supply)
• Aluminium foil (for wrapping fish or veg if needed)
• Extra bags of ice for those drinks (available from kiosks)

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BBQ Like a Local – Right at Your Villa

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Staying in a holiday villa in Cyprus gives you the space, privacy, and facilities to cook and relax just like at home. Many villas come with modern gas BBQs, sea-view terraces, and shaded dining areas—ideal for long, lazy evenings under the stars.

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So instead of dining out every night, embrace the local lifestyle and host your own BBQ feast. It’s a great way to save money, bond with loved ones, and experience the true flavours of Cyprus.

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Ready to Fire Up the Grill?

If you're looking for the ultimate villa stay with BBQ facilities, Cyprus Villa Retreats offers handpicked properties across Coral Bay, Paphos, Protaras, and more—all with stunning outdoor spaces perfect for dining al fresco.

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