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Walk the magnificent Troodos Mountains | Self guided walking holiday
Overview
Introduction
You could be in another country when you visit the Cyprus mountains. Gone are the bustling cities of Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, the large hotels, the noisy streets and bars. In the mountains you can smell the pines, hear the wind rustling the trees and, other than that, silence.
The Troodos range is located in the southwest centre of the island and, in area, covers half of the island; but this is a half that 90% of holidaymakers never see.
The Troodos range, criss-crossed by mountain streams is heavily forested with common pines, black pine, Aleppo pine, the endemic Cyprus cedar, Cyprus oak and plane trees. The highest point is Mount Olympus at 1,952 m (6,404 ft). In winter, the mountains are usually snowbound but from April onwards, average temperatures begin at around 15C, peak at around 28C in July and fall to around 13C in November. April to mid-June and September to November are ideal walking months.
Up until the 1950s the mountains were the favoured holiday haunts of Cypriots. Several of the grander buildings in the villages, which were then popular summer resorts, bear witness to the fashions of the time. Platres has always been the most fashionable resort and the family-run Forest Park, then the most sought-after hotel and best on the island, which, in the 1930s, hosted King Farouk of Egypt who famously invented the Brandy Sour, the national cocktail of Cyprus. Daphne du Maurier wrote most of her novel Rebecca at the Forest Park. The hotel is now much more akin to a country house hotel.
The Mouflon, an indigenous horned sheep roams the mountains as do hares and foxes. Bats live in old buildings and in the galleries of abandoned mines. The endangered Bonelli’s eagle and griffon vulture can be seen, as can the northern goshawk and long-legged buzzard. The endemic Cyprus wheatear, the Cyprus warbler, the short-toed tree-creeper can all be found in the mountains, along with the red crossbill, Eurasian wren, nightingale and also the common raven which is close to becoming extinct on the island. Read more about the wildlife of the Troodos Mountains in our blog.
During the Byzantine period, the mountains became a centre of Byzantine art because building near the coast because of the likelihood of pirate attacks was too risky and dangerous. These beautiful frescoed churches are one of the major cultural attractions of Cyprus and several are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Some of these churches are located on our recommended walking routes.
Finally, you should be aware that the Troodos Mountains are famous worldwide for their geological formation, hence the number of mines which have since been abandoned. The mountains rose from the sea over a period of time as a result of the collision of the African and European tectonic plates. Cyprus is one of the only places in the world where one can view the rock formations that were formed without having to dive beneath the sea.
The Cypriots love their mountains and are very proud of the fact that they have undoubtedly the best forestry department in the middle east, thanks to the British administration when Cyprus was a colony.
Notes:
- The itinerary detailed is for a 14 night duration and is entirely flexible. 7 and 10 night holidays excluding a stay in Kakopetria are two examples of how we can design the itinerary to suit your needs
Price includes:
- Transfer on arrival and departure
- Luggage transfer between the mountain resorts
- Accommodation as described
- A visit to a winery
- A beekeeping and honey workshop in Kalopanayiotis
- A workshop teaching how to make traditional preserved fruits in Kalopanayiotis
- Maps and local information (provided locally)
- The services of our representative
Walking information:
Board Basis: Bed & BreakfastAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Larnaca or Paphos Airport, you will be transferred to the New Helvetia Hotel in Platres. The property is located only a few minutes' walk from the centre of the town. It is possible to upgrade to the Forest Park Hotel at a supplement.
Overnight at the New Helvetia Hotel in Platres on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
New Helvetia Hotel, Platres, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 2 - Platres and a visit to a winery
Platres, with a population of 280, is located on the southern slopes of the Troodos range at a height of 1,200 m (3,900 ft). It is the main mountain resort with cafes, bars and restaurants and has been popular since 1878 when the British controlled the island. In the winter it is a ski resort. It is very much a wine village as many villages in this region are and a visit to a winery is included in your itinerary. The Troodos range is generally arid but Platres sits astride a perennial mountain stream (River Krios - cold river) which makes the village akin to a green oasis.
Platres is an ideal village for relaxation. The sound of running water is everywhere. Today we have included a visit to the Lambouri winery for your enjoyment and interest. The winery produces a variety of wines (7 in fact) but also the traditional Cyprus Commandaria sweet wine, whisky, gin and brandy! The tasting includes traditional Cypriot snacks.
Overnight at the New Helvetia Hotel in Platres on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Platres, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 3 - Explore the region on foot
Platres is also the base from which several mountain walks begin. There are many short walks, one being to The Myllomeri Falls, the highest in Cyprus, the water cascading down 15 metres. The Medieval bridge at Milia is a half hour walk - though not the easiest. The mountain monastery of Trooditissa, immersed in the forest is a 1.5 hour walk. The monastery is closed to visitors but not its church.
Today follow the Psilo Dendro (tall tree) - Pouziaris trail. This is a circular walk, set within the National Forest Park of Troodos, starting at Psilo Dendro (tall tree), a four minute walk from the New Helvetia Hotel. This is a 9 km walk rated difficulty 3, as there are challenging uphill and downhill stretches and will take between 3 and 4 hours. Golden oak, calabrian pine and black pine are the dominant trees to be seen. The area is also frequented by Bonelli’s eagle, Eurasian jay, Cyprus warbler and Cyprus wheatear both of which are endemic. Panoramic views abound.
Overnight at the New Helvetia Hotel in Platres on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Cyprus warbler, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 4 - Walk from Platres to Troodos
On the morning of your fourth day when moving on to your next base, you will walk the Caledonia trail which conveniently leads you to the main square of Troodos, the highest village in the mountain range and your next centre. Your luggage will be transferred between hotels.
The Caledonia Trail is a 3km linear walk which conveniently begins at Psilo Dendro which is a four minute walk from The New Helvetia Hotel. The trail follows the Kryos Potamos river and passes the Caledonia falls; it will take 1.5 hours and the degree of difficulty is 3.
Overnight at the Troodos Hotel in Troodos on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Caledonia falls, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 5 - Geologist guided walk
You can feel the freshness of the alpine air when you arrive in Troodos. Troodos square is at 1720 m (5,643 ft), only 250 m below Mount Olympus (yes, there is another one in Greece - 2,918 m and home of the Greek Gods). Our chairman has fond memories of Troodos as this is where the family holidayed when he was a child. He says it has not changed all that much!
Today we have included a four hour professional geologist guided walk to see the plutonic rocks at Mount Olympus, with an hour’s walk on nearby trails pointing out the geological features and a visit to the Geopark in the abandoned Amiantos Mine.
Overnight at the Troodos Hotel in Troodos on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 6 - Walk the Atalanti Trail
The Atalanti trail is a long, but circular trail (14 km) which will take between 4 and 5 hours but its degree of difficulty is only 2. It conveniently starts at Troodos Square - take a picnic. The trail circles ‘Chionistra’ the peak of Mount Olympus at an altitude of 1,700 to 1750 m and passes through dense thickets of Pinus Negra and Troodos Juniper Phoenicia. One large juniper is said to be 800 years old. From this walk one has spectacular views of the whole island. One can also see the entrance of an abandoned chromium mine, one of many different mines to be found in the Troodos Mountains. A freshwater spring is also to be found 3 kms from the end of the hike.
Overnight at the Troodos Hotel in Troodos on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Panoramic view, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 7 - Walk from Troodos to Kalopanayiotis
Today, self transfer on foot between Troodos and Kalopanayiotis - 20km c.4 hours, generally downhill! If this walk is just too long then just simply take the local bus which is always an experience. If you do decide to walk then there are villages on the way to stop for a break including the mountain resort villages of Prodromos (1hr 50 min from Troodos), Pedoulas (1 hr 30 min from Prodromos) and Moutoullas (45 min from Pedoulas). Your luggage will be transferred between accommodation. You can always walk part of the way and then take the bus, or we can provide a taxi transfer for yourself if preferred.
In Kalopanayiotis, at 700 m (2,296 ft) above sea level you will be staying in a very special hotel. The Casale Panayiotis Hotel and Spa is set towards the lower part of the village and above the Setrachos River. It is a 4-star hotel that is a superb example of a village being brought back to life by a “boy done good”, who returned home after many years to find his home village on its last legs. His aim was to bring the mountain village back to life, to encourage guests to enjoy traditional Cypriot food, and to meet the local people, giving the locals renewed pride in their heritage – and it seems to be working, as many villagers have restored their own homes, and are working with the hotel’s guests, for example showing them how to weave traditional baskets, Cypriot style.
Overnight at the Casale Panayiotis in Kalopanayiotis on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Kalopanayiotis, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 8, 9, 10 and 11 - Time in Kalopanyiotis: Beekeeping and honey workshop and a workshop teaching how to make traditional preserved fruits included
We believe that Kalopanayiotis is truly a very special place. There are also plenty of activities and experiences on offer which is why a stay here should not be rushed; it should be savoured: Halloumi making (traditional Cypriot cheese) with two local village ladies; Wine tasting; Orchard tours - pick a basket of fruit no matter the season (nuts in autumn, citrus fruit in winter); Beekeeping and honey workshop - included in your itinerary; Making traditional preserved fruits (offered traditionally to visitors with a coffee, and including pickled walnuts and plenty of local fruits – they are delicious, and you sometimes see tables at the roadside with an honesty box where you can buy such home-preserved fruits) - included in your itinerary; Basket weaving with one of the village ladies; Cycling along the many paths through the forest (different levels of difficulty); Five nature trails to explore - a professional map is included; Yoga and stretching/breathing, and visiting local cottage industries producing traditional delicacies.
Overnight at the Casale Panayiotis in Kalopanayiotis on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Casale Panayiotis, Kalopanayiotis, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 12 - Walk from Kalopanayiotis to Kakopetria
Today, self transfer on foot from Kalopanayiotis to Kakopetria. The walk from Kalopanayiotis to Kakopetria is through the mountains on ancient paths. It will take in the region of five hours. The trail (in fact there are two trails) feature on the map provided in your pack but are not signposted and you will need five to six hours. If this sounds too arduous, we can recommend the local bus which is an experience in itself or we can always arrange a taxi for you which is payable locally. The hotel can provide a packed lunch should you decide to walk at a price of euros 8 payable locally.
Kakopetria, with a population of around 1,200 people is one of the largest of the mountain villages and is set in the Solea valley at a height of 667 m ( 2,188 ft ). The village is composed of the Medieval settlement and the modern neighbourhood. Finds within the Medieval Village show that Kakopetria was inhabited during the Archaic and classical eras of the island. Kakopetria houses one of the most heavily frescoed churches and UNESCO World Heritage site - Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis (St Nicholas of the Roof). This Byzantine monastery church was built in the 11th century.
Overnight at the Linos Inn in Kakopetria on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Kakopetria, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 13 and 14 - Free time in Kakopetria
Time at leisure in Kakopetria and to explore independently.
Overnight at the Linos Inn in Kakopetria on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Kakopetria, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Day 15 - Day of departure
You will be transferred to Larnaca or Paphos Airport for your return flight home.
Plane
Accommodation
New Helvetia Hotel - Night 1 to 3
This is an attractive, simply furnished, older style hotel, only a few minutes walk from the heart of the village and managed by the same family since 1929.
This is an attractive, simply furnished, older style hotel, only a few minutes walk from the heart of the village and managed by the same family since 1929. The hotel has been approved by the EU as a historic building. Situated in a secluded corner amidst pine trees, this is an ideal hotel for peace and tranquillity.
There are 39 rooms, suites, self-catering studios and a restaurant. The staff can arrange horse riding, fishing, tennis and swimming. For those who wish to venture further afield, the hotel has become something of a cycling centre and designated trails to explore the surrounding area can be obtained at the hotel reception.
This is an amicable and hospitable establishment, where guests are made to feel at home. The mountain views from the property are fabulous.
Accommodation:
25 double-bedded rooms and 8 Maisonette suites with private balcony, bath, shower, wc, electric shaving socket, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, radio and television. Tea & coffee making facilities are available in the Maisonette suites.
Amenities/Features
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Library (including books on walking, hiking and cycling on Cyprus)
- Bar
- Sun terrace with superb views, also used for open air meals (weather permitting)
- TV/video lounge
- Central heating
- Free Wi-Fi in the common areas
Leisure/Activities:
- Use of 'Skylight' pool
- Table tennis
- Billiards
- Fitness centre
- Free use of all facilities at the Platres Athletic Centre (Gym, tennis courts, basketball and volley ball courts)
Special Interests:
The surrounding area is extremely rich in fauna and flora, guaranteed to gratify birdwatchers and botanists alike. Nature walks, hiking and painting can be organised.
Troodos Hotel - Night 4 to 6
The Troodos is a well established hotel and very conveniently located on the square in Troodos. At an altitude of 1,725 metres (5,659 ft) it is only a 5 km walk to the top of Mount Olympus.
The Troodos is a well established hotel and very conveniently located on the square in Troodos. At an altitude of 1,725 metres (5,659 ft) it is only a 5 km walk to the top of Mount Olympus. If you decide not to hire a car, there is a regular bus service from the square to both Nicosia and Limassol.
All activities begin and end on the main square and, from the open air terrace of the hotel while having a coffee or drink, one can watch all life in the village revolve. Here one can savour the fresh alpine air, the smell of pines and that special clarity of light found at higher altitudes.
A homely, family run hotel, perfect for both summer and winter in the mountains and catering for all outdoor mountain activities from hiking to skiing.
Accommodation:
- 47 rooms including standard rooms, standard rooms with side view, standard room with balcony and mountain view and superior rooms with balcony and mountain or square view
Amenities/Leisure:
- Restaurant serving local dishes(kitchen open 07.00-22.00)
- All day cafe/snack bar and terrace
- Free WIFI in public areas
- 24 hour reception
- Lobby with fireplace
- Kiosk offering drinks and snacks
- Bicycle hire
- Nearby to local shops
- Fitness gym
- Advice on hiking routes
- Packed lunches
- Lobby Bar
- Free car parking
Casale Panayiotis - Night 7 to 11
Casale Panayiotis lies at the heart of Kalopanayiotis village, situated in the beautiful Marathasa Valley, just 50 minutes drive from Nicosia or Limassol.
Casale Panayiotis lies at the heart of Kalopanayiotis village, situated in the beautiful Marathasa Valley, just 50 minutes drive from Nicosia or Limassol. Overlooking a rippling brook in evergreen shade it affords stunning views of the historic St. John Lambadistis Monastery with rugged mountain peaks as a backdrop.
The 41 individually designed comfort studios, superior studios, superior studios plus, junior suites, superior suites and family rooms are sited in independent traditional houses throughout the village. The complex also includes a restaurant, coffee shop, snack bar, wine bar, arguably the best Spa on the island, library, conference facility and cultural centre.
In respecting the traditional architecture of the village, Casale Panayiotis blends harmoniously into the beautiful surrounding landscape. The modern comforts of a luxury hotel have been combined with authentic traditional features, so that guests can truly relax whilst absorbing the unique culture of the mountains.
The Monastery of St. John Lampadistis (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site), the Icon Museum and the six Byzantine churches of Kalopanayiotis are all within walking distance. In addition, local nature trails, the healing waters of the natural spa, medieval stone bridges and the old watermill make Kalopanayiotis an inviting destination.
All the rooms have heating, air-conditioning, TV & DVD player, internet access, mini-bar, hair-dryer, coffee and tea making facilities, bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms have a jacuzzi and a fireplace.
The Casale's Myrianthousa Spa rightly mirrors the reputation of the historic spa village of Kalopanayiotis, on the dramatic northern slopes of the Troodos mountains. Myrianthousa means “innumerable blossoms” because of the abundance of almond, cherry and apple trees for which the area is renown. Natural sulphur-spring water, known locally as theouxa (thei-ou-xah), trickles year-round from nearby springs and has drawn pilgrims and visitors for thousands of years to take the waters in this place of awe-inspiring natural beauty.
The Byzantino Restaurant offers authentic, Cypriot dishes, based on traditional recipes. All the ingredients used in the preparation of our dishes are fresh and sourced from local producers. Enjoy intimate evenings inside by the fireplace or romantic candlelit dinners on the wooden balcony listening to the sound of the river Setrahos.
A traditional breakfast is served daily in the Kafenio for hotel residents. Try the speciality jams prepared with fresh fruits from the Casale's farmhouse or the homemade green tea, made from local herbs. On sunny afternoons enjoy a Cypriot Coffee whilst absorbing the view from the balcony or relax with a book in the flower-filled courtyard.
Linos Inn - Night 12 to 14
Over a period of many years, Stelios has steadily purchased a terrace of old houses in the old medieval settlement and has lovingly restored these to create a unique 25 bedroom character inn on two floors. This was the first such renovation on the island.
Over a period of many years, Stelios has steadily purchased a terrace of old houses in the old medieval settlement and has lovingly restored these to create a unique 25 bedroom character inn on two floors. This was the first such renovation on the island.
The inn has a sauna, a lounge / cafeteria with bar and a well-liked indoor and outdoor restaurant / taverna serving mainly Cypriot dishes.
A perfect place for mountain walks with the UNESCO World Heritage medieval church of St Nicholas of the roof within walking distance.
Accommodation:
- There are 12 standard rooms (with bath or shower)
- 3 studios with spa bath
- 7 studios with double spa bath
- 3 suites with spa bath
Amenities & Features:
- Sauna (extra charge payable locally)
- Lounge/cafeteria with bar
- Free WiFi in the public areas and some of the bedrooms.
- The Linos Museum is open daily and is located on Linos Street.
The restaurant:
- Open for lunch and dinner
- The restaurant also operates as a taverna serving mainly Cypriot dishes.
- Meals are also served in the garden restaurant (weather permitting)
Please note: You can drive up to the property to drop off luggage. Cars can then be parked in the official pay and display car park (local prices).
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT + 2 hours
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek, Turkish, English
Average flight times
4 hours
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC