Cyprus is usually associated with summer heat and beaches, but the climate in the Troodos Mountains is completely different. It's about 5 degrees cooler here, and the landscape's got dense coniferous forests, winding roads and clean mountain air. This side of Cyprus is surprising: instead of noisy beach resorts, there's silence, and instead of hustle and bustle, there are leisurely walks in the forest. Troodos is the perfect place to escape the heat, see a different side of the island and discover new routes.
Trekking and hiking along nature trails
The Troodos Mountains are the perfect place for hiking. Here, you'll find a unique mix of wild nature and history. There are more than 50 official trails in the mountains alone, with a total length of over 200 km, which is about half of all the trails in Cyprus! There are trails for those who enjoy easy walks, as well as challenging routes with elevation changes that experienced travellers will appreciate. They all go through some really pretty countryside, with forests, mountains, streams and gorges. Hiking in Troodos is a great way to get away from it all, enjoy some peace and quiet and see a side of the island that most people don't get to see.
Here's a quick overview of the routes:
- Artemis Trail. This 7 km trail is one of the most accessible and spectacular routes around. It runs around the edge of Mount Olympos, which is the highest point in Cyprus. The trail goes through a coniferous forest and offers great views of the island. It's perfect for anyone who wants a straightforward route with stunning views.
- Caledonia Trail. There's a short but challenging 3 km route that runs along the mountain river Krios Potamos and leads to the famous Caledonia Waterfall. The trail has some steep ascents and descents, but the coolness and sounds of the water make the walk particularly pleasant, even in summer.
- Atalanti Trail. This 14 km route is great for experienced hikers. It goes through juniper thickets and leads to an old mine that's been abandoned and closed off to visitors for a long time. The mountain views are some of the best around. If you're thinking of going, you'll need to set aside a whole day.
- Livadia Trail. It's a short route, only 1.5 km long. The trail goes through flat land, so it's great for walking with kids, older folks, and tourists who might have a bit of trouble moving around. On the way there's a dense forest and a picnic area called Kampos tou Livadiou, which is surrounded by black pine trees.
- Persephone Trail. It's a short, 3 km loop that's great for walking with the family. You'll find some rare plants along the way, and if it's a clear day, you can even see the Solea Valley. It's a great option for a leisurely morning walk.
If you're going to go hiking in the mountains, you need the right kit. Make sure you've got comfy shoes with non-slip soles — even easy trails can be rocky or wet. When it's summer, it's a good idea to wear light-coloured clothing and a hat, and to use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF 50 (this is especially important for people with fair skin). Please make sure you bring at least 1 litre of water per person, but better still if you can bring more (we're talking clean water here, but you can also bring lemonade or tea).
If you're not planning on visiting the taverns in the nearby villages, it's probably a good idea to bring a snack. There are loads of places to stop for breakfast or lunch and enjoy the views along all the routes.
Don't forget to take sunglasses and a map of the route (you can use the Maps.me app even without internet, but you'll need to download a map of Cyprus first). Best to set off in the morning to avoid the intense heat. But if you're planning a day trip, it's a good idea to spend 2-3 hours in the middle of the day resting in the shade.
You can get to waterfalls on foot.
Cypriot waterfalls are especially popular with tourists in the heat. They're not that high, but they're cool, shady and a great place to cool down after a hike. The waterfalls are at their best in late spring and early summer, when the rivers haven't yet dried up from the heat. Most of the waterfalls are located near villages, so they're easy to get to. Just pick a route and wear comfy shoes.
Kalidonia Waterfall
One of the most famous waterfalls in Cyprus is near the village of Platres. The water falls from about 12 metres high, and the path to it follows the same name trail through a shady coniferous forest along the Krios Potamos River. The route is about 3 km one way and takes about 1.5 hours there and back. There are some inclines and declines, but overall, the trail is fairly easy and good for most tourists.
Kalidonia Waterfall on the map
The Millomeris Waterfall
It's in the south-east of Platres. It's thought of as one of the tallest waterfalls in Cyprus, at around 15 m. The path to Millomeris is short, at only 1.2 km, but it's pretty steep and rocky in places. So, it's best to be careful and wear non-slip shoes. The walk takes about 30-40 minutes. The place is really secluded and picturesque, especially in the morning.
Millomeris Waterfall on the map
Chantara Waterfall
The waterfall is near the village of Fini (Foyni), and it's surrounded by forest and rocks. The jets here aren't that tall, but the location is really peaceful and naturally beautiful. The hike to the waterfall is about 4.5 km long and the elevation difference is about 185 m. It's a tough route, so you'll need at least 3 hours.
Just so you know, there are a few other little waterfalls in the area.
Kremiotis Waterfall
It's tucked away near the village of Kritou Tera in the Paphos area. It's one of the most accessible waterfalls in Cyprus. The 1.6 km route is pretty flat, with an elevation difference of about 90 m, so it's great for a casual stroll. The drive takes about an hour. The place is quiet and green, with no crowds of tourists.
Kremiotis Waterfall on the map
Mesa Potamos Waterfall
It's in the Limassol area. The waterfall is about 7 m high and surrounded by pine trees, with a picnic area nearby. The walking route is about 6.3 km long, with an elevation difference of 345 m. It's a moderately difficult route, and you'll probably want about 2.5 hours to complete it.
Mesa Potamos Waterfall on the map
Prastio Waterfall
It's between the villages of Prastio and Avdimou, in a more remote part of the Limassol district (closer to the border with the Paphos district). The waterfall itself is one of the most inconspicuous but spectacular natural sites in the area. The road to it is long: about 22 km there and back, with an elevation difference of almost 600 metres and a travel time of about 6–7 hours. It's only really suitable for experienced hikers who are prepared for long walks.
Come and check out some ancient shrines!
The mountain monasteries of Cyprus are spiritual centres and architectural monuments that preserve the island's centuries-old history and cultural heritage. In the beautiful Troodos mountains, they give you a special chance to experience the rich history and traditions of Cyprus and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The Monastery of Saint John Lampadistis (or Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, to give it its full name)
This monastery is in the village of Kalopanayiotis and is made up of three churches under one roof. Here you can see frescoes from different historical periods, including the Byzantine and Frankish periods. The monastery has been included on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites and is one of the most significant religious monuments in the country.
Agios Ioannis Lampadistis on the map
Trooditissa Monastery
The monastery was founded at the end of the 10th century and is located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, about 1,300 metres up. It's well known for its icon of the Virgin Mary and its miraculous belt, which, according to legend, helps people with fertility problems. The monastery building you see today was built in 1731, and it's been renovated since then. Now, it's surrounded by dense pine forests.
Trooditissa Monastery on the map
Kykkos Monastery
This monastery is one of the most well-known and important in Cyprus. It was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Byzantine emperor Alexius I Comnenus. Kykkos Monastery is 1,300 metres up and it's home to an icon of the Virgin Mary that's said to have been painted by the Apostle Luke. The building is decorated with rich frescoes and mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible.
The Panagia Trikoukkiotissa Monastery
This convent is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is located near the village of Prodromos. It was founded in the 12th century and is known for its icon, which, according to legend, brings rain during dry periods. The monastery is in a really pretty spot and it's a great place to visit.
Panagia Trikoukkiotissa Monastery on the map
The Archangel Michael Church
This little church is in the village of Pedoulas. It was built and decorated with frescoes in 1474. It's a classic example of a single-aisled church with a wooden roof, which is pretty typical of the Troodos region. The church is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is famous for its amazingly well-preserved frescoes.
The Archangel Michael Church on the map
The Timios Stavros Monastery
The monastery is in the village of Omodos and is thought to be one of the oldest in Cyprus. The building is on the site of a cave where, according to legend, the Cross of Christ and the rope used to tie Christ were found. The monastery is famous for its architecture and its history, which is really important to the island's Christian community.
Timios Stavros Monastery on the map
Panagia tou Sinti Monastery
This old monastery from the 16th century is by the Xeros River in the Paphos area. It's dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is considered one of the most important monuments of the Venetian period in Cyprus. Despite its condition, the monastery still has a lot of architectural integrity, and it attracts visitors with its historical significance and picturesque location.
Panagia tou Sinti Monastery on the map
You can go quad biking and take buggy rides too.
Quad biking and buggy rides let you get up close and personal with the scenery. Get out there and race along forest trails, cross river beds, climb hills and stop at the most inaccessible points — places where a normal car cannot go and which take a long time to reach on foot. These trips give you a feeling of freedom and excitement, and they allow you to see Troodos from an unexpected angle.
In Cyprus, buggy and quad bike rentals are popular on the coast and in the mountains. In many villages, you can find small companies offering equipment for hire, as well as organised guided tours for a couple of hours or a whole day. This is perfect for those who want to add a little excitement to their holiday without taking on any extra challenges.
When you're on your trip, you can check out villages, viewpoints, ancient churches and wineries, both inhabited and abandoned. The most important thing is to wear a helmet, take water with you and don't forget your sunglasses: the dust on Cypriot roads can cause a lot of problems.
We're going to visit some wineries.
Cyprus is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Europe. Wine has been made here for over 5,000 years, and local wines are mentioned in ancient sources. The island's climate, with its hot summers and mild winters, is perfect for growing grapes. Local varieties like Xynisteri (white grape), Mavro and Maratheftiko (black grape) are especially popular because they give Cypriot wines their unique 'character'.
Nowadays, Cypriot wineries mix old-school methods with new tech to make wines that are simply out of this world. A lot of them welcome visitors: you can take tours of the vineyards and there are workshops and tastings and master classes in separate rooms.
Zambartas Wineries is in Ayios Amvrosios village, which is in the Limassol district.
The Zambartas winery, run by the same family, is in the pretty village of Agios Amvrosios, and it's well known for using local grape varieties: Xynisteri, Marathofiko and Promara. We use organic viticulture methods here, because we want to keep the local traditions and the ecosystem alive.
Ktima Gerolemo is in Omodos village, which is in the Limassol district.
Ktima Gerolemo winery was founded in 1989 and it's now got 127 acres of land at an altitude of about 900 m above sea level. It makes wines from a bunch of different grapes, like Morocanella, Spourtiko and Riesling. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, as well as learn about the wine-making process through lectures.
Tsiakkas Winery is in Pelendri village, in the Limassol district.
The Tsiakkas winery has been around since 1988, located near the village of Pelendri. Today, it makes about 150,000 bottles of wine a year and sends them to different countries. We also put special attention on local grape varieties, like Xynisteri and Maratheftiko.
Kyperounta Winery is in the village of Kyperounta, which is in the Limassol district.
Kyperounda Winery is located at an altitude of 1,200 metres, which makes it one of the highest wineries in Europe. It uses a gravity-fed wine production system, which makes sure the grapes are processed gently. One of its most famous wines is the dry white Petritis, which is made from the Xynisteri grape variety.
Santa Irene Winery is in Farmakas village, Nicosia district.
The Santa Irene winery was set up in 2015 and it looks after 200 hectares of vineyards that are as high as 1,300 metres. We grow the Mavro Ambelissimo and Xynisteri varieties here. Some of the vines are over 150 years old. The winery offers tastings, tours and has its own restaurant.
Oenou Yi is in Omodos village, which is in the Limassol district.
The modern Oenou Yi winery is built into the landscape between the peaks of Troodos in an amphitheatre, right in the village of Omodos. The wines produced here are made exclusively from local grape varieties such as Vasilissa and Xynisteri. The winery offers tours and tastings, as well as its own restaurant.
Lambouri Winery is located in Platres village, which is in the Limassol district.
The Lambouri winery is family-run and it has been around for over 350 years and is famous for making traditional Cypriot dessert wine called Commandaria. The winery does tastings and tours and is one of the oldest on the island.
If you're looking for a holiday in a beautiful mountain village in Cyprus, you've come to the right place!
If you're into agritourism, Cyprus is the place for you. You can get out and about in the villages and really get a feel for the island's authentic atmosphere, where tradition and nature go hand in hand. The mountain villages of Troodos are well worth a visit. You can enjoy local cuisine, learn about crafts and simply relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Omodos (Limassol district)
Omodos is a village that's about 900 m up in the mountains. It's well known for its vineyards and the Monastery of the Holy Cross. The narrow cobbled streets, stone houses with carved balconies and cosy taverns create a really unique atmosphere. Omodos is the place to go for wine and bread in Cyprus. You can visit local wineries, taste traditional wines and Arkateni bread, and enjoy views of the terraced vineyards surrounding the village.
Kalopanayiotis (Nicosia district)
Kalopanayiotis, a village in the Marafas Valley, is famous for its thermal springs and the monastery of St. John Lampadistis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stroll through Kalopanayiotis is like stepping into another time. You'll find yourself surrounded by ancient bridges, narrow streets and traditional houses, transporting you right back to the past. There are also lots of hiking trails for nature lovers.
Kakopetria is in the Nicosia district
Kakopetria is one of the most picturesque villages in Cyprus, located on the slopes of Troodos. The old quarter of the village, with its narrow, cobbled streets and two-storey houses with wooden balconies, has been declared a protected cultural heritage site. The village is surrounded by dense forests and crossed by the Karkotis River, making it a popular destination for summer holidays and hiking. There's also a rope adventure park here.
Pedoulas (Nicosia district)
Pedoulas is a village that's 1,100 metres up and it's got cherry orchards and the Church of Archangel Michael, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In spring, the village is full of blossoming gardens, and in summer it's cool and you can get fresh fruit. Pedoulas is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to get away from it all and enjoy some natural beauty.
Fini (Limassol district)
The village of Fini is about 920 m up in the mountains and it's really famous for its pottery traditions. There's a pottery museum here where you can learn about local crafts and the history of the village. Fini is also known for its pretty landscapes, Kantara waterfall and charming streets that are just begging you to take a leisurely stroll.
So, is it worth buying property in the mountains of Cyprus?
Recently, there's been a lot more interest from foreign buyers in properties away from the coast of Cyprus, especially chalets and villas in the mountainous areas of Troodos. There are more and more people out there who are after secluded, peaceful places with clean air, where they can chill out from the concrete jungle of their hometowns and the heat of the beaches.
Life in a mountain villa is great! You can have your morning coffee on the terrace overlooking a pine forest, it stays cool even in the height of summer and it's really quiet. These houses are usually found on the edge of a village or in a forest, where the only sounds you'll hear are the chirping of cicadas and the wind in the treetops.
Here's a selection of mountain properties in Cyprus:
- There's a five-bedroom villa in Kakopetria with a swimming pool, terrace and stunning mountain views.
- There's a four-bedroom villa in Platres that's part of a gated complex. It's got great views of the mountains and a big plot of land.
- There's a four-bedroom villa in Asprochia near the forest with amazing views of the mountains and surrounding area.
- There's a five-bedroom villa in Moniatis with a stunning terrace that's built in a traditional style.
- There's a five-bedroom villa in Kalo Chorio that's got a swimming pool, a big plot and it's in a really secluded spot.
Buying property in Troodos is a great investment for family holidays and a smart move. Agritourism in Cyprus is booming, and there's always a steady demand for mountain house rentals. In summer, people come for the cool weather, trekking and wine, and in winter, it's the rare chance to see snow in Cyprus and experience the atmosphere of an alpine resort. These houses are rented out to both tourists and Cypriots who are used to spending their weekends away from the city.
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