Troodos Mountains
In the south-western interior of Cyprus lies the Troodos Mountains or Troodos. The mountain range is of volcanic origin, the highest peak of the Olympos is 1952 metres high.
The Troodos Mountains are considered one of the most thoroughly explored mountain massifs in the world. Here one can learn a lot about the geological process leading to the theory of the formation of the oceans and the principle of plate tectonics. Since 2015 the area has been certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Even in summer, Troodos enjoys a pleasant, mild climate that is ideal for hiking. The region is also characterised by high annual rainfall of 700-1000 mm. This is also the reason why from January to March you can ski on some peaks, for example Olympos, Madari or Kykkos.
The Troodos Mountains are forested and the country’s main rivers have their source here. There are numerous waterfalls that are not to be missed. It is striking that the original vegetation, such as the cedars and pines on the flat slopes on the edge of the mountain has been replaced by crops such as apple trees or vines.
The animal world is particularly diverse in the mountain range on Cyprus. If you are lucky, you may spot the Cyprus mouflon, which can hardly be seen in the wild anymore.
Four specially signposted hiking trails in the national park with information boards explaining flora and fauna to visitors to Cyprus:
- “Artemis” – circular route around Chionistra; about seven kilometres, 2.5 hours
- “Atalante” – from the post office in Troodos to Chrommine; about nine kilometres, 3.5 hours
- “Kaledonia” – from Kryos Potamos to the Kaledonia Waterfalls; about two kilometres, 1,5 hours
- “Persephone” – in the Makria Kontarka area; about three kilometres, 1.5 hours
In the valleys and on the slopes of the mountains, small and large towns have settled over the years. In some of them there are churches with beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Ten of these churches are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The barn roof churches are also particularly beautiful, such as the church of Asínou.
Troodos Mountains – our tips
1318 meters high in the mountains of the Marathasa Valley is our last destination of our discovery tour in the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus. Here is the Kykkos Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Cyprus.
We are on the road in Cyprus by rental car. For our first tour we have chosen the Troodos mountains.
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Mountain Retreat
Jubilee Hotel Troodos
Troodos Hotel
Travel informations
How to get there
By car
From the capital Nicosia, take the highway in a westerly direction and follow the road along the ‘Green line’ via the village of Kakopetria into the Troodos Mountains.
From Limassol, the highway branches off from Troodos Junction in a northerly direction. From Trimiklini, the road begins to climb significantly and reaches the village of Troodos via Pano Platres.
In winter, snow chains are compulsory on the uppermost sections and on the access road to the ski resort.
By bus
Bus route 64 is aimed at tourists and departs from the tourist area of Germasogeia at 9:15 am, passes the Old Hospital at 9:30 am and ends at the Botanical Gardens of Troodos. The return journey is at 16:15 in summer and 15:15 in winter.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May)
In spring, temperatures in the Troodos Mountains range from 19 °C in March to 23 °C in April, with a further increase in May. The lowest temperatures range between 8 °C and 15 °C. The number of rainy days decreases during spring, from around 8 days in March to 3 days in May.
Spring is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities as the temperatures are pleasant and nature is in full bloom.
Summer (June to August)
The summer months are hot, with average maximum temperatures of 32 °C to 35 °C. The lowest temperatures are between 18 °C and 22 °C. There are little to no rainy days during these months.
Summer is ideal for those who like warm weather and want to explore the outdoors. Despite the heat, the cooler altitudes of the mountains are ideal for hikes and walks.
Autumn (September to November)
In the fall, temperatures range between 22 °C and 27 °C before slowly dropping. The lowest temperatures range between 12 °C and 22 °C. The number of rainy days increases slightly in the fall, from 1 day in September to 5 days in November. Autumn is a great time for outdoor activities and exploration as temperatures are mild and humidity is low.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is ideal for winter sports such as skiing, as the Troodos Mountains regularly record snowfall.