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striking that the original vegetation, such as the cedars and pines on the flat slopes on the edge of the mountain has been replaced by crops such as apple trees or vines.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.
Location of Troodos Mountains
Direction
To be able to travel flexibly in the Troodos mountains, it is advisable to travel by car. From Paphos it is almost 70 kilometres.