Walking the Trails of the Troodos Mountains

Arrive at Paphos or Larnaca airport and meet your driver for the included private transfer (1 hr 30 mins) to Kakopetria Village in the Troodos Mountains. This traditional village sits in the Solea Valley, nestled in the forested hills of the central Troodos. Stone-built houses with timber balconies line the narrow cobbled streets, where small cafés and tavernas offer a warm Cypriot welcome. The nearby UNESCO-listed chapel of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis features vivid Byzantine frescoes, and walking trails lead directly from the village into the pine-covered hills and along peaceful riverside paths. Accommodation: Three nights at a a comfortable, converted heritage building near the old town, with ensuite rooms and valley views.

Today you will walk the Madari Circuit Trail in the Pitsilia area of the eastern Troodos. Your taxi will collect you at 9am for the transfer to Moutti Tis Choras from where you will join the trail which circles around Mount Madari. This rewarding trail affords fine views around the island out to the coast in the south and across the peaks in the centre of the Troodos. The trail leads gradually uphill to the Adelphi peak watchtower, a distinctive structure perched at one of the trail’s highest points. One of the most scenic trails in Cyprus, you will pass through varied terrain rich in native flora, from aromatic herbs and mastic shrubs to stands of juniper, golden oak, strawberry tree and pine. In shaded gullies you may spot bracken, wild rose and even cedar or plane trees. The Madari area is also known for its distinctive rock formations and, further afield, is home to Panagia tou Araka, one of the renowned UNESCO-listed painted churches of the Troodos, noted for its preserved 12th-century frescoes. A late afternoon transfer will take you back to your hotel in Kakopetria.

Today’s linear return walk links two of the Troodos Mountains’ most important cultural landmarks - Stavros tou Ayiasmati and Panagia tou Araka, both UNESCO-listed churches renowned for their vivid Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. The beautiful frescoes were not only acts of devotion but also served as teaching tools for largely illiterate congregations. After a short private transfer, your route begins near Lagoudera village, passing through tranquil pine forest, almond orchards and vineyards, with sections of endemic golden oak. The return out and back trail includes several steep ascents and descents and the rewards are rich in both scenery and story. You will enjoy expansive views over the Morphou and Mesaoria plains, the Pentadaktylos Mountains, and across to Kionia and Madari peaks as well as your visits to the churches. Spring brings wild orchids and flowering rock rose; late winter sees almond trees in bloom along the path. The walk concludes with a gentle ascent through Lagoudera village to reach Panagia tou Araka where you will meet your transport for return to Kakopetria.

Today’s walk follows the Artemis and Atalante Trails, two of the finest high-level paths in the Troodos, circling the summit slopes of Mount Olympos (1952m/6404ft). Linked together, these trails create a scenic walk with views that reach out to the coast around the entire island. Your day begins with a short private transfer to the “North Face” ski station on Olympos where you will join the Artemis Trail as it skirts peaceful forest before emerging onto the higher slopes of the mountain from where there are incredible views. There are several varieties of trees in the forest, including 500 year old Black Pine, Golden Oak and Cyprus Cedar. The Artemis Trail joins the Atalante Trail through virgin forest with glimpses of the northern part of the island, and sees you finish your walk in Troodos Square. There are an array of cafes and restuarants here for you to enjoy while you await your transfer to Pano Platres. Accommodation: Three nights in a comfortable, friendly traditional mountain inn in the village of Pano Platres, with ensuite rooms and views across the surrounding valleys.

Platres, at 1200m, is one of the highest of the mountain villages and was a popular resort with British colonists in times past and retains the feel of a colonial hill station. This old world charm now mixes with more modern hotels and restaurants for the visitors who come to hike the forest and mountain trails or ski in the winter months. Walking from your hotel, your circular walk today combines two very scenic and contrasting trails – the panoramic Pouziaris Trail and the shady forest of the Caledonia Trail, named by Scottish colonial officers who were reminded of the cool forests of their homeland. Ascend the Pouziaris Trail, which winds steadily uphill through aromatic forest. As you climb, the canopy opens to sweeping views over surrounding peaks, with the occasional glimpse of the sea beyond. This section is typically quiet so you can listen to the birdsong and the crunch of pine needles underfoot. Leaving the trail part-way, you will join the Caledonia Trail to descend a beautiful valley following the Kryos Potamos stream, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and broad leaf trees. Wooden bridges cross the stream multiple times as you descend towards the Caledonia Waterfall, a 12m cascade. Pause here for a well-earned break before continuing to follow the stream to the trailhead from where it’s a short walk downhill to the village.

In the morning, you may wish to take the short but scenic walk from your hotel along the Myllomeris Trail (approx 45 mins). Follow the shaded forest path, occasionally crossing a small stream and winding through stands of pine, plane and golden oak. The final approach reveals the Myllomeris Waterfall cascading down a rock face into a shallow pool. Soak up the sounds of water and birdsong before taking the trail back to Platres where a private transfer will take you to Mandria, a stone-built village with a traditional church and a restaurant popular with locals. From here you will hike down into the valley below the tree line into a landscape of orchards and vineyards to the village of Omodos. one of the Troodos Mountains’ most picturesque and renowned for its stone-paved square, traditional wine presses, and long heritage of Cypriot winemaking, with local varieties still produced in family-run wineries that welcome visitors for tastings. There are several wineries you can visit here, or you can just while away your time strolling the narrow cobbled streets shopping for souvenirs or enjoy a Cyprus coffee. A private transfer will collect you later in the afternoon as you return to Platres. Toast your trip with a glass of local wine or a Keo beer and enjoy dinner in the village.

After breakfast, transfer to either Paphos (1h 15mins) or Larnaca (1h 30mins) Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively you can spend more time exploring the island – ask our team about adding extra nights to your stay.