Explore Cyprus
EXPLORE HIKING IN THE TROODOS MOUNTAINS AND BEYOND
View from Mount Olympus across the Troodos Mountains · Serhio Magpie · CC BY 4.0 · Resized for web
The Troodos Mountains offer the most spectacular and rewarding hiking experiences in the Republic of Cyprus. Rising to almost 2,000 metres above sea level, this beautiful mountain range is a refreshing contrast to the island's sunny beaches, busy resorts and historic towns. With its pine-scented forests, dramatic valleys, waterfalls, traditional villages and breathtaking panoramic views, Troodos is an ideal destination for walkers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, allowing visitors to explore a different side of Cyprus. Here the landscape is greener, the air is cooler and traditional village life continues much as it has done for generations.
A wonderful mountain spectacle
The Troodos range covers a substantial part of central and western Cyprus with the highest point, Mount Olympus, reaching around 1,952 metres. Locally it’s also known as Chionistra* and provides magnificent views across the island and, on particularly clear days, visitors can glimpse the Mediterranean coastline. It’s a wonderful spectacle. The mountains are characterised by extensive pine forests, cedar trees, rocky slopes, deep valleys and natural streams. During spring, the landscape becomes especially attractive, with wildflowers, flowering shrubs and fresh green vegetation adding colour to the hillsides. Seriously added value as a reason to visit comes from the fact that the cooler mountain climate makes hiking particularly enjoyable during the warmer months, when temperatures along the coast can become uncomfortably high.
*Chionistra is the local name for Cyprus’s Mount Olympus, distinct from Mount Olympus in northern Greece.
Time to hit the high road
Atalanti Trail
There are numerous marked walking trails throughout the Troodos Mountains, catering for different levels of fitness and experience. One of the best-known is the Atalanti Trail, which circles Mount Olympus. It winds through beautiful pine forests and offers impressive mountain scenery. At around 14kms long it’s something of a trophy walk, but the gentle gradients make it accessible to reasonably fit hikers.
Artemis Trail
The Artemis Trail is a circular route of approximately 7 kilometres around Mount Olympus offering spectacular views, fascinating geological features, and opportunities to explore and appreciate the mountain's unique natural environment. The high altitude also makes it an attractive option during the summer.
Caledonia Waterfall Trail
Starting near the village of Platres, the Caledonia Waterfall Trail is one of Cyprus's most popular hiking experiences. The trail follows a picturesque stream through woodland to the eponymous waterfall, one of the island's highest. Its wonderful combination of flowing water, shaded woodland and moss-covered rocks makes it particularly beautiful.
Persephone Trail
For an easier stroll the Persephone Trail, named for the Goddess of spring and vegetation, but also the Queen of the Underworld, offers wonderful views across the Troodos landscape. At approximately 3 kilometres, it’s suitable for visitors looking for a shorter walk and an opportunity to enjoy the mountain scenery without undertaking a demanding hike.
Wildlife, flowers and natural beauty
The central mountains of Cyprus are an important area for biodiversity and conservation. The forests contain a remarkable variety of trees, plants and flowers, including species that are unique to the island. Walkers can encounter black pine trees, golden oaks, junipers, wild orchids and colourful mountain flowers. Birdwatchers can also enjoy looking for eagles, falcons, Cyprus warblers and other native bird species. Although sightings are not guaranteed, the Cyprus mouflon, a rare wild mountain sheep and one of the island's most distinctive animals, is another famous inhabitant of the wider Troodos region.
Spring and autumn hiking in the Troodos
Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for hiking in the Troodos. Spring (March–May) is particularly beautiful, with wildflowers, green landscapes and flowing waterfalls. In Summer (June–August) the higher mountain areas provide cooler conditions than the coastal resorts. Early morning walks are drop-dead gorgeous. Autumn (September–November) comes with pleasant walking temperatures, colourful woodland scenery and generally good hiking conditions.
Practical advice for hikers
As with any hiking trip in the mountains a little practical advice can make a good trip great. We can plan your Troodos Mountains exploration and provide guides but to keep your party’s visit safe and enjoyable, it will help if they:
- Wear comfortable walking boots or shoes with good grip.
- Carry sufficient drinking water, snacks and sun protection.
Explore Cyprus – plan your hiking holiday with the help of an expert DMC
When it comes to planning a hiking tour you don’t just need somebody who will ‘talk the talk’, you literally need somebody who knows how to ‘walk the walk’. From our office based in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia, our team have direct experience of hiking for walkers of all levels. Get in touch and we can plan your visit to the beautiful Troodos Mountains and beyond.
General Manager Cyprus
Email KarolosPhoto credits for related guides
- The Greco-Roman theatre at Kourion · A.Savin, Wikipedia · Free Art License · Resized for web
- Omodos village and its vineyards · Leonid Mamchenkov · CC BY 2.0 · Resized for web
- Performers at the Limassol Grand Carnival Parade · Euclidthalis · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web
- Nissi Beach and its turquoise bay at Ayia Napa · dronepicr · CC BY 2.0 · Resized for web
