Troodos Mountains
Troodos Mountains are located in the middle of the island making the mountains easily accessible from any point on the island. The highest peak called Mount Olympus raises to almost 2000m above sea level.
Chill out and enjoy fantastic scenery, sleepy villages, good food and true hospitality in a serene environment among idyllic pine scented forests. Relax and refresh walking and hiking along beautiful green nature trails or head for mountain biking or skiing in the winter months. In summer, the mountains provide a refreshing relief from the heat of the lowlands, and during the winter their snow dressed peaks are transformed into a fabulous ski resort.
Troodos Mountains were created during the complex process of sea-floor spreading and formation of oceanic crust and was emerged and placed in its present position through complicated tectonic processes related to the collision of the Eurasian plate to the north and the African plate to the south. This process has made Cyprus a geological model for researchers from around the world, contributing to a better understanding of the development of the oceans and of the planet in general.
Among the most popular villages are the principal mountain resorts of the Troodos Mountains - Platres, the picturesque village of Kakopetria, Pera Pedi and Foini, the highest village in Cyprus - Prodromos, the main cherry growing area village of Pedoullas, Kalopanagiotis best known for its sulphur springs and the beneficial effects on digestive disorders, skin and rheumatic conditions, and Agros famous for its rosewater, quality fruit and excellent sport training facility. The picturesque village of Omodos is one of the most famous wine villages in the area and home to the Timios Stavros monastery. Do not miss to visit the ‘museum village’ of Fikardou. The entire village is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Troodos is also home to ten painted Byzantine churches, all on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis in Kakopetria, together with those of Asinou and of Panagia tou Araka in the village of Lagoudera, are regarded to be of the most exceptional in Cyprus. Kykkos monastery, the largest on the island, encloses an excellent Byzantine museum and a golden icon of the Virgin Mary, claimed to have been painted by Saint Luke.
There are nine picnic sites within the Troodos National Forest Park area. Among the facilities provided are wooden tables, drinking water, car parks, toilets and children's play areas. The Park area also accommodates three camping sites. Two of these, are campsites for short stays with only rudimental facilities. One at Kampi tou Kalogyrou 3 km from Prodromos next to the road and the other is located at Platania before Platania Forest Station. The third site, 500m east of the Troodos square, is suitable for longer stays since it includes upgraded facilities.
The nature trails of the Troodos Park are well known and enjoyed by many people. In total there are 10 trails within the Park totalling 57.6km which one of them is accessible by wheelchairs. All trails are well maintained and signposted. A visitor can also admire the natural falls of the Troodos Forest. The most popular are Kaledonia falls, Myllomeris falls, Chantara falls and Mesa Potamos falls.
