Do you want to explore Troodos mountains (Cyprus) like a local?
If so, brilliant! :-) Here – in this travel guide about Troodos – you will find everything you need to know to plan the perfect itinerary.
So let’s start…
The island of Cyprus combines both sea and mountains.
That’s why Cyprus is not only sunbathing under the warm sun and swimming in our wonderful sea. It’s more than that. It’s also exploring and discovering “hidden gems” in the Troodos mountains which are mesmerizing especially the winter time when they are “dressed in white”.
(You will find such “hidden gems” below…check out Section 4: What to Do And See in the Troodos Mountains).
Please note that in winter time, when there is snow in the mountains, you have to have a 4x4 car with snow chains to get there.
During the other seasons any car can go to the Troodos mountains (Cyprus).
If you are nature lovers (like us :-)) you will most definitely fall in love with Troodos mountains! Panoramic views, wonderful nature trails, picturesque, quaint villages, monasteries and old churches, adventure parks, skiing, cycling, camping, picnic are some of the things you can do and see in Troodos.
Rent a car and have a day trip or a short/long stay in the mountains. It will be an unforgettable experience! :-) Take it from us, because we’ve done this many times and we always have a fantastic time!
It is such a pleasure to travel to the mountains. No matter what the season is. We pack our car with the essentials and we head to Troodos. What an amazing experience to drive through the forest!
So…
…if you have decided to include Troodos mountains in your holiday itinerary, then…
…get ready to discover and experience what we experience every single time we visit Troodos mountains in Cyprus…
…and trust us…it’s going to be an awesome experience! Adventure, leisure, exploration and relaxation! :-)
So…
…are you ready to plan your itinerary?
Let’s go!
To make it easier for you we divided our “Locals’ Travel Guide to the Troodos Mountains (Cyprus)” into 6 sections.
In these 6 sections you will find everything you need to know in order to explore Troodos like a local.
Quick links to the 6 sections of the “Troodos Mountains (Cyprus): The Locals’ Travel Guide”.
The Troodos mountains is the largest mountain range on the island, located in the middle of Cyprus. Its highest peak is Mount Olympos (known as Chionistra) at 1952 meters high. That’s the highest point of the island.
In Troodos mountains you will find…
If you are looking for adventure, leisure, exploration, a cool escape during the summer months, or an escape in the snowy mountains during the winter time, or even relaxation in nature, Troodos is the place to be.
Honestly, you can experience all of the above as long as you have time to explore.
The Troodos Mountain Range in Pictures
What a better way to get a “taste” of the Troodos mountains...a picture is worth a thousand words.
It took us lots of time and effort but we did it. Take a look at our pictures of our amazing mountains by clicking the link above.
Enjoy :-)
The villages in the Troodos mountain region are scenic!
Surrounded by the green forests, the Troodos villages offer Cypriot hospitality, delicious local cuisine, accommodation in quaint hotels and guesthouses, wonderful nature trails (if you love hiking then you will be amazed by the wonderful panoramic views of our mountains), cycling routes and adventure parks.
(For information on what to do and see in the Troodos mountains click the link).
A brilliant idea is to rent a car and explore the Troodos villages. It’s going to be a wonderful adventure!
You can find routes to explore the island’s mountains and villages by clicking the link below…
There are quite a few good hotels in Troodos that are worth checking out.
Click the link below for further information…
You will need a car and a full tank of petrol and you are ready for your adventure! :-)
(If a rental car is not within your budget then consider booking a tour – Cyprus Tours – to the amazing Troodos mountains. It’s an experience of a life time!).
So…
…assuming that you will have a rental car, please see below what you can do and see in the Troodos mountains in Cyprus.
What an amazing adventure to explore our picturesque mountain villages in Troodos!
From Marathasa Valley to Solea Valley villages, from wine villages to commandaria villages your expedition will definitely be a fantastic one!
Fun and joy, admiration and awe are some of the feelings you will have while exploring our wonderful, picturesque, traditional mountain villages.
Click the link below to check out the Troodos villages worth visiting.
A visit to Troodos Square is a must!
Whether it’s summer or winter, autumn or spring, the Square is an amazing place to visit. It’s relaxing, rejuvenating and healthy since the mountain air is so fresh!
Make a stop in Troodos Square and rest. It’s time to relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air. :-)
You will enjoy it there, since the Square is among nature, it has kiosks selling traditional products, cafes and restaurants.
Also, please note that there are nature trails and cycling routes starting from Troodos Square. For more information on Troodos nature trails click the link.
For cycling routes…keep reading…you will find the information below (under this Section).
You don’t have to be religious to visit these impressive monasteries. Just make sure you enter them decently dressed.
If you don’t have time to visit all the monasteries below, at least visit Kykkos monastery – one of the most glorious monasteries on the island. You will love the architecture of the buildings, the church, its mosaics and paintings…and above all the location!
In addition, while in Kykkos, make sure you visit the Throni of Panagia (Virgin Mary Throne). It’s only a few minutes away by car from Kykkos Monastery.
Why visit Throni?
Because its location is magnificent! You will witness some panoramic views from up there, since it’s located in an impressive mountain peak!
In the Troodos mountains there are “hidden” old UNESCO churches, waiting to be “discovered”.
To find out which are these churches click UNESCO sites in Cyprus and check out the UNESCO sites in the Limassol and Nicosia district.
In addition, check out Cyprus Routes (Route 3). Route 3 will take you to the UNESCO churches in the Nicosia district. It’s an amazing experience that will make your day!
Check out Cyprus Routes to find some spectacular wine routes in the mountains.
(We recommend checking out the wine routes in the Limassol district – Routes 9, 10 and 11).
They say the best way to see a place is by walking it! Very true! This is how we got to know our little island. Walk it, feel it, admire it! :-)
To check out the nature trails in Troodos click the link below…
Although Cyprus is famous for its sunny weather, in winter you have to visit the snowy Troodos mountains. They are so beautiful…“dressed in white”!
On the slopes of Mount Olympos – the highest point of the island – the skiing slopes are operated from the beginning of January until the end of March.
The Cyprus Ski Club operates 4 ski lifts at the Troodos Ski Centre:
All runs are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.
Views to die for!
Mount Olympos (the highest point of the island) is only 2 km from Troodos Hill resort and 12 km from Platres mountain resort.
If you are visiting the Troodos mountains pay Chionistra a visit. You won’t regret it! Besides it’s a lovely adventure to drive from the city (any city of the island) to the mountains.
Troodos is the mountainbikers’ paradise!
In Troodos mountains you will find dirt trails and singletrails of different level of difficulty. If you are a mountainbiker you might want to check out these cycling mountain routes…
What a brilliant idea to head to the mountains with your picnic basket and a bottle of wine…
…or…
…cook barbecue in the mountains since our picnic sites provide all the basic facilities like designated barbeque areas (to cook your food), water, tables and toilets.
To check out the picnic sites in Troodos click the link below…
Adventure parks are a fun way to spend your time on the mountains. Here are some of our adventure parks on the island located in the beautiful and picturesque villages of Platres, Kyperounta and Kakopetria…
Stavros tis Psokas is located in the heart of Paphos forest. Green scenery everywhere!
In Stavros tis Psokas there is a picnic site where you can rest and have lunch.
In addition, close to the Forest Station of Stavros tis Psokas there is a fenced area with Moufflons (native wild sheep). They are the island’s national symbol. Pay them a visit…your kids will love it!
It’s not an exaggeration to say that the route to get to Stavros tis Psokas is a scenic one. Spectacular mountain views! So if you are driving there, you will most certainly have an amazing time!
If you love animals and nature, this is a trip you should take.
(Don’t have a rental car, yet? Check this out…car rentals in Cyprus).
If you love animals then consider visiting the famous Moufflons of Cyprus.
Moufflons = The island’s national symbol.
You will find the Moufflons in a fenced area within the forests of Troodos, next to the Platania excursion area or close to the Forest Station of Stavros tis Psokas, as mentioned above.
Needless to say that the kids enjoy the view of the moufflons (agrina in Greek) very much…so do adults, of course!
These moufflons can be found only in Cyprus and that’s why they are very special.
If you love driving through the magnificent mountains of the island, then consider including in your itinerary the route through Cedar Valley. Tall cedar trees, hundreds of years old, spectacular views of the mountains and fresh mountain air.
Stop your car and admire the beauty of our mountains. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, take a few pictures and then continue your journey. It’s going to be an excellent experience!
Discover the wonders of nature by visiting our waterfalls and dams.
(Follow the nature trail of Caledonia in Platres and you will find the waterfalls).
(1.5 km north of Foini village, 3.5 km from the Trooditissa monastery or 5.5 km from Pano Platres village. These falls can be reached by car).
(Follow the nature trail of Millomeris in Pano Platres and you will find the falls).
(5 km from Saittas, 5.5 km from Moniatis village or 7 km from Kato Amiantos village).
(Northeast of Arminou village).
(Between the villages of Xyliatos and Lagoudera).
(Outside the village of Kalopanayiotis).
(Near the Prodromos Dam Picnic Site).
There are plenty of restaurants and taverns in the Troodos mountain villages. To check them out click the link below…
There aren’t any airports in the Troodos mountains – neither trains. You can get there either by car, taxi or by booking a tour (Cyprus Tours).
If you are visiting Cyprus from abroad the best way to explore the Troodos mountains is by car.
By having a car you will have the freedom to make as many stops as you like to either rest, unwind, have a picnic, visit quaint villages or take wonderful pictures of the island’s mesmerizing mountains.
You will drive through our pine forests and witness some spectacular views.
So if a rental car is within your budget…excellent! You will have a blast, especially if you love driving!
(To find routes on the island visit Cyprus Routes).
...And that's the end of the 6 sections of “Troodos Mountains (Cyprus): The Locals’ Travel Guide”.
We hope you had fun planning your trip to the Troodos mountains.
Best Regards from Cyprus
Maria & Chris :-)
Have you visited the Troodos mountains in Cyprus?
Did you like it? If so, tell us about your experience! We would be delighted to share it with our readers!
Just fill the form below (don’t forget to upload a few pictures :-) ).