If you are seeking a different side to Cyprus and looking for a cool respite from the beach, take a drive inland to the lush Troodos mountains. Stretching across the west of the island, the Troodos are the biggest mountain range in Cyprus, offering scented pine forests and picturesque villages. The exhilerating drive around hairpin bends and forgotten villages will take you to a world far away from the bustling coast – just remember to keep your eyes on the road and not be too distracted by the stunning panoramas!
The highest peak is Mount Olympus, standing tall at approximately 1,952 metres above sea level and surrounded by four distinct districts; Pitsillia to the east, the Solea Valley to the west, the Marathassa Valley to the north and the Krassachoria wine villages to the south - each offering the visitor something new to discover.
Pitsillia is home to a number of small picturesque villages which cling to the hillside amongst almond and hazelnut orchards.
The district of Krassochoria is famous for its vineyards which lie on the southern slopes to catch the best of the sunshine. The traditional villages are noted for their hospitality and the locals are proud to show off their crops and produce.
The Solea Valley is also known as “Apple Valley” and has a number of better known resorts with a good selection of hotels and restaurants.
The fertile Marathassa Valley is renowned locally for its cherries and the villages of Kykko, Pedhoulas and Kalopanayiotis are worth a visit. The later is famous for its sulphur springs as well as the important religious fair held here on the 4th October each year.
The mountains themselves are dotted with Byzantine monasteries and churches, either nestling in green valleys or clinging precariously to the terraced slopes and amongst them are nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Stavros tou Ayiasmati, Panayia tou Araka, Timiou Stavrou at Pelendri, Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Panayia Podithou, Assinou, Ayios loannis Lampadistis, Panayia tou Moutoula, and Archangel Michael at Pedhoulas). Of these the Archangel Michael and Assinou are two of the most impressive examples whilst the monastery of Ayios loannis Lampadistis (near the village of Kalopanayiotis) is also well worth a visit. Visitors to any of these religious sites should remember to dress appropriately and cover their knees and shoulders - it’s a long way back down the mountain if you forget your sweater! The Kykkos Monastery to the west of Pedhuolas is also a must-see. This is the oldest and richest monastery on the island and legend has it that St Luke himself painted the monastery’s silvery icon of the Virgin Mary.
The area is also popular with ramblers and hikers and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation has put together a helpful leaflet of unique nature walks, full of detail about the local flora and fauna. They also have details on wine routes and cycling trails.
It can snow quite frequently on the highest peaks throughout January and February so it is no surprise that ski-ing is a popular activity here. Mount Olympus has 7 runs in total with something to suit all abilities. And after all that exertion, why not head back down to the coast for some apres-ski nightlife?
car hire in Cyprus |
