Cyprus

Walks in the Troodos Mountains

Trip code: W07CY 4.3 (3 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+ to 2+

15.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Walk along sections of the Atalanti and Persephone Trails offering panoramic views of different parts of the island, including Mount Olympus
  • Visit the Caledonia Waterfall as well as UNESCO World Heritage churches, traditional villages and unique rock formations
  • Some walks have longer or harder options, giving walkers a choice to do an average of 10KM/6MI or 16.5KM/12MI each day

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfer on day 7

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Explore the captivating wonders of Cyprus on a walking tour through the Troodos Mountains, immersing yourself in nature's grandeur and ancient tales. Begin your journey in Kakopetria, a charming stone village where cobblestone streets wind around UNESCO-listed Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis church, echoing centuries of history.

Embark on a circular walk to the West of Kakopetria, where the trail weaves through sparsely forested slopes between the Solea and Marathasa valleys. Marvel at the panoramic views stretching over the Solea Valley to Morphou Bay and the glistening sea. Keep an eye out for mouflons, wild sheep that gracefully roam this enchanting landscape. Along the route, discover the tranquillity of a reservoir, the historic village of Galata with its double-arched watermill, and the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Panagia Podithou painted chapel, all adding layers to your island experience.

Delight your palate with Cyprus's culinary treasures, from succulent souvlakia and grilled shaftalia to tender afella and the iconic fried halloumi. Complement your meals with sips of Panayiotis's classic Cypriot wines - a robust Cabernet Sauvignon and maratheftiko, often hailed as 'the king of Cyprus wines'. Complete your gastronomic journey with a taste of the Cypriot Brandy Sour, a celebrated national cocktail.

As your day's adventures wind down, retreat to our handpicked three-star hotels, where comfort and charm await. Surrounded by the tranquillity of Cyprus's natural landscapes, these accommodations offer a perfect sanctuary for relaxation. Let the day's memories settle in, ensuring each day ends on a note of contentment and anticipation for the adventures yet to unfold.

Terrain

The walking on this trip is mostly on paths and tracks with the majority being in open landscape and through forests. Some of the walking is on roads with no pavements and through delightful, stone-built traditional villages - be mindful of local traffic and keep well in to the side of the road. There are some longer route options on this trip and depending on the temperature on any given day you may want to start your walk earlier (or later) in the day to avoid the hottest part of the day. This will also give you more time to explore the local area or spend time at the pool. Average maximum temperatures in the Troodos Mountains vary greatly depending on the altitude. At lower altitude (Pano Platres) they range from 21 degrees in April up to 34 degrees in July & August. Temperatures at higher altitudes can be several degrees cooler than these, so be sure to take layers in early and late season.

Read more about this holiday in Wander the Wonderful.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Kakopetria

Arrive in the traditional mountain village of Kakopetria

You stay at The Mill Hotel.

hotel details

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The Mill Hotel, Kakopetria

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


Nestled in the heart of Kakopetria, The Mill Hotel embodies quintessential rustic charm. Each bedroom exudes character, boasting stone walls and teak furnishings, complete with en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, minibar, some with private balcony. Wake up to a delightful continental breakfast served daily in the inviting restaurant, or unwind on the sun terrace with a captivating mountain view. Indulge in ultimate relaxation at the hot tub and sauna facilities. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi spanning the entire property. Explore the culinary delights of Kakopetria with local restaurants and cafes conveniently within walking distance. Experience a perfect blend of comfort and authentic village atmosphere at The Mill Hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 2: Kakopetria to Solea and Marathasa Valleys (11km/6.8mi)

A circular walk to the West of Kakopetria, today's walk is mainly on the sparsely forested slopes between the Solea and Marathasa valleys. Enjoy fabulous views towards the Solea Valley, as far as Morphou Bay and the sea, a number of local villages and nearby peaks. As mouflons (wild sheep) expand their range eastwards from Paphos Forest, lucky walkers may spot some on the route. The itinerary takes you past a reservoir and the village of Galata, near a double arched watermill, and close to UNESCO World Heritage Panagia Podithou painted chapel and other churches.

elevation

Day 3: Kakopetria to Views of Mount Olympus (8km/5.0mi)

This circular walk is mainly on the slopes to the East of Kakopetria, with almost three kilometres along the ridge of the mountain. Offering great views towards the Solea Valley and the village of Kakopetria as well as towards nearby peaks and the northern slope of Mount Olympus. The route also traverses the old part of Kakopetria and parts of the modern village.

elevation

Day 4: Kakopetria to Troodos Square (13km/8.1mi)

Today's linear walk from Kakopetria to Troodos Square takes you up and along the Mnimata Piskopon (Monuments of the Archbishops) trail. The route ascends by the stream at old Kakopetria, and visits Agios Nicolaos tis Stegis UNESCO World Heritage painted church long the way. The trail climbs approximately 1150m today.

elevation

You stay at Troodos Hotel.

hotel details

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The Troodos Hotel, Troodos Square

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


The Troodos Hotel, located right in the middle of the little mountain hamlet of Troodos Square, sits at an altitude of 1,725m and offers bright, modern, spacious and comfortable accommodation with LCD TV and an ensuite bathroom with bath or shower. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel (complimentary in public areas but payable locally for in-room Wi-Fi). The hotel restaurant has indoor and outdoor terrace seating areas and on Sundays offers a traditional barbecue. The hotel also has a bar / cafe, a gym and spa facilities (payable locally).

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 5: The Atalanti Trail (13km/8.1mi)

A circular walk takes you from Troodos Square along the Atalanti Trail. One of Cyprus’s highest elevation trails, with an average of 1750m, the route offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.

elevation

Day 6: Troodos Square to Pano Platres (11km/6.8mi)

Today’s walk starts along the Persephone trail, heading downhill towards Pano Platres. At points in the middle stretches the route offers fabulous vistas towards Limassol and as far as the coast. The route then heads along a stream and a collection of cascades, including the Caledonia Waterfall, one of the highest in Cyprus and so named as it was discovered by a Scottish expedition to the region in 1878.

elevation

You stay at Kallithea Inn.

hotel details

 equivalent

Kallithea Inn, Pano Platres

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


Located right in the centre of Pano Platres, the Kallithea Inn has nine rooms that have recently been refurbished and decorated with earthy tones and rich textiles whilst maintaining traditional Cypriot elements. The rooms all have ensuite shower facilities as well as a refrigerator, flat screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. The property has a restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace and is within easy walking distance of more restaurants.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 7: Pano Platres to Omodos Village (11km/6.8mi)

Today’s linear walk can be done in either direction, with a transfer at the start of the day and more of an ascent or more of a descent followed by a transfer back. The easier walk starts in the forest at Pano Platres, then heads into vineyards and culminates in the picturesque, stone-built village of Omodos.

elevation

Day 8: Leave Pano Platres

After breakfast, depart from Pano Platres.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$330.

These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$330.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

My first solo self-guided walk and with Headwater. Have used Exodus several times in the past for group walks. Overall the organisation from Headwater was excellent from start to finish and I will certainly use them again. The app was brilliant for keeping me on track particularly where bushes had grown to obscure a path at a junction or where several paths had been made as short cuts so the actual route was unclear.

David Potter, 16 Oct 2023

 

Some interesting walks in Troodos but I found it to be a bit repetitive. The mountains were very peaceful- we didn’t see or hear anyone until day 4. However we also didn’t see much else other than trees - very little wildlife, birds, flowers etc…so a bit monotonous at times.



Mrs White, 25 Sep 2022

 

Overall a positive experience. The booking procedure was good. The local guide/agent, although we didn't meet him in person, was at the end of the phone at any time. The first two hotels lacked any outside communal space so apart from the bar or restaurant - there was nowhere to relax after a hard mornings walking. The third hotel had been invaded by a party of footballing school children and their families on the Saturday night/Sunday morning. The pool area was filthy on our first trip down there, this did get cleaned up, but not until the Monday morning. The pool area looked very sad and neglected in general with disused buildings and broken parasols. The Hotel is past it's best but the staff were amazing and by the end of our stay we'd become quite fond of it; but not sure if we'd return. Finally, we both felt that the 1+/2+ boot rating underestimated the walking challenges. We are fairly experienced walkers but some of routes, especially the descents, were brutal.

Ms Riordan, 20 Jun 2022

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+ to 2+

15.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from AU$1905

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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