Troodos Supreme Autonomous Circuit

Today, you'll embark on a hike around Mount Madari , in the heart of the Pitsilia region of the Troodos Mountains . The route follows a stunning 12km circular trail (or 13km including the round trip to the watchtower ). Ranked among the top 5 hikes in Cyprus , this moderately difficult route progresses without any very steep ascents or descents.

All along the way, the panoramas open up wide. To the south, you can see Morphou Bay and the Pentadactylos mountain range. To the north, the view extends to the village of Kyperounta and the summit of Troodos , while to the west, the village of Spilia appears.

The walk takes you through a particularly varied landscape: golden oaks , wild roses , junipers , pines , strawberry trees , rockroses , and sage dot the scenery. You'll also come across cedars , plane trees , and a few ferns , as well as several rock formations characteristic of the region.

Two shorter options exist. A linear version of 7km (+600m / -550m) follows only the trail and requires a taxi transfer . Another loop of 8.5km (+450m / -450m) is gentler, but about half of the route is on paved roads .

Today, you'll be hiking one of Cyprus's top 5 trails , linking two UNESCO-listed painted churches in the Troodos Mountains. The trail connects the Stavros tou Ayiasmati chapel to Panagia tou Araka , both renowned for their frescoes dating back to the first half of the second millennium BC . The route is 7km one way , for a total of 14km .

The trail begins in the village of Lagoudera , before reaching agricultural landscapes of almond orchards , vineyards , and wooded areas dominated by pines and the golden oak , an endemic species. In February, the almond trees in bloom add a special touch to the landscape.

The hike is challenging , with approximately 1,000m of ascent and 1,000m of descent . Some sections follow narrow paths along the edge of steep slopes , requiring careful attention.

Along the way, the views open up to the Morphou Plain , the Mesaoria Mountains , the Western Pentadactylos range , and the summit of Kionia , recognizable by its telecommunications antenna . You can also see the villages of Alona , ​​Platanistasa, and Lagoudera , as well as the summit of Madari . The route also passes near the Tishia tis Madaris rock formations and the artificial lake of Xyliatos . In spring, rockroses dominate the vegetation, and in March, it is sometimes possible to spot wild orchids .

Today, you combine several hikes located among the highest peaks of Cyprus , following the Artemis trail and then a portion of the Atalanti trail , in the heart of the Troodos massif .

The Artemis Trail , considered one of the top 5 hikes in Cyprus , offers sweeping panoramas of different regions of the island on a clear day. The route alternates between arid, rocky areas and forests of black pine and juniper trees endemic to the Troodos Mountains . Along the way, you pass by very old trees , remarkable for their size and age.

The route is also of interest to geology enthusiasts. Several information panels help to better understand the geological strata characteristic of the region.

The standard hike then continues along a section of the Atalanti trail , before reaching Troodos Square .

When snow is present (generally a few months a year), this route is not recommended. A lower altitude alternative is then proposed: it starts at the upper end of the Caledonia Falls trail , descends towards Psilon Dendron , goes up the western part of the Pouziaris trail , then joins Troodos Square via the Persephone trail .