Troodos Supreme Self-Contained Mini Circuit
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Cyprus
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions38.56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
In the heart of the Troodos Mountains, this independent 3-night stay in Kakopetria invites you to discover two of Cyprus's most beautiful hiking trails. Settled in a traditional mountain village , you'll enjoy charming accommodation, an ideal starting point for exploring unspoiled landscapes of pine forests, verdant valleys, and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
The hikes, averaging around 12 km per day , are suitable for regular walkers. For those more athletically inclined, longer options are offered each day to tailor the effort to your preferences. This star-shaped route allows you to hike light while enjoying the authentic atmosphere of Kakopetria each evening.
This program is feasible almost year-round , except for July and August due to the intense heat. In summer, early morning departures are preferred to hike in the cool of the morning. In winter, alternative routes are planned in case of snow cover in the Troodos Mountains.
Between iconic hikes , immersion in Cypriot culture and Mediterranean nature, this short stay offers an active and refreshing break in the heart of the island.
The highlights
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2 Cyprus Top 5 hikes
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Incredible panoramic views during the hike
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Overnight stays in the old village of Kakopetria
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average distance/day: 4 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 284 m
- Average daily descent: 284 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
We provide GPX files of hiking routes as well as a digital roadbook, mainly with satellite photos of the hiking routes.
Program
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Arrival
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on their arrival time, travelers can explore the picturesque old town of Kakopetria and relax in the village. We highly recommend visiting (on foot, as it's a few kilometers away) the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Painted Church of Agios Nikolaos tis Steyis, arguably one of the two finest of the ten painted churches in the Troodos Mountains. The Church of Panagia Podithou is also within walking distance. Closed on Mondays.
Day 1 -
Artemis Trail to Troodos Square
- Transportation Car - 00h50 - 38km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The travelers combine several of Cyprus's highest hikes (the Artemis Trail and part of the Atalanti Trail).
The Artemis Trail is undoubtedly one of the top 5 hiking routes in Cyprus. On a clear day, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of various parts of the island. The trail alternates between arid, rocky terrain and wooded areas of black pine and juniper trees endemic to the Troodos Mountains. Hikers pass by some very old and imposing trees. The hike is also of great interest to those interested in geology (signs describing the geological strata are installed at certain points). It should be noted that when there is snow (usually a few months a year), we do not recommend this hike. We offer lower-altitude alternatives, typically one that starts at the uphill end of the Caledonia Waterfall Trail, descends to the village of Psilon Dendron, ascends the western section of the Pouziaris Trail, and reaches Troodos Square via the Persephone Trail (included in the package). The standard hike also includes a section of the Atalanti trail which ends at Troodos Square.
Day 2 -
Walk on the Madari walking trail
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 11km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, hikers can explore a stunning 12km circular trail (13km if you hike up to the watchtower and back) around the summit of Mount Madari (in the Pitsilia region of the Troodos Mountains). This is another of Cyprus's Top 5 trails, of moderate difficulty, with no very steep ascents or descents. There are superb views to the south, including Morphou Bay and the Pentadactylos Mountains, and to the north, including the village of Kyperounta and the Troodos peaks (to the west, the village of Spilia is visible). The vegetation is very diverse; hikers pass golden oaks, wild roses and mastic bushes, junipers, pines, strawberry trees, rockroses and sage, and even cedars, plane trees, and ferns.
You can also see the interesting rock formations of the region.
Hiking is enjoyable all year round. It is very rare to find snow in certain places during the winter.
We offer shorter versions of the route. One is linear and requires a longer taxi ride (at an additional cost) and follows the trail entirely (7 km long, 600 meters of elevation gain and 550 meters of elevation loss). The other is circular and flatter (8.5 km long, 450 meters of elevation gain and 450 meters of elevation loss, but half of the route is on a paved road).
Day 3
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation (bed and breakfast) for two people sharing a double room
- Breakfasts
- Transportation for hikes
- GPX information and digital route log
- On-site assistance
The price does not include
- Transportation to the starting point
- Other transport options besides those mentioned in the program
- Lunches, dinners and drinks
- Guide
Options
- Taxi from and to Larnaca airport (for up to 4 travelers, normal luggage, of max 40 kg in total) : CHF210.40 / reservation
- Taxi from and to Paphos airport (for up to 4 travelers, normal luggage, of max 40 kg in total) : CHF210.40 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Hiking shoes or boots, without a doubt. Walking poles are recommended.
Clothing to bring
Clothing appropriate for the season's climate is essential. Artemis is located at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level and can experience snow cover in winter. Sun protection is strongly recommended most of the time, as Cyprus is a very sunny Mediterranean region.
