Self-guided hiking on the trails of the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationEurope / Cyprus
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions35.81 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Enjoy a 4-night independent stay in Pano Platres , on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. This program combines scenic hikes with an immersion in Cypriot winemaking heritage . Based in a mountain village renowned for its cool climate, you'll set off each day to discover high-altitude landscapes, from forests and open ridges to spectacular views of the island.
The routes, approximately 10 km per day , are suitable for regular walkers and emphasize a variety of landscapes. The highlight of the trip is the Artemis Trail, one of Cyprus's most beautiful hikes, which winds around Mount Olympus at an altitude of over 1,800 meters . This iconic hike offers exceptional panoramic views and can be enjoyed year-round, except during periods of snow cover.
As the days go by, the walk also takes you through terraced vineyards and to the traditional village of Omodos , famous for its stone houses and its history linked to wine production.
Between unspoiled nature , high-altitude walks and cultural discoveries, this stay harmoniously combines wide open spaces and Cypriot traditions .
The highlights
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A combination of diverse habitats, including the highest peak, wooded slopes, and waterfalls.
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Panoramic views on the Artemis Trail, near the summit of Mount Olympus
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A cultural component in the form of the stone village of Omodos and the wine cellars
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 267 m
- Average daily descent: 284 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️ (mainly with satellite photos of hiking routes)
Program
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Arrival
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the time of arrival, travelers can enjoy walks, moments of relaxation, swimming, snorkeling or exploring the area.
Day 1 -
Artemis Trail (on Olympus Peak)
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You're setting off on a hike along the Artemis Trail , located in the Troodos Mountains , renowned for its panoramic views of various regions of Cyprus, sometimes even reaching the coast on a clear day. The route traverses a mix of rocky, arid terrain and wooded areas composed of black pines and junipers , species characteristic of this mountain range. Along the way, you'll pass by very old trees of impressive size, testaments to the antiquity of this mountain forest. The route is also of particular interest to geology enthusiasts, thanks to the diversity of formations visible along the trail. Situated at a high altitude, the trail is generally pleasant to hike in summer , when temperatures are warmer in the rest of the island. However, when the trail is snow-covered —which can happen for several months of the year—this hike is not recommended. In that case, we suggest the Persephone Trail , located at a lower altitude and more suitable for winter conditions.
Day 2 -
Myllomeris Falls Trail
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You'll embark on a short walk along the Myllomeris Falls trail (1.2km round trip), located at an altitude of approximately 1,000m . The path winds through a verdant valley where typical Cypriot vegetation thrives. Along the way, you'll see alders, ferns, maples, golden oaks, strawberry trees, storax, and plane trees , some of which have spectacular roots growing along the trail.
The walk leads to the Myllomeris Waterfall , which plunges 11 meters , making it the tallest waterfall in Cyprus . The spot is also considered one of the most photogenic on the island. At the foot of the waterfall, a small natural pool has formed. Some visitors choose to swim there, even outside of summer, when the water remains particularly cool . The area provides a pleasant respite from the heat, offering a chance to enjoy the cool, shaded atmosphere of the valley.
Day 3 -
Walk to the Myllomeris waterfall and the vineyards as far as Omodos
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 13km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A taxi transfer will first take you to the village of Mandria , the starting point of your hike. You will then begin a walk of approximately 6 km that gradually descends towards the traditional village of Omodos . The landscape changes markedly compared to the forests of the Troodos Mountains . Here you will cross the Krassochoria region, home to the famous wine-growing villages of Limassol .
Throughout the journey, the vineyards shape the landscape. The atmosphere changes with the seasons: in spring , the vines are covered with young leaves; in summer , the valley remains surprisingly green despite the heat; in autumn , the rows of vines take on brown and golden hues .
The hike ends in Omodos , one of Cyprus's most famous villages , renowned for its stone architecture and lively atmosphere. The route remains easy and pleasant , with approximately 250m of ascent and 300m of descent , and can also be done in summer , preferably in the morning . Once there, you can enjoy local wineries for wine tasting , village restaurants , cafes , and a few craft shops .
Day 4
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation (breakfast included)
- Transportation (for hikes, days 2 and 4 of the program)
- Information in the form of GPX files and a digital roadbook
- On-site assistance if needed
The price does not include
- Flights
- Meals other than those mentioned in the program
- Guided hikes
- The equipment
- Any other means of transport than that mentioned in Price includes
- Personal expenses
Options
- Taxi to and from Paphos airport (for up to 4 passengers, normal luggage, maximum total weight of 40 kg) : CHF219.55 / reservation
- Taxi to and from Larnaca airport (for a maximum of 4 passengers, normal luggage, with a maximum total weight of 40 kg) : CHF256.14 / 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
Hikers should carry drinking water with them, between 0.5 and 1 liter per person (the exact amount depends on each person's profile and preferences, the type of hike, and the time of day and year).
People wishing to swim in the natural pool at the Myllomeris waterfall are advised to bring a swimsuit, towel, etc.
Clothing to bring
Non-slip shoes or boots are essential. Sun protection is strongly recommended. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel. It's worth noting that from May to December, the sea temperature in Cyprus is at least 20°C, with the lowest recorded temperature in February at below 17°C.