Cyprus Walking Friends

Prophet Ilias to Fikardou

This spectacular walk starts in the heart of the Machairas Forest, at the 16th Century monastery of Prophet Ilias some 4 1/2 miles from the nearest tarmac road. It is possible to walk the 4 1/2 miles to the monastery from the tarmac road at Mantra Tou Kambiou picnic site, but this will add 1.5 hours to what is already quite a demanding walk.

From Prophet Ilias the walk climbs 1000 feet, up a delightful nature trail on Mount Kionia to 5000 feet, with flora of pine, wild olive and carob, strawberry trees, golden oak, sumach, rock rose and phygara; plus a rare endemic crocus species. There are some interesting rock formations and the views are spectacular.

At the top of the nature trail, after about 2 hour walk, there is a shaded picnic site. From here the route goes down the mountain via a steep rocky path to arrive above the Monastery of Machairas, founded in the 12th century, according to legend by two hermits expelled from Syria. A terrible fire in the 19th Century lead to a complete rebuilding to the form that exists today. A huge monument of an armed man nearby declares the links of the Monastery to the liberation struggle against the British in the 1950's.

Next our path drops steeply into the deep valley of the Pediaios River, from which we climb 500 feet up to walk through the pretty traditional village of Lazanias with its 18th and 19th century architecture in wood and stone, and the 18th century church of St George.

Our walk is nearing its end and as we climb briefly up a dirt track, we have excellent views back to Machairas monastery and Kionia. The track finally loops round a ridge to arrive at the historic village of Fikardou, a national monument and recipient of the Europa Nostra prize.

Two houses dating from the 16th century have been restored and furnished as a folk art museum, and many other houses have had their structures of stone and mud straw bricks with red tiled roofs preserved. The museum should be open to allow viewing up to 4pm. To minimise travel times, and assist customers, a support vehicle will meet the walking party at several agreed points en-route and will be waiting at the end of the walk. Time 5.5 hours.

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