Cyprus Walking Friends

Where to walk

We hope here to give you a flavour of the variety of walking on offer in Cyprus. The lengths of walks are expressed in terms of time taken, and are generous to allow for stops and sight seeing on route. If significant uphill or downhill walking is involved, that is more than 45 minutes at a stretch, this is noted by giving the height climbing or descending. We have also shown where we offer connection to the Troodos Mountains Bus Service.

TROODOS, WALKING AROUND MOUNT OLYMPUS

On Mount Olympus, the central and highest peak of the Troodos mountain range, there are three circular, natural trails that give visitors a first look at the geology, geography, flora and fauna, of the beautiful high Troodos, between 5000 and 6000 feet above sea level. In addition, there are a number of excellent and generally more challenging trails that start or finish on Mount Olympus heading; North, South, East, or West. On all the routes there are a wide variety of trees, flowering shrubs, wild flowers, birds and butterflies. Several walks follow river valleys, and all offer superb views. As you would expect starting high on Mount Olympus walking down is the easier option!

TROODOS, WALKING THE MADHARI RIDGE

The Madhari Ridge lies across the Solea valley from Mount Olympus. It runs east to west with its highest point being towards the eastern end at the mountain of Adelphi which rises to 5000 feet. It is a sparsely forested with craggy rocks on the ridge line, with lush wild forests and shrub on its steep North face. It is cultivated on the gentler slopes to the South, down to the large settlement of Kyperounda. Ancient villages like Lagoudera and Kannavia dot the landscape to the north clinging to the steep ridges or nestling in the deep valleys that run North from the Madhari watershed.

TROODOS, WALKING THROUGH THE WINE VILLAGES

The longest established wine making and vineyard area of Cyprus, to the south of Mount Olympus, has been famous for over 1000 years. In that time, while empires have come and gone, and successions of invaders have occupied Cyprus, vine growing and wine making has continued without interruption in the Krasohorio, the wine villages of the Troodos.

WALKING IN THE LIMASSOL FOREST

The substantial upland managed woodland area that is the backdrop to the town and suburbs of Limassol, and the villages that surround it, is known as the Limassol Forest. In geology, it is a miniature version of Mount Olympus. However as at its highest point it only reaches 3000 feet, the flora and fauna resemble the lower slopes of the Troodos range. Its greatest advantage over other areas is ease of access to Limassol and the south coast. In 20 minutes drive from the seafront it is possible to be on quite hillsides tracks and nature trails seemingly far from the hustle and bustle of the coastal resort, with not another person in sight all day!

WALKING IN THE PAFOS FOREST

The Pafos Forest covers many square miles from troodos to the west and north coasts of Cyprus. It offers many excellent opportunities for walking. The area nearest to troodos is the most accessible and is the location of the three medieval (sometimes called venetian) bridges which are reputed to have been used by camel trains taking precious metals from Troodos to the west coast for shipment. Whilst all three are relatively small by modern standards their high arch construction is interesting, and above all their setting in two river valleys amongst the dense forest have to be seen to be appreciated. The greatest water flow on both rivers is towards the end of the season in April May, and then the bridges look their best with the greening trees offering cool dappled shade.

WALKING IN THE MACHAIRAS

The Machairas is the most easterly area of the Troodos mountains. East of the Machairas the land drops away rapidly to the central plain. Although the area is relatively close to the capital, Nicosia, the Machairas has relatively poor road communications to the west, east, and until recently to the South, although improvements there are still not complete. The ideal start and finish locations for walking are as a consequence not easy to access, and a day spent here when staying in either Limassol or Platres, will require that customers are prepared to be travelling and walking for in excess of eight hours. Having looked at the down side it has, as a walking area, a lot to offer for a days outing, so please think about going!

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