The Troodos Mountain range is one of Cyprus‘s most beautiful and unique places, offering incredible experiences throughout the year. In the summer, you can enjoy pleasant weather and magical hiking trails, while in the winter, the area is covered in snow, attracting skiers and travelers looking for the perfect winter atmosphere.
In this post, I have gathered everything worth doing in the Troodos Mountains – from rope parks and authentic villages to tours and more…
How to Get to the Troodos Mountains?
The ideal way to get to the mountains is by renting a car and touring the area. Public transportation is not very convenient in Cyprus, and taxis are too expensive. I recommend searching for a rental car through the search engine, Paapm Paapm. Personally, I enjoy using their service as they save me time (instead of entering several websites) and also allow me to filter out less reputable rental companies.
A Special Discount for Blog Followers:
I recommend checking options through Paapm Paapm and the local company, Cosmos. The owner gave me a 10% discount coupon for online bookings. To book a rental car directly from Cosmos (don’t forget the coupon code during payment: trvbox). I also recommend reading the post I wrote specifically about renting a car in Cyprus.
Another option for a Troodos Mountain trip is to do private day tours with a guide. I recommend contacting Roni Schwartz, who takes care of everything – private tours with a certified guide (the tour is in English/Russian), super professional and pleasant, who will take you on a perfect 8-9 hour day trip. Contact Roni for a guided tour in Cyprus.
Where to Stay in the Troodos Mountains?
In the Troodos Mountains, you can find boutique hotels as well as local homes available on Airbnb.
A Lovely Local House in Korakou Village
We stayed there once for two nights in a lovely local house called “The Green House,” located in a rather isolated spot in the village. It was a private house with three bedrooms – though we only needed two, the price was reasonable (about 70 euros per night), and the house itself was fantastic. It was modern, spacious, clean, and well-equipped, including a fully stocked kitchen and air conditioning in every room – an essential feature, especially in the August heat.
Advantages: The house is large and comfortable, with a private yard and a beautiful view of the mountains. The area is very quiet, making it perfect for those looking for total tranquility and an authentic local experience.
Disadvantages: The yard is not fenced, so those with young children will need to supervise them closely. Additionally, the house is situated on a small hill, making the descent relatively steep. The village itself is very quiet, with no restaurants or cafes, so it’s wise to plan ahead for food and entertainment.
A Helpful Tip for Booking Airbnb in Cyprus:
Not all apartments have air conditioning, so it’s best to check this in advance – especially if you’re visiting in the summer. If you’re unsure, it’s worth contacting the host to confirm. Also, since electricity is expensive in Cyprus, some hosts charge extra if you exceed a certain usage limit – be sure to check these details in the apartment description and confirm with the host in advance if there are any additional charges.
The Mill Hotel
A follower of mine highly recommended this hotel (we didn’t stay there, but we plan to in the future, and from what I’ve seen, the reviews are really good :)). It’s located in Kakopetria village. For more information and to book The Mill Hotel.
What is the Distance from Each City in Cyprus to the Troodos Mountains?
The distance from the main cities in Cyprus to the Troodos Mountain Range varies depending on the specific location in the mountains you’re traveling to. Here are the estimated distances:
- Limassol – About 40 km
Limassol is the closest city to the Troodos Mountains. It’s about a 45-minute drive, depending on road conditions and the exact location in the mountains. - Paphos – About 70 km
The distance from Paphos to the Troodos Mountains is about 70 km, and the drive takes between 1 and 1.25 hours, depending on road conditions. - Nicosia – About 100 km
The distance from Nicosia to the Troodos Mountains is about 100 km, and the drive can take 1.5 to 2 hours. - Larnaca – About 100 km
The distance from Larnaca to the Troodos Mountains is about 100 km, and the drive takes between 1 and 1.25 hours.
Distances may vary slightly depending on the roads you choose, but generally, the drive is between 45 minutes to two hours, depending on your starting point.
Recommended Villages in the Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains are full of picturesque villages, charming towns, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking nature reserves. Some of the most famous villages include Omodos and Platres, where you can walk along cobbled streets, enjoy traditional Cypriot food, and soak up the local atmosphere.
Kakopetria Village
Kakopetria is one of the most beautiful and unique villages in Cyprus, located in the heart of the Troodos Mountains. It offers a unique blend of history, stunning nature, and a traditional atmosphere. During our visit, we spent two full days there, and every moment was worth it. This village is ideal for those looking for a relaxing trip through breathtaking landscapes, picturesque alleys, and green trails.
What to See and Do in Kakopetria
- The Old Village – One of the most beautiful places in Kakopetria, with cobbled streets, traditional houses with wooden balconies, and magical alleys perfect for a peaceful stroll.
- The River with the Ducks – A popular spot in the village, located opposite The Mill Hotel. It’s a great place to stop, enjoy the view, and let kids run around by the water.
- Kakopetria Nature Park – A short and easy hiking trail through a lush forest.
- Church of Saint Nicholas of the Roof – An ancient Byzantine monastery famous for its unique frescoes. A fascinating historical site for culture and heritage lovers.
- Vateri Hiking Trail (Northern Access) – A shaded and pleasant trail suitable for the whole family, with several bridges and beautiful viewpoints over the river.
- Millomeris Waterfalls – A stunning waterfall located a short drive from the village, surrounded by natural vegetation, creating a magical atmosphere.
A Recommended Restaurant in Kakopetria
We ate at Zoumos Restaurant, located in a great spot by the river. We sat outside with a nice breeze and a beautiful view of the river and houses. Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised by the place. The service was excellent, and the food came quickly (a great advantage when traveling with young children). The appetizers were delicious (we ordered a Greek salad, pita with Halloumi cheese, and tzatziki), and for the main course, we had Sheftalia, a traditional Cypriot dish, which was also great. The pricing is a bit expensive, but this is a tourist town, and those are the prices at most restaurants there. Either way, I think it’s a great restaurant, especially if you can sit outside by the river.
Omodos Village
Omodos is one of the most beautiful and famous villages in Cyprus, and for good reason. Each year, it attracts about a million tourists who enjoy the mountain scenery, traditional atmosphere, local wine, and picturesque streets. The village is surrounded by impressive mountains, with the highest being Mount Afames, which rises to about 1,153 meters.
What to See and Do in Omodos?
- Omodos Village Square – The heart of Omodos, a cobblestone square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, local stalls, and small wineries. Here, you can enjoy authentic Cypriot atmosphere, sit at a tavern, and sip traditional coffee.
- Timios Stavros Monastery – One of the most important sites in the village, an ancient 17th-century stone-built monastery that houses rare religious artifacts, including relics of the Holy Cross.
- Wineries & Wine Tours – Omodos is considered a traditional wine center with family-owned wineries offering tastings of local wines, including the famous Cypriot Commandaria wine – one of the oldest sweet wines in the world.
Platres Village
Platres, a village located in the Troodos Mountains, is a charming, small village full of magic, nestled in the heart of the mountains. The village offers an authentic experience with lush nature, a calm atmosphere, and hiking attractions.
The village boasts plenty of walking trails, including an easy and beautiful trail leading to the breathtaking Yerokamina Viewpoint, where you can enjoy the stunning mountain views of the Troodos Mountains. The village itself is small and quiet, with traditional houses, local shops, and excellent restaurants offering delicious Cypriot cuisine.
In this area, you’ll find several waterfalls, including the popular Kalidonia Waterfall, considered one of the most famous waterfalls in Cyprus. During our visit to the village, we dined at the SkyLight Restaurant. The restaurant offers tasty Cypriot food with a diverse menu catering to all tastes, including traditional dishes like Greek salad, halloumi cheese pita, and meat dishes.
Skiing in the Troodos Mountains
If you’re visiting Cyprus in the winter, particularly in January, February, or March, it’s worth checking if there’s snow in the Troodos Mountains and preparing for a day of skiing or just a snow drive. You can check the snow conditions and road status in real-time on the Cyprus Ski website, which also provides information about the status of slopes and roads.
When planning a snow trip, it’s important to check the road conditions. If the weather is stormy, you may need a 4×4 vehicle or tire chains. Generally, if the weather is calm, roads are open to all vehicles. It’s recommended to rent a car and travel independently, with options for staying in the area, such as at the Casale Panayiotis hotel, which comes highly recommended.
Rope Parks in the Troodos Mountains
In the Troodos Mountains, two rope parks are considered a fun attraction for both children and adults.
Sparti Platres Rope Adventure Park
A unique amusement park featuring climbing ropes, zip lines, aerial bridges, target shooting, towers, and nets. As one of the largest certified rope parks in Europe and the first of its kind in Cyprus, Sparti offers an alternative outdoor sports experience. The park’s name is derived from the ancient city of Sparta, where similar activities were preferred to develop children physically and mentally. Over 270 activities are available for visitors of all ages, and the cafeteria provides refreshing drinks and light meals for those seeking a break. Directions.
Marina’s Adventure Park
An adventure park in the village of Kakopetria. Enjoy two hours of fun on obstacle courses at varying heights (1, 3, and 7 meters). Directions.
Mountain Biking Trails in the Troodos Mountains
- Psilo Dendro (Platres) – Karvounas
Start: Psilo Dendro, 1200 meters
End: Karvounas, 1180 meters
Distance: 16.2 km
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: High-quality asphalt and good forest roads (depending on weather conditions) - Karvounas – Prodromos
Start: Karvounas, 1180 meters
End: Prodromos, 1380 meters
Distance: 22.7 km
Difficulty: Medium
Surface: High-quality asphalt and good forest roads (depending on weather conditions) - Prodromos – Psilo Dendro (Platres)
Start: Prodromos, 1380 meters
End: Psilo Dendro, 1200 meters
Distance: 18.2 km
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: High-quality asphalt and forest roads with sharp rocks in some sections. Caution is advised to avoid damage.
Where to Rent Mountain Bikes in the Troodos Mountains:
In various villages in the Troodos region, you can find several rental centers offering high-quality bikes and information about the area’s trails. Some popular places to rent mountain bikes include:
- Activate Cyprus – Directions.
- Adventure Park Mountain E-Bikes – Directions.
Jeep Safaris in the Troodos Mountains
Recommended Wineries in the Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains in Cyprus are not only a great destination for nature and culture, but also an ideal place for wine lovers. This area is full of vineyards and wineries producing high-quality, unique wines, and you simply must visit the top spots. After a magnificent tour of the mountains and villages, there’s nothing better than stopping at a local winery and tasting some of the finest wines the region has to offer.
- Tsiakkas Winery
Located outside the village of Platres, this winery was established by a young couple. In its first year, they produced only 500 bottles of red wine called Tirsos. In the 1990s, during the winery’s first expansion, international varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, and Merlot were introduced, which became popular among winemakers and consumers. - Zenon Winery
Located in the village of Omodos, this medium-sized winery is run by Mr. Nikos Zenonos. The winery holds 11 hectares of vineyards, including the Sinisteri variety of grapes. - Lambouri Winery – LionSpirit Winery & Distillery
The leading winery in the area, awarded for five consecutive years. Over 100 awards since 2007, employing traditional methods aimed at future generations.
Winery Tours
Conclusion
The Troodos Mountains in Cyprus are not only a stunning natural destination but also an ideal place for culinary and cultural experiences. From authentic and picturesque villages to wineries offering some of the best wines in the world, the mountains provide a unique and unforgettable experience for every traveler. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure sports enthusiast, or simply enjoy a good glass of wine, the Troodos Mountains offer everything needed for a perfect vacation. Don’t miss all that the area has to offer, from bike and hiking trails to guided tours and visits to wineries producing hand-crafted wines. If you’re planning a vacation in Cyprus, the Troodos Mountains should be your perfect destination.
I hope my post has been helpful. If so, I’d love for you to comment below, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments or message me on the blog’s social media: on Facebook and Instagram.
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