Cyprus Walking: Troodos Mountains & the Mediterranean Coast

Arrive at Paphos airport and meet your driver for the included private transfer (1 hr 30 mins) to Platres Village in the Troodos Mountains. Platres, at 1200m, is one of the highest of the mountain villages and was a popular resort with British colonists in times past and retains the feel of a colonial hill station. This old world charm now mixes with more modern hotels and restaurants for the visitors who come to hike the forest and mountain trails or ski in the winter months. The village sites on the fringe of the Troodos pine forest offering easy access to some of the best trails. Accommodation: Four nights in a comfortable, friendly traditional mountain inn in the village of Pano Platres, with ensuite rooms and views across the surrounding valleys. Transfers can be arranged from Larnaca Airport at additional cost

Today’s walk follows the Artemis and Atalante Trails, two of the finest high-level paths in the Troodos, circling the summit slopes of Mount Olympos (1952m/6404ft). Linked together, these trails create a scenic walk with views that reach out to the coast around the entire island. Your day begins with a short private transfer to the “North Face” ski station on Olympos where you will join the Artemis Trail as it skirts peaceful forest before emerging onto the higher slopes of the mountain from where there are incredible views. There are several varieties of trees in the forest, including 500 year old Black Pine, Golden Oak and Cyprus Cedar. The Artemis Trail joins the Atalante Trail through virgin forest with glimpses of the northern part of the island, and sees you finish your walk in Troodos Square. There are an array of cafes and restuarants here for you to enjoy while you await your return transfer to Pano Platres.

Walking from your hotel, your circular walk today combines two very scenic and contrasting trails – the panoramic Pouziaris Trail and the shady forest of the Caledonia Trail, named by Scottish colonial officers who were reminded of the cool forests of their homeland. Ascend the Pouziaris Trail, which winds steadily uphill through aromatic forest. As you climb, the canopy opens to sweeping views over surrounding peaks, with the occasional glimpse of the sea beyond. This section is typically quiet so you can listen to the birdsong and the crunch of pine needles underfoot. Leaving the trail part-way, you will join the Caledonia Trail to descend a beautiful valley following the Kryos Potamos stream, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and broad leaf trees. Wooden bridges cross the stream multiple times as you descend towards the Caledonia Waterfall, a 12m cascade. Pause here for a well-earned break before continuing to follow the stream to the trailhead from where it’s a short walk downhill to the village.

In the morning, you may wish to take the short but scenic walk from your hotel along the Myllomeris Trail (approx 45 mins). Follow the shaded forest path, occasionally crossing a small stream and winding through stands of pine, plane and golden oak. The final approach reveals the Myllomeris Waterfall cascading down a rock face into a shallow pool. Soak up the sounds of water and birdsong before taking the trail back to Platres where a private transfer will take you to Mandria, a stone-built village with a traditional church and a restaurant popular with locals. From here you will hike down into the valley below the tree line into a landscape of orchards and vineyards to Omodos, one of the Troodos Mountains’ most picturesque villages and renowned for its stone-paved square, traditional wine presses, and long heritage of Cypriot winemaking, with local varieties still produced in family-run wineries that welcome visitors for tastings. There are several wineries you can visit here, or you can just while away your time strolling the narrow cobbled streets shopping for souvenirs or enjoy a Cyprus coffee. A private transfer will collect you later in the afternoon as you return to Platres. Toast your trip with a glass of local wine or a Keo beer and enjoy dinner in the village.

Today you will leave the pine forests of the Troodos Mountains behind to you and journey to the beautiful beaches of Cyprus’ Akamas peninsula via a walk on the Laona Plateau . A private transfer (2 hrs) will take you to Kathikas, a well-preserved stone-built village. You can wander around the pretty streets, enjoy a Cyprus coffee or visit the Akamas Information Centre to learn more about the area. Hiking from the village, which sits at 600 metres, you will enjoy vistas of the Akamas Coast and the Chrysochou Bay. From here, today’s walk connects 4 stone-built villages, providing opportunities to see traditional architecture and visit a number of museums, including the Knights museum and the Geological museum in Pano Arodes and the Sea Turtle Museum in Inia. The route also passes by a winery near Kathikas where you can taste the excellent local vintages. Your walk ends in the village of Droushia where you can enjoy a visit to the local Taverna before a private transfer takes you to your hotel by the sea. This is a great walk at through all seasons, with green fields and wildflowers in bloom in winter and much of spring, golden colours in summer, and the more earthy colours of autumn. Accommodation: Three nights in a modern hotel on Chrysochou Bay or a friendly hotel in the Latchi beach area with lots of restaurants and shops nearby.

After breakfast, a short private transfer of around 20 minutes (12 mi) takes you to Smiyies, the starting point for today’s walk. From here, you set out on a scenic figure-of-eight hike along a ridgeline with sweeping views across the Akamas Peninsula and sections of the wild west coast, including the Lara shoreline. Smiyies is steeped in Greek mythology and is said to be the legendary meeting place of Aphrodite and her lover Adonis. According to myth, Aphrodite was born from sea foam off Cyprus’ southern coast, and their story is deeply woven into the island’s landscapes, adding a rich cultural layer to the day’s walk. The route follows the Smiyies and Pissouromoutti trails, leading towards the village of Neo Chorio. Along the way, you enjoy expansive coastal views before stopping at the atmospheric ruins of the medieval monastery of Agios Minas. The trail then winds through groves of carob trees, one of Cyprus’ traditional cultivated plants, offering welcome shade and a glimpse into the island’s rural heritage. The walk finishes in Neo Chorio, where your driver collects you in the late afternoon for the return journey to your coastal hotel.

Today you will walk a combination of the Adonis and Aphrodite circular trails to enjoy one of the most rewarding walks on Cyprus. According to legend, Aphrodite and Adonis met regularly in the Akamas forest. The route begins with the eastern section of the Adonis Trail, where you pass the evocative ruins of a medieval monastery and a magnificent ancient oak tree said to mark the meeting point of Aphrodite and Adonis when in love. From here, the trail climbs steadily to the summit of Moutti Tis Sotiras, one of the most commanding viewpoints on the peninsula. From the top, you are rewarded with expansive views across the coast. The descent from the peak offers fine views and is widely regarded as one of the finest walks on the island, offering open views along the coast. The walk finishes at the small yet deeply symbolic Baths of Aphrodite, a fitting and atmospheric end to the day. From here you can return to your accommodation on foot or take the local bus.

After breakfast, take a private transfer from your hotel to Paphos airport to catch your outbound flight. Transfers can also be arranged to Larnaca Airport at additional cost. Should you wish to arrange this, or extend your visit in Cyprus, please talk to your travel consultant when you book.