Troodos Mountains

Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip

The Troodos Mountains form the backbone of Cyprus, rising to 1,952 metres at Mount Olympus (Chionistra), the island's highest peak. Unlike the sun-baked coastline below, the Troodos range is a world of cool pine forests, rushing streams, and traditional stone-built villages where time seems to move slowly. The mountains are home to ten Byzantine-era painted churches, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, their unassuming stone exteriors hiding interiors adorned with exquisite frescoes dating from the 11th to the 16th century. The village of Kakopetria, with its lovingly restored old quarter of stone houses and narrow lanes, offers a glimpse into traditional Cypriot mountain life. The Caledonia Trail follows a stream through dense forest to a beautiful waterfall, while the Artemis Trail circles Mount Olympus through ancient black pine forests. In winter, the summit offers the surreal experience of skiing with views of the distant Mediterranean — possibly the only place in the world where you can ski in the morning and swim in the sea by afternoon. The Troodos region also produces some of Cyprus's finest wines, particularly the indigenous Commandaria, believed to be the oldest named wine in the world.

Planning the wider trip? The Cyprus planning guide covers how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, realistic costs and a day-by-day itinerary that includes Troodos Mountains.