When you think of Cyprus, the Troodos Mountains might not be the first image that comes to mind.
You most likely envision sandy beaches and seaside bars serving delicious platters of halloumi alongside cold beer. And you wouldn’t be wrong – there’s plenty of Cypriot cheese and sunshine to go round in Paphos and the other resort towns.
But venture further afield into Cyprus’ mountains, and you’ll find the island has equally stunning scenery inland, where you can experience Cypriot culture in some of Cyprus’ most charming villages and off-the-beaten-path attractions in the Troodos Mountains.
During my recent press trip there with Visit Cyprus, we went beyond the beach and explored the Troodos Mountains. They’re the largest mountain range in Cyprus, and perhaps the best off-the-beaten path destination in Cyprus to explore.
The Troodos Massif, located in the centre of the island, is a the lesser-known place to go in Cyprus but its nature and charm made me wonder why more people don’t visit.
Carpeted with pine forest, this is a place where the roots of local heritage run deep. The Troodos region invites tourists to revel in its cooler temperatures and spectacular landscape, which is dotted, I was pleased to find, with vineyards and untouched mountain villages, where travellers can enjoy the warmest Cypriot hospitality – all beneath the majestic Mount Olympus.
Cyprus’ Troodos Mountains: Best Places To Visit
Discover the other side of the popular holiday destination with my guide to the best villages and other places to visit in Cyprus’ Troodos Mountains and some of the top attractions there.
1. Pedoulas
Drive through the winding roads of the Troodos Mountains to get to Pedoulas, a tiny village peppered with cherry and pine trees in the Marathasa Valley.
Pedoulas’ most famous attraction is the Byzantine Church of Archangels Michael, which has UNESCO World Heritage Protection.
Though not especially eye-catching from the road outside, its interior is decorated with intricate paintings that are remarkably well preserved considering the building dates back to 1474.
Close the doors to ward off the sunlight and take in the images, which were painted to share religious stories with the illiterate in years gone by.
This is one of twelve painted churches in Pedoulas. My favourite was actually the Holy Cross Church, pictured above.
I really enjoyed wandering through this unassuming village in the mountains, because every local looked at us curiously and was eager to find out why we had come!
We didn’t have time to drop in, but you might also like to visit the Byzantine Museum and the Folklore Museum while you’re in Pedoulas.
2. The Caledonia Nature Trail
Why did nobody tell me I could chase waterfalls in Cyprus?
The Caledonia Nature Trail in Platres is a popular place to hike in the Troodos Mountains, where nightingales sing all day.
You can even go downhill skiing if you visit in January or February – the snowfall is one of the reasons this region is labelled the ‘Switzerland of Cyprus’.
If you’re interested in hiking in Cyprus, you’ll find more than 30 hiking trails in Platres. We followed a manageable 3km trail through the wilderness, crossing the sun-speckled Kyros Potamos River and passing tired hikers who had clearly tackled more ambitious routes than ours.
Within two hours, we heard the roar of water and stumbled into a clearing where a spectacular waterfall tumbled down the cliff before us, a rainbow hazing the natural pool it formed.
It felt good to do something active after my intensive halloumi tasting (which was all for research purposes, of course…).
There’s a trout farm at the end of the hike where you can refuel with a plate of freshly grilled fish. We stopped at Psilo Dentro for an iced coffee to refresh after our strenuous hike.
If you’re in need of a stiff drink after your exercise, find a taverna and order a Brandy Sour – you’re in the cocktail’s birthplace.
3. Omodos Village
Just 15 minutes’ drive from Platres, Omodos is a tranquil cobblestone wine village in the Troodos Mountains. It’s small, but there’s lots for tourists to see and do in this Cypriot village.
One of the things you simply must do in Omodos is sample the local dessert wine, Commanderia, at a medieval wine press called Linos. Don’t you just love it when sightseeing and alcohol combine?
It feels like nothing has changed since the place opened and tourists can learn a bit about the local tipple, which is made from over-ripened Xinisteri grapes. The oldest named wine in the world is an acquired taste, but you have to try it!
If you’re lucky enough to visit Platres in August, you might get to partake in the local wine festival.
If you aren’t swaying from the local grape after your wine press tour, peek into the Monastery of Timios Stavros, located in the heart of the village.
Omodos is also an excellent place to pick up souvenirs from Cyprus. Be sure to sample some local treats from George’s Bakery.
If you’re into handicrafts, there are loads of shops where local women sell embroidered tablecloths and other handmade textiles.
If you’re spending a whole day in Omodos (and you should), have lunch at Katoi, a rustic local restaurant that serves all the Cypriot favourites.
I feel like each plate of halloumi we were served on this trip was better than the last!
Omodos is the number one place you should visit in the Troodos Mountains, in my humble opinion. It’s home to some of Cyprus’ most famous points of interest and a day trip there is bound to relax you.
Some people believe that the village’s name comes from the Greek word for ‘modos‘, which means ‘take your time’ – so respect the law of the village and linger a while. You won’t want to leave.
More things to do in the Troodos Mountains
Where to stay in the Troodos Mountains
We were hosted at the divine Aristotelio Boutique Hotel in Pedoulas. It must be the most charming boutique hotels in the Troodos Mountains.
Walking in from the pine-scented village, I was enveloped in a new, even more alluring aroma. I don’t know what they use to perfume the place, but this is the best-smelling hotel I’ve ever stayed at!
It’s family-run and has just eight rooms, the restaurant is excellent and the rooms are gorgeous. I even had a jacuzzi tub, fireplace and a romantic wooden balcony. I genuinely didn’t want to leave when the time came.
You can search for a place to stay in the Troodos Mountains using the map below.
Booking.comEssential Information for your stay in the Troodos Mountains
Planning and booking your trip to Cyprus
I found some decent travel deals for Troodos Mountains on TravelRepublic and lastminute.com, if this post has inspired you to book a trip there.
You can also use my Travel Resources page to find good deals on every aspect of your holiday in Cyprus.
How to get to the Troodos Mountains
Larnaca and Paphos airports are about the same distance from the region (around 1 hour 30 mins). If you’re visiting the Troodos Mountains from Paphos, book a private transfer.
If you’re holidaying elsewhere in Cyprus and decide to visit the Troodos Mountains, I recommend hiring a car to get there so you can explore at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can book a day tour of the Troodos Mountains from Limassol or Paphos. Some of the tours also take you to the carob museum, where you can learn all about how the product is created.
More Troodos Mountains / Cyprus travel tips
The weather in the Troodos Mountains is cooler than the coast, so take layers!
The Lonely Planet Cyprus guide has plenty of tips and recommendations for the island.
Don’t forget to check out my guide to things to do in Paphos, too! Some of my favourite activities from our trip were horseback riding and kayaking in Paphos.
One of the best things about Cyprus is that the island is easy to get around. You can spend a few days exploring the mountain regions, immersing yourself in local culture, then get your bum down to the beach for some relaxation. The best of both types of travel, all just a four hour, 20 minute flight from London…
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I was a guest of Visit Cyprus but views are my own.
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Marry says
Those dishes looks absolutely stunning.
gemmaslittleworld says
wow those waterfalls look amazing and the architecture looks stunning. ive been to Cyprus a few times but as expected on beach trips. id love to do half and half now ive seen this!