There is something for everyone!
The Troodos Mountains offer many opportunities to explore the island: hiking, bird watching, picnicking, discovering remote villages and visiting beautifully painted Byzantine churches. The dry, cool summer climate is particularly suitable for visiting the monasteries, which the monks used as a refuge in uncertain times, or simply for wandering through the idyllic wine villages on the southern mountain slopes.
The largest place in the mountains is Platres. The climate here is similar to that of the Alps. The place has a number of traditional hotels. At the northern foothills is the village of Kakopetria with its typical village square and a view of the beautiful Solea Valley, which is overgrown with fruit trees - a delight, especially during the flowering period. Both places are known for the trout that are raised here. The mountain roads lead through cozy villages where time seems to have stood still. Donkeys are still used as a means of transport here. Each individual village has specialized in a handicraft, a handicraft or an agricultural product, for which it is particularly known.
The villages of Pedoulas and Moutoullas are located in the beautiful Marathassa Valley, which also has hotel accommodation. Pedoulas is the largest cherry producer in the region, while Moutoullas is known for its mineral water from its own springs and its hand-carved wooden bowls. Kalopanagiotis has a dam filled with fish from its own farm and sulfur springs. The second highest village in the mountains, Prodromos, claims to produce the best apples.
The largest place in the Pitsilia area, which is dotted with flowers, almond and hazelnut trees, is called Agros. There are also some nice hotels here. Nearby are a few old villages such as Palaichori, the place of origin of the Cypriot Chiromeri (cured goat meat), Platanistasa and others.
The picturesque wine villages are located on the southern slopes. Their grapes form the basis of many Cypriot wines. The largest village is Omodhos with its unique village square, which adjoins the Monastery of the Holy Cross.
Other beautiful villages are Vasa with its interesting architecture, Fini with its pottery and the village of Arsos.
In winter, holidaymakers are welcome as temporary members of the Cypriot ski club. Cyprus' short but popular ski season usually runs from January to March. The two main runs are served by 4 ski lifts. The atmosphere is casual. At 1.951 meters, the Olympos is the highest mountain in the Troodos Mountains. On a clear day you can even see the sea.
The Kykkos Monastery houses a golden icon of the Virgin Mary, which is said to come from the Evangelist Luke. Above the monastery is Thronitis Panayias, the mausoleum of Archbishop Makarios III and the first President of Cyprus. Further to the west is the cedar forest.
Also of interest is the Trooditissa Monastery, the original church of which was built in 1250. In the vicinity of Platres are the Caledonian waterfalls, whose rushing coolness creates a wonderful natural spectacle.
The Byzantine tradition is evident in a number of beautifully painted churches, some of which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List: for example the Church of Agios Johannes Lampadistis in Kalopanagiotis, the Church of Panayiatou Araka in Assinou and the Church of Podithou in Galata near Kakopetria.
