The Troodos Mountains rise up like a gentle giant over the western part of the island. The highest peak of the range, Mount Olympus, is also the highest point in Cyprus.
Mount Olympus, which takes its name from the famous home of the gods in Greece, cannot be missed as it is visible for miles around thanks to a large white round radar station near the peak.
Troodos is a popular summer destination for tourists and locals alike since the average temperature here can be around 15 degrees lower than in Lefkosia. Camping and picnic spots get very busy during the peak of the summer season.
Nature lovers can enjoy long walks along the many trails laid out in the area by the Forestry Department. The paths are easy to follow and are the best way to admire the beautiful flora and fauna of the area.
Accommodation facilities, souvenir shops, tavernas and coffee shops are all available at Troodos village.
Troodos also has many visitors during the winter months, mainly between January and March, when skiers flit about on the slopes of Mount Olympus.
The mass of rock with makes up the central upper Troodos arose some 100 million years ago. The oldest part of the mountains is surrounded by a ring of younger rocks.
The remoteness of the Troodos Mountains and a strict forestry policy have ensured the preservation of a large forest area in the central part of Troodos. The dominant tree is the Aleppo pine, which accounts for about 90% of the total stock.
Because of its remote nature, Troodos has been a place of refuge since early times. Byzantine churches and monasteries have survived over the centuries, including the period of Ottoman rule, almost undamaged. This is why nowadays there is a wealth of Byzantine art treasures in the Troodos area.
The Troodos area receives a relatively high level of precipitation (three times more as on the plains). In the winter months the areas above 1400m get covered with snow.
Highlights:
• Troodos is the largest mountain range on the island
• Its highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952m
• Troodos has the best-managed island forest in the Mediterranean
• A resort for all seasons: a summer retreat from the high temperatures of the plain and a winter resort for those who enjoy skiing
Look Out For:
• It is recommended to check the piste conditions before heading to Troodos, just in case there is not enough snow. The Cyprus Ski Federation posts the information about lifts and slope status here: http://www.cyprusski.com/main/default.aspx?tabid=4
• Although the nature trails are easy to follow some can be as long as 10km; therefore make sure you wear comfortable shoes and have bottled water with you
