Itinerary: One-Day Visit to Troodos Mountains

Where the “real Cyprus” can be found. Walk through the narrow streets of mountain villages, explore ancient churches and monasteries and experience the true traditions of Cyprus.

You will visit: Troodos, Kykkos Monastery, Platres and Omodos

Troodos is a small resort in the Troodos Mountains with a few restaurants and souvenir shops. In the summer visitors can take horse or donkey rides in the surrounding area, and also go hiking on the marked trails. The ten painted Byzantine Churches in Troodos are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kykkos Monastery is the largest monastery in Cyprus situated in the middle of the Troodos Mountains. The monastery’s museum contains holy books, embroidered vestments, and beautiful, precious icons, among other important treasures.

Platres is a popular mountain resort in Cyprus, about 37 km (23 miles) northwest of Lemesos, situated on a steep bank above the Kyros stream. It is the starting point for walking trails, including “Caledonia” that takes you past the Caledonia waterfall and the restaurant Psilodendro.

Omodos is the wine capital of Cyprus and is also known for papilla lace, silver jewelry, honey, and the ring-shaped arkatena bread typical of this village. It is a lovely, traditional village and worth visiting. The Timiou Stavrou Monastery (Monastery of the Holy Cross) is located in the centre of the village and contains a carved wooden iconostasis dating from 1813. According to legend, St Helena (mother of Emperor Constantine) left a piece of the rope with which Christ was tied to the cross. This relic is kept in a silver cross-shaped reliquary. In addition another holy relic, the skull of St Philip, is kept in a silver casket.