The Troodos range fills the centre-west of the island, rising to Mount Olympos (about 1,952 m), the highest point in Cyprus. In summer it is the island’s escape from the heat, with shaded nature trails and waterfalls; in winter the top can be covered in snow, and there is a small ski area. Scattered through the valleys are stone villages, monasteries and small timber-roofed churches.
Ten of those painted churches are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes — among them Panagia tis Asinou, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis near Kakopetria and the churches of Pedoulas and Galata. Add Kykkos Monastery, the wine villages around Omodos, and the lace-making village of Lefkara on the eastern foothills, and the mountains easily deserve two or three days.
Highlights
- The painted churches — UNESCO-listed frescoes in modest barn-roofed chapels.
- Kykkos Monastery — the island’s richest monastery, glittering with mosaics, high in the forest.
- Mount Olympos — trails through black pine near the summit, and winter snow.
- Caledonia and Millomeris waterfalls — shady walks near Platres.
- Omodos and the wine villages — a monastery square, wineries and tastings.
- Lefkara — a hill village famous for its embroidered lace and silverwork.
Quick facts
| Where | Centre-west of the island (Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos districts) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Airport | Paphos or Larnaca, about 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min to Platres |
| Ideal stay | 2–3 nights |
| Best for | Hiking, Byzantine art, villages, wine, cool summer air |
| Getting around | Car strongly recommended; tours from the coast |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
You can see a slice of the Troodos on a day trip from Limassol or Paphos, but two or three nights lets you take in the churches, the waterfalls and a summit walk without spending all day driving. Platres is the classic mountain resort with hotels and restaurants; Kakopetria has a beautiful old quarter and is close to several painted churches; Omodos suits wine lovers. Many visitors visit Lefkara separately on the way between Limassol and Larnaca.
