How to Plan a Trip to Cyprus’s Vine-Clad Troodos Mountains

Nature

This short article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

An island country in the Mediterranean’s eastern fringes, Cyprus sits at the crossway of 3 continents– a geographical position that’s exceptionally formed its history. Annexed by a limitless parade of empires– consisting of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans– in 1878, Cyprus ended up being a British protectorate. These last rulers picked the lofty, leafy Troodos Mountains as their summertime capital to get away the heat of the coast, and it’s still favoured by residents from spring to fall. Cyprus ended up being independent in 1960, however vestiges of its storied past are all over, from its ancestral grapes, mavro and xynisteri, to mural-washed churches concealed amongst the hills and turn-of-the-century estates left by long-gone grandees. The town of Platres, when a royal retreat, is a perfect base from which to check out the area. Short, picturesque drives result in towns where the old methods are still valued and regional, seasonal food is promoted. On the fringes of these neighborhoods are plentiful chances for exploring this extremely lovely surface on foot, with quickly accessible courses that expose its classic landscapes.

Nature Day 1: Scenery & Stargazing

Nature Early morning

Simply outside Platres, the & two-mile Caledonia Trail follows the course taken by a late 19th-century exploration celebration from Scotland, who were so struck by the surface’s similarity to home they provided it the nation’s Latin name. Start your journey in their steps at Psilo Dendro Trout Farm & Restaurant, rising along the banks of the Kryos Potamos River– sometimes trip-trapping over wood bridges and stepping stones– up until you reach the 12-metre-high Caledonia Waterfall.

Nature Afternoon

Park up on the borders of Vouni town, 9 miles south, then roam its peaceful patched alleys and standard wood-balconied homes, home to 200 individuals and numerous swallow and speedy nests. The friendly owner of Lenia’s Tavern on Timiou Prodromou is a mezze-master– sit at one of the vibrant outside tables to attempt meals like koupepia (packed vine leaves) and keftedes (meatballs). Later on, walk over to Plateia, among Cyprus’s most beautiful coffeeshops, developed in 1908. With its fresh white-and-blue outside and tree-shaded balcony, it’s an attractive location to see the world pass. Well worth checking out is the town of Pelendri, a half-hour drive north– home to the Church of the Holy Cross, one of 10 painted churches in the area acknowledged by Unesco. Simply outside the town, Tsiakkas Winery Provides trips and tastings, and has knockout views.

Nature Evening

Embed to fresh salads at Pelendri’s Symposio Tavernwhich grows a number of its own veggies in a little kitchen area garden. From here, it’s a 20-minute drive to the Troodos Observatory in Agradia, integrated in 2024 at an elevation of 1,250 metres to provide the clearest possible views for its astronomer-led stargazing experience. For a much better take a look at its spaceship-like architecture, think about checking out throughout daytime for a solar observation session.

Nature Day 2: Walks & & Wine

Nature Early morning

The initial Mount Olympus, mythological home of the gods, remains in mainland Greece– however Cyprus’s highest peak has the exact same name, and even simple mortals can deal with the five-mile walking around its top. Called after the goddess of nature, the Artemis Trail starts and ends in the parking area for the Cyprus Ski Club. In summer season, hikers can anticipate pinecones and needles crunching underfoot from the substantial forest cover; the periodic cuckoo call; and high-altitude views all the method to the coast.

Nature Afternoon

Having actually developed a cravings, drive half an hour north to Kalopanayiotis– home to pioneering neighborhood tourist job Casale PanayiotisDistressed by the depopulation and decrease of the town he had actually enjoyed considering that youth, John Papadouris purchased up empty homes, bring back and transforming them to produce a charmingly higgledy-piggledy 41-room hotel. It includes a number of coffee shops and dining establishments, consisting of unwinded Byzantino, with its screen-shaded balcony. The dining establishment majors in Cypriot flavours– from seasonal produce grown on website to grilled lamb cutlets with lemon and rosemary– all served with sweeping views along the Marathasa Valley. It’s a two-minute walk to the Monastery of St John Lampadistis, a complex of 3 stone churches developed around a patched yard. Inside are vibrant frescoes, some dating to the 13th century, plus appealing offerings left by pilgrims, such as wax designs of children and body parts. Hop back into the cars and truck for the 10-minute reach Marathasa Wineswhich has the appearance of a mid-century Bond bad guy’s burrow. Transparent cylinders use a window on the various phases of the production procedure: harvest, fermentation and bottling. Attempt a glass of ultra-light regional white xynisteri.

Nature Evening

In the beginning, it may not appear much to take a look at, once visitors come across Kakopetria’s old quarter, they succumb to it set. Its handful of narrow streets include a Greek Orthodox church with a bijou belfry, historical homes and vine-strewn pergolas– and its pavement coffee shops are popular for a sundowner. Come by wood-beamed Linos Inn for mezze starring Cypriot halloumi, served grilled to squeaky excellence. Later on, roam to the old watermill, beginning point for the 20-minute Vateris Nature Trail, which hugs the Karkotis River.

Nature Leading Five Local Makers

Nature Phini Pottery

This small town (likewise spelled Foini)is understood for its ornamental red clay ceramics– an art type that’s on Unesco’s Intangible Heritage List. Regional craftsmens have actually been making amphora, bowls and cups given that the Bronze Age, and the practice is preserved primarily by ladies mastorisses[(master potters). Giota Aristidou provides workshops in the studio she acquired from her grandmother.

Nature Vlassides Wine

Third-generation wine maker Sophocles Vlassides revitalised his household’s service in Koilani after training as an oenologist in California. His vineyard’s striking architecture– all tidy lines, concrete and glass– shows the modern, sustainable viticulture practiced within. Discover it on a trip, then sample a summery rosé or the oak-aged white alátes(‘wings ‘)while ignoring the vines.[19659031]Conventional Sweets

Elena Markantoni, called ‘Elena the Grape’, makes the Cypriot sweet soutzoukos at her little store in the drowsy town of Arsos. Almonds are threaded onto a string and after that consistently dipped into a barrel of palouzes (thickened grape juice)to develop long, candle-shaped deals with. Stop by the Willy Wonka-esque Ourania Delights in Phini for jelly-like cubes of loukoumiaextremely comparable to Turkish pleasure.

Nature Rose Cosmetics

Home to a yearly spring celebration honouring the flower, the town of Agros sits amongst the terraced hillsides where 90%of Cyprus’s fragrant damask roses grow. Developed in 1948 by the Tsolakis household, small factory Venus Rose Cosmetics invites those thinking about discovering more about the blossom’s anti-oxidant and antibacterial homes. See in May and it’s even possible to take part in the harvest.

Nature Platres’s Lavender Legacy

These aromatic purple flowers were much liked by Queen Victoria and grew throughout the British profession of Cyprus, when Platres was favoured as a royal retreat. Today, the town’s Cultural Centre provides a deep dive into this forgotten history, plus different totally free workshops– from lavender bag-making to decoupage– in an area that’s a caring tribute to a turn-of-the century British coffee shop.

Released in the October 2026 problem by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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