The green, mountainous spine of Cyprus — home to the island's highest peak, ten UNESCO-listed frescoed churches, waterfalls and hill villages where the air turns cool.
Rising to 1,952 metres at Mount Olympus (Chionistra), the Troodos massif is the green heart of Cyprus. Its forests of pine and cedar, its rivers and its altitude make it a refreshing escape from the summer heat — and in winter, the island's only ski slopes open here.
During the Byzantine era these remote valleys became a refuge for art and religion. Ten small painted churches and monasteries, hidden in the hills, preserve some of the finest Byzantine frescoes in the eastern Mediterranean and are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today the mountains mix nature and tradition: forest nature trails and waterfalls, the cool resort village of Platres, the great monastery of Kykkos, and dozens of stone villages where you can taste mountain trout, loukoumia and local wine.
Cyprus' highest peak, with nature trails in summer and modest ski runs in winter, plus far-reaching views across the island.
Ten small frescoed churches such as Asinou and Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis hold centuries of Byzantine wall paintings.
Two of the island's prettiest waterfalls, reached by shaded forest trails near Platres.
Cool hill resorts with old hotels, cafés and the starting points for several walking trails.
Well-marked paths like the Atalanti and Artemis trails loop through pine forest with panoramic viewpoints.
Villages such as Kakopetria, Pedoulas and Moutoullas offer trout tavernas, cherry orchards and rosewater traditions.
Summer for cool air and hiking; spring for wildflowers and full waterfalls; winter for snow and skiing on Olympus.
A full day from the coast; two days if you want to combine churches, Kykkos and several villages.
A light layer even in summer — it's noticeably cooler at altitude — plus walking shoes for the trails.
Mountain roads are winding and narrow; allow extra time and let an experienced local driver handle the bends.
The Platres/Troodos area is about 1 hour (≈ 55–70 km) north of Limassol on climbing mountain roads.
Troodos is the classic Cyprus day trip, but the winding roads can be tiring to drive. We design a route to match your mood — waterfalls and villages, painted churches, or a run up to Kykkos — and you simply enjoy the scenery from the back seat.
Troodos is famous for Mount Olympus (the island's highest peak), ten UNESCO-listed Byzantine painted churches, forest trails and waterfalls, cool mountain villages, and winter skiing.
Yes — modest ski runs operate on Mount Olympus in Troodos during the winter months, usually from around January to March, snow permitting.
The main Platres and Troodos resort area is about an hour from Limassol, roughly 55–70 km on winding but scenic mountain roads.
Skip the rental car, parking and maps. Travel with a local driver who knows every road in Cyprus — comfortable, safe and at your own pace, 24/7.
Fixed prices, a local driver and no hire car to worry about. See Taxi from Limassol to Troodos, or browse all our routes and prices.