Troodos Mountains Holidays 2026/2027

Troodos Mountains

"An unspoiled jewel that is located in the very heart of the country, offering spectacular natural sites, awe-inspiring views and a rich local culture. " The Troodos Mountain region is ideal for anyone who wants an activity focussed holiday, which combines rustic villages, awe-inspiring scenery, imposing mountains and sweeping valleys. They combine stunning natural sites, which include Chionistra, the highest point in the entire island; cascading waterfalls like Caledonia and Millomeris ; sweeping valleys; neat vineyards and olive groves and dense forests. It is also home to a wide-variety of different indigenous species, including majestic eagles and wild sheep.

Rich in history, thanks to its religious dissent, during the periods that Cyprus was ruled by other countries, it features a myriad of fascinating churches hidden within the area. It is also an excellent place to explore local produce, owing to its rich agrarian tradition, which is especially focused on producing wine, olive oil and Zivania, a spirit popular in Cyprus. All of this makes Troodos perfect for anyone who wants to blend breath-taking nature, with activity and exploration during their holiday.

InFocus

Location

Troodos is a majestic mountain range that extends across the centre of Cyprus, reaching up to 1952 metres at Chionistra, the highest point of Mount Olympus. Vineyards and olive groves cover some of the lower slopes, and especially at higher elevations, there is a significant amount of natural woodland.

It was designated a national park in 1992 and is home to over 750 different species of plants, the well-known Bonelli’s eagle, and the iconic Cypriot mouflon (a type of wild sheep).

The most popular holiday resort in the area is Platres, approximately 30 km from Limassol, and it is somewhat less remote than many other villages. The nearest airport to Platres is Paphos, about 61.5 km away.

Weather

The weather in Troodos varies significantly from that of the rest of the island. In July and August, when temperatures are at their highest, midday averages can reach 28°C, whereas in the coldest months of January and February, daytime temperatures hover around just 6°C-7°C.

Night temperatures also differ markedly from daytime readings, by approximately 5°C-6°C in winter and about 10°C in summer. December experiences the most rainfall, with 170 mm of precipitation. During winter, some areas of the Troodos mountain range will be covered with snow.

History & Culture

The highest point of the Troodos mountain range is Mount Olympus, also known as Khionistra. The Troodos Massif is composed of eroded igneous rock and is covered with a variety of trees, including pines, cypress, dwarf oak, and cedar. The mountains gradually emerged from the sea as a result of the collision between the African and European tectonic plates, which ultimately led to the formation of the island of Cyprus.

Historically, the Troodos mountains were known for their mines, and during the Byzantine era, the region became an important centre for art, churches, and monasteries. Copper mining has been ongoing since Roman times, with chrome and asbestos also being extracted.

Today, the mountains are home to RAF Troodos, a listening post for the NSA and GCHQ. Some of the most well-known villages in the Troodos range include Platres, Kakopetria, Fykardou, Kalopanayiotis, Pano Panagia (the birthplace of Archbishop Makarios), Pedoulas, and Prodromos, the highest village in Troodos at 1,390 meters.

The Troodos mountain range is also famous for its waterfalls, which are a popular destination for exploration. There are four main waterfalls: Chantara Falls, Caledonia Waterfalls, Millomeri Falls, and Mesa Potamos Waterfall.

Tours & Attractions

Explore the beautifully painted rural churches in the Troodos Mountain range, situated on the northern slopes, within villages or wooded areas. Admire their exterior stone walls and decorated frescoes that reveal past beliefs and traditions. Ten are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Major sites include Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis in Kakopetria, Agios Ioannis Lampadistis in Kalopanayiotis, Asinou in Nikitari, Moutoullas, Archangelos Michaelis in Pedoulas, and Timios Stavros in Pelendri.

The Troodos Geopark Visitor Centre, opened in 2015 in a converted school, offers a 15-minute geology presentation and displays on Cyprus’s geology and ecology. The Monastery of Kykkos in Marathasa Valley, the wealthiest and grandest on the island, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, produces Zivania spirit, and hosts religious fairs on 15 August and 8 September.