As a Cyprus tour operator who’s spent months exploring these mountain villages, I’ve discovered a world far removed from the island’s busy beach resorts. While designing experiences that take visitors beyond the typical coastal routes, I’ve fallen in love with the cool mountain air, the rhythm of village life, and the warm hospitality of the highland tavernas. Let me share my insider’s guide to the Troodos Mountains.
The Troodos Mountains form the geological heart of Cyprus, rising from sea level to Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters. The region is characterized by:
The Troodos Mountains are surprisingly easy to reach. Here’s how to get there:
🚗 Best Way to Explore: Renting a car is highly recommended, as it allows for greater flexibility and access to remote areas. Mountain roads are well-maintained, but some routes can be steep and winding. If you’re not comfortable driving, guided tours are a great alternative.
🚌 Public Transport: Although public transport to the Troodos Mountains is limited, there are some options:
If you rely on public transport, plan ahead as schedules can be irregular, especially on weekends.
Each season in the Troodos offers distinct experiences:
The monasteries and churches of the Troodos Mountains are a special experience. In some, like Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, you’ll find a custodian and a small religious shop. For the smaller churches, you need to check their opening days and hours.
If you find a church locked, go find the keeper of the key! Ask at the local kafeinon or taverna. Take the key and return it when you’ve locked the church up at the end of your visit.
Photography is not allowed as it fades these astonishing 12th-century frescoes.
Here are all ten churches you can visit:
The Troodos Mountains offer a network of marked trails that connect ancient monuments, mountain villages, and historic trade routes.
These paths showcase both natural beauty and cultural heritage as they wind through Cyprus’s highest peaks. In addition to the three most popular trail routes, some paths cross the old Venetian bridges.
There are 3 key trails to explore:
The Venetian Bridges Trail links several medieval bridges that once formed part of the mountain trading network:
Troodos Geopark Visitor Centre – https://www.troodosgeopark.com/
Platres Tourist Information Office – https://www.visitcyprus.com/about-us/cyprus/troodos/tourist-information-office-platres/
For more details on Troodos traditional villages, you can read our article about the 10 best agrotourism villages, listen to our podcast episode, or read the transcript.
Here are the main 5 villages of the Troodos Mountains:
The village features Palia Kakopetria (Old Kakopetria) with its traditional architecture, the 16th-century Church of Agios Nikolaos (Church of Saint Nicholas of the Roof), and the Eliomylos Museum.
The village centers around the Timios Stavros (Holy Cross Church).
Two wineries operate here: Oenou Yi and Ktima Gerolemo.
The village sits across the river from the UNESCO-listed Saint John Lampadistis Monastery and a Venetian Bridge, but there are several other historic sites here.
The village is set in the Marathasa valley, and there is a newly-built and impressive winery on a ridge overlooking the village.
The Artemis Nature Trail, a 7km loop, starts from here. Mount Olympus, Cyprus’s highest peak, and the Troodos National Forest Park are nearby.
Platres provides access to Millomeris and Mesa Potamos waterfalls. The village retains its traditional architecture, and walking trails leave from the village.
There are chocolate-making and other foodie experiences to be found here.
Casale Panayiotis (Kalopanayiotis) – A 5-star luxury boutique hotel nestled in the historic village of Kalopanayiotis. This restored complex of traditional houses offers spa treatments, fine dining, and stunning mountain views.
Here you’ll find the monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistra and the Marathasa Winery owned by Casale Panayiotis.
The Mill Hotel (Kakopetria) – Set in a restored old mill, this 3-star hotel provides a peaceful riverside retreat with wooden interiors, a cozy atmosphere, and an excellent restaurant.
Petit Palais Platres (Platres) – I have never understood why this charming boutique hotel in Platres is classified as a 2-star hotel, because it’s better than many 3-star hotels. Petit Palais, blends historic elegance with modern comfort and is located in the heart of the village.
Troodos Hotel (Troodos Square) – Perfectly situated in Troodos Square, this 3-star hotel is great for those exploring hiking trails, Mount Olympus, and nearby attractions. It offers budget-friendly, comfortable rooms in the heart of the mountains.
Tip: Book early, especially during peak seasons, as accommodations in the Troodos Mountains can fill up quickly! Mountain accommodations sell out months in advance for weekends and Christmas.
Emergency services – fire, police, ambulance: 112
See the numbers for Troodos visitor centers above
Main medical facilities in the Troodos Mountains: Troodos Hospital – 25806700
Cyprus Ski Centre – 22449837
The Troodos Mountains are about beauty and walking trails and offer a fantastic culinary experience. From traditional tavernas to 5-star fine dining, here are some of the best places to eat, and my favorites:
The Mill, Kakopetria – One of the most renowned restaurants in the Troodos region, The Mill serves authentic Cypriot and Mediterranean dishes in a warm, rustic setting. Their wild boar stew and grilled halloumi are must-tries.
Casale Panayiotis Restaurants, Kalopanayiotis – This luxury mountain retreat has several highly-rated restaurants, including:
Platanos Tavern, Platres – A classic mountain taverna known for its lamb kleftiko and slow-cooked stifado, set in a charming stone house.
Taverna Takis, Agros – A family-run gem serving home-style Cypriot meze, including afelia (pork in red wine) and fresh village salads.
Symposio Tavern, Pelendri – A cozy spot specializing in mountain-inspired dishes and local wines, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Tip: Many of these restaurants offer local wines and homemade desserts, so don’t miss out on a full Cypriot dining experience!
The Troodos Mountains are Cyprus’ best-kept secret—a place where nature, history, and culture collide. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, spotting rare wildlife, exploring Venetian bridges, sipping wine in a medieval village, indulging in hands-on food workshops, or discovering ancient monasteries, this region offers a completely different side of Cyprus.
Ready to explore the Troodos Mountains with expert guides? Our Cyprus tours take you through the heart of the Troodos region, uncovering its hidden gems, landscapes, and cultural heritage.
Join one of our curated Cyprus tours and experience the Troodos firsthand! See all Cyprus Tours here
Don’t just visit Cyprus—immerse yourself in its mountain culture!
