Cyprus - Walking Trails

Kaledonia Trail

This is a fairly gentle amble in the woods, from the Presidential Forest Lodge (where Cypriot presidents come to cool off and think things over) to the famous waterfall in its wooded ravine.  Following the course of the aptly named Kryos Potamos ("Cold River" which never dries up and is perfect for cooling hot feet, look out for birds, butterflies and abundant wild flowers in spring and early summer. Expect to complete the walk in less than two hours at an easy pace.

Atalanti Trail

A breathtaking panorama rewards walkers on this circular trail, which passes through forests of black pine and centuries-old juniper on its way around the slopes of Mount Olympus, the highest summit of the Troodos massif. Starting and finishing in the square at the centre of the Troodos Resort, the 12-km (75-mile) walk takes around five hours.

Artemis Trail

In spring and autumn, crocuses, cyclamen and anemones greet walkers on this high trail, which starts from the Chionistra-Troodos and Troodos-Prodromos road junction and ends in the centre of Troodos village, Look out for the ruins of a 16th-century fort where a handful of Venetians made a gallant last stand against the Ottoman invaders in 1571. This 8-km (5-mile) walk should take less than three hours.

Persephone Trail

For those who want to work up an appetite before dinner or burn off calories after lunch, this brisk stroll is ideal. Start just south of Troodos Square in Troodos Resort and walk through lush woods to the Makria Kondarka viewpoint, 1,700 m (5,575 ft) above sea level. The farmlands of the Limassol plain spread out below you.

Lefkara CircularTrail

Lefkara, with its old stone cottages, is seen at its best from above. This uphill short stroll - only 3 km (2 miles) and about 90 minutes there and back - leads from the village's main street to the hilltop chapel of Metamorfosis tou Sotiros.

Gerakies Trail

This short walk, starting outside Gerakies, covers 3.5 km (2.5 miles) with fine views of the lush Marathas Valley and the Pafos Forest.