If you’ve spent a few days on the coast, heading into the Troodos Mountains is a great way to see a completely different side of Cyprus.
The scenery changes quickly. The roads wind through pine forests. Traditional villages appear around the bends. You’ll find old churches, small tavernas, wineries, waterfalls and some beautiful viewpoints.
And in winter, you might even see snow. The Troodos Mountains are one of the places we love visiting when we want to escape the heat and discover something a little different.
You don’t need a complicated itinerary. Pick a village. Find a taverna. Take a walk. Stop for a view. Enjoy the journey.
The best things to do in the Troodos Mountains include exploring traditional villages, walking through pine forests, visiting waterfalls and Byzantine churches, tasting local food and wine, and taking scenic drives through the mountains. Troodos is also a popular escape from the hotter coastal areas of Cyprus, particularly during summer.
During the hottest part of the Cyprus summer, the mountains can be a welcome escape from the coast.
The higher you go, the cooler the temperatures can become.
So if you’re staying in Paphos, Limassol or another coastal area, a day in Troodos can make an excellent change of scenery.
Take a light jacket with you anyway.
Mountain weather can change.
One of the best things about visiting Troodos is exploring the villages.
Don’t rush from one to the next. Park the car. Walk around. Find a little coffee shop or taverna. Have lunch. Look at the architecture. Talk to the locals.
Villages such as Omodos, Platres and Kakopetria are popular places to start exploring, but there are plenty of smaller communities to discover too.
Check out any museums or rural life centres.
The Troodos Mountains are home to some of the most fascinating churches and monasteries in Cyprus.
Many are tucked away among the villages and forests, so you could easily drive past without realising what is there.
These aren’t simply places of worship. They are part of the island’s history and culture. Some date back hundreds of years and contain remarkable Byzantine and post-Byzantine paintings, icons and woodwork. Ten of the painted churches in the Troodos region are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making them particularly important examples of Cyprus’s religious and artistic heritage.
Among the places worth exploring are:
You don’t need to visit them all. Choose one or two that fit naturally into your route and take your time.
Remember that these are active religious sites, so dress respectfully and check whether photography is permitted before taking pictures.
For us, exploring the churches and monasteries is one of the best ways to understand the history and traditions of the Troodos Mountains.
Winter gives Troodos a completely different personality.
The higher areas can receive snowfall, while the villages and forests take on a much more wintery feel. If you’re lucky enough to visit when there is snow, it can be quite a surreal experience.
One day you’re sitting beside the Mediterranean. The next you’re looking at snow-covered mountains.
That’s Cyprus.
There are plenty of ways to spend a day or two in the mountains.
The pine forests provide a welcome change from the dry coastal landscape, particularly during the hotter months.
Wander through narrow streets, admire traditional stone buildings and stop for a coffee or lunch.
The villages around the Troodos region are closely associated with Cyprus’s wine-making tradition.
There are several waterfalls and natural areas to discover, particularly around the forested parts of the mountains. The waterfalls are at their most spectacular in spring after the winter rains.
There are walking trails for different abilities, ranging from relatively easy walks to more challenging mountain routes.
The Troodos region is home to historic churches, several of which are recognised for their cultural and religious importance.
Yes, Cyprus gets snow.
During the winter, the higher parts of Troodos can look completely different from the sunny coastline.
A car is one of the best ways to explore the mountains.
The roads take you through forests, villages and some beautiful scenery. But don’t treat the journey as simply getting from A to B.
Stop. Take photographs. Find a viewpoint. Have coffee. Explore somewhere that looks interesting.
Just remember that mountain roads can be narrow and winding, and journeys often take longer than they appear on a map. We once decided to take the forest route back to our hotel thinking it would take an hour and 2 and a half later we arrived back!
Absolutely. The Troodos Mountains offer a completely different experience from the Cyprus coast, with forests, villages, wineries, waterfalls, historic churches and mountain scenery.
The journey depends on which part of the Troodos Mountains you are visiting. The mountain roads can be winding, so allow more time than the distance on a map might suggest.
Yes. Troodos is accessible from Limassol and makes a popular day trip. Having a car gives you more freedom to explore villages and scenic areas along the way.
Yes. Summer can be an excellent time to visit because the mountains are generally cooler than the coast. It can be a welcome escape from the hottest weather.
In fact many Cypriot families have summer houses in the villages and spend August away from the humidity.
Yes. Snow can occur in the higher parts of the Troodos Mountains during winter, particularly around Mount Olympus and the ski area.
Anytime between December and March there can be snow flurries. When the snow reaches 50cm or more the fun begins.
Omodos, Platres and Kakopetria are among the better-known villages, but there are many smaller communities worth exploring throughout the mountains.
A car is highly recommended if you want to explore several villages, scenic roads and attractions. Public transport options are more limited so if you do not want to hire a car search out a guided trip.
