Troodos - The Scenic Routes    

One of the lovely things about Troodos is that it’s not just the mountain range, with it’s imposing peak of Mount Olympus that is so attractive; the little villages and areas nestled quite comfortably in the folds of the mountains offer a lot for you to see, even if it’s just to stop for a meal of mouthwatering freshwater trout which is fished from the many regional streams.

Take a drive through the Pitsyla area, on the eastern slopes and take in the vineyards, almond and hazelnut orchards and the dazzling array of wild flowers.

If you’re passing through Spilia, visit the Eliomylos – the olive press – which is housed in old single-roomed stone building with a pitched roof. The press itself dates back to the nineteenth century, and along with the olive mill with its stones, has been very well preserved and repaired by the Department of Antiquities.

If you enjoy quaint little villages then take your time going through the Solea Valley, which not only produces some of the best apples in Cyprus, but is also home to Kakopetria and Galata. These villages have kept the look and feel of the old mountain villages while still managing to move with the times. Kakopetria especially is very popular as a holiday resort with the locals, while also offering a glimpse into the past with the old part of the village a protected area and the restoration of traditional houses.

If you like the smell of cherry blossoms, then visit the Marathasa Valley in the spring time. The main supplier of the fat, juice cherries complemeting every meal in their season, this region also offers you a different route up to Troodos. On the north side of the mountains, you’ll drive through pretty villages like Pedoulas and Prodromos. You can also find the Kykkos Monastery from this road.

One of the most important monasteries in Cyprus is found in the Troodos region and even if you are not the religious type, it’s worth taking some time out just to be inspired. The Kykkos Monastery is without a doubt one of the most famous and respected in Cyprus; it was founded in 1100 and houses one of the three surviving icons painted by Saint Luke. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, visitors can enjoy the religious fairs held on the fifteenth of August (Mary’s feast day), while Archbishop Makarios, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus is buried just three kilometers away from the monastery, where he served as a novice.