The Troodos Mountains
A day in the Troodos Mountains, breathing the invigorating fresh air and admiring the excellent views of the island from a height of several thousand feet is an exhilarating experience and a great contrast to the coast and plains of the rest of Cyprus.
The dry cool climate is perfect for visiting Byzantine Monasteries driving through pine forests or simply exploring the enchanting villages. In winter the higher slopes are used for skiing.
The largest village is Platres with an almost alpine like air and retains a friendly old fashioned atmosphere. On the northern slopes is Kakopetria with its charming village square that overlooks thousands of apple trees in the Solea Valley. This is a spectacular sight when the trees are in blossom .Both villages serve delicious fresh trout that is farmed in the area.
The mountain roads meander through delightfully peaceful villages where laden donkeys are still a form of transport. Each village has a cottage industry, a special crop or craft for which it is well known. .
Pedhoulas Village is the main cherry producer .Moutoullas bottles mineral water from its own spring and also specializes in carved wooden bowls. Kalopanayiotis has a dam stocked with fish fr9m the fish farm and its own sulphur springs. Prodromos is the second highest village on the island and claims to grow the .best apples and on the southern slopes are the picturesque wine producing villages known as ' Krasohoria whose grapes are used in many the Cyprus wines
Mount Olympus is the highest point on the island at 1951 metres. Views are so panoramic that the sea can be seen on a clear day. Below is the resort of Troodos which has a campsite, a youth hostel and several small hotels.
Kykko the largest monastery in Cyprus contains a golden icon of The Virgin Mary claimed to have been painted by St, Luke. Above the monastery is "Throni tis Panayis" ,the tomb of the late Archbishop Makarios in a glorious setting of tall pine trees.
Further west is the majestic Cedar Valley.
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