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Ideal escape from the heat of summer, Semiramis hotel, Living

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Platres is the ideal place to cool down during summer

An ideal escape from the sweltering heat of the summer is visit to the mountainous village of Platres in Troodos.

On the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains and 1,200 metres above sea level, Platres offers a cooler climate during the blistering summer months. During the summer, the temperature averages at about 28 degrees with little or no humidity and a cooling breeze. The temperature drops during the evening so you might even need a warm piece of clothing.

The Semiramis Hotel in Pano Platres is the ideal place to stay for a mountain and forest escape. This family-run hotel is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and excellent value for money. A night sleeping with the shutters thrown back to let in the clear mountain air will leave you waking up refreshed and relaxed.

The ten roomed facility is basic but comfortable and a selection of double and twin rooms with en suite bathrooms are available. Some have a small balcony and others a large spa bath.

A room and breakfast will set you back €50 during the summer. The owners are warm and friendly, making guests feel like part of the family. The Semiramis offers a true sense of Cypriot hospitality often equated with years gone by.

The rooms are adequate, each complete with a TV and shuttered windows. Although the hotel has been refurbished, it is built in a traditional mountain style, which is rather grand. 

Obviously Platres is not the place to visit if you’re in search of bustling nightlife, but if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, to get in touch with nature or a break from city life, this mountainous retreat is the place to go.

After checking in and sipping coffee on the terrace, a walk up to the stunning Caledonia Falls is a good choice. The obvious place to start your walk to Caledonia Falls is from the Psilo Dendro trout farm. Make sure you take sturdy footwear, a bottle of water and a camera.

Although the trail is only about 3km long, it feels longer, as much of the way crosses back and forth across the river, meaning you have to negotiate a few rocks on the way.

Don’t’ be fooled when you finally hear the rush of water and spot a water fall, this is only the bottom part; the best views are further up.

The second part of the trail is steeper and a number of wooden walk ways have been created to help ramblers across deeper parts of the river. The water is crystal clear and icy cold even in summer.

A good place to refuel after walking back down the trail is the Anoi restaurant.

Situated in Pano Platres, this family-run restaurant serves well priced Cypriot cuisine. During the summer months two decked seating areas are an ideal place to enjoy an evening meal. Fresh fish is served to perfection, as are the meat dishes. Anoi is also open for lunch. A ten minute walk back to the Semiramis aided digestion and gave another chance to breathe in the cleaner mountain air.

While in Platres it would be a shame not to pop into Cyprus Naturals, a store selling all natural items from Cyprus, Greece and Crete. From individually packed herbs, teas and infusions to hand made soap, hand and body creams, nuts and alcohol, this is the place to go to purchase gifts or a memento of your break. After spending many years working in the club and bar industry in Ayia Napa, the proprietor recently moved to Platres, his wife’s village, for a slower paced life. 

Semiramis hotel

Pano Platres, Tel: 25 422777, 99 767241, 99 296363, www.semiramishotel.com.cy

Anoi restaurant, Tel: 25 422900, 2523939

Cyprus Naturals, Tel: 99 459714