Just an hour’s drive from Nicosia, the sweltering heat of the capital gives way to a completely different world. As the road climbs into the Troodos Mountains, temperatures drop, pine forests replace concrete, and the air turns crisp and clean. By the time you arrive in one of the mountain villages, it can feel as though you have crossed borders rather than altitude—stone houses, sloping roofs, and quiet village squares evoke the atmosphere of a small Alpine town.
In the height of a Cypriot summer, the contrast is so striking that it is easy to forget you are still on the same Mediterranean island, and not in a mountain village in Switzerland.
Nestled beneath the slopes of Mount Olympus, Troodos Square is the mountain region’s meeting point — a cool-air crossroads where locals, cyclists, and tourists pause for coffee and mountain honey before venturing deeper into the forested trails.
The villages
Each mountain village has its own distinct charm:
- Kakopetria: Kakopetria, set along the banks of two converging rivers, is defined by its preserved old quarter of stone houses, narrow lanes, and wooden balconies. The village conveys an immediacy of lived history, where vernacular architecture and everyday rhythms remain largely intact.
- Kalopanayiotis: Built amphitheatrically along the Marathasa Valley, Kalopanayiotis is a beautifully restored spa village known for its stone bridges, mineral springs, and the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Saint John Lampadistis.
- Pedoulas: Perched high in the Marathasa Valley, Pedoulas charms visitors with cherry orchards, crisp air, and sweeping views across pine-covered slopes. Pedoulas is closely associated with its UNESCO-listed Byzantine church, while maintaining a quiet, agricultural character.
- Prodromos, Cyprus’s highest village, sits amid orchards and evergreens, offering panoramic views and a real taste of mountain life.
- Platres: Once a fashionable hill station during the colonial period, it retains an understated elegance, with forest trails, waterfalls, and remnants of its early tourism infrastructure. The village continues to function as a gateway to the Troodos range.
- Omodos, a beautifully preserved wine village, centres on its cobbled square and the Monastery of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros), surrounded by wineries and cafés serving Commandaria and homemade soutzoukos (grape sweets).
- Fini is quieter, known for its pottery, fruit trees, and authentic rural feel — a true hidden gem for those seeking peace and tradition.
What to do
- Hiking & nature: Follow the Caledonia or Millomeris Waterfall trails, or hike through the Troodos National Forest Park to experience the island’s wild beauty.
- Monasteries & Culture: Visit the Kykkos Monastery, famed for its mosaics and treasures, or explore UNESCO-listed painted churches hidden across the region.
- Wineries & local food: Sample wines at family-run vineyards, taste loukoumia, or linger over trout, stewed rabbit, and village meze in a stone taverna.
- Winter Charm: In colder months, Troodos even offers skiing on Mount Olympus — a novelty few Mediterranean islands can claim.
When to go
Troodos is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls; summer offers cool refuge from coastal heat; autumn glows with vineyards and chestnut festivals; and winter means snow-dusted peaks and roaring fires.
Why go
In Troodos, Cyprus slows down — revealing its heart through mountain air, monastery bells, and the timeless welcome of its villages. It’s the island’s most authentic escape, where nature and tradition still live side by side.
To explore more:
Essential tips, customs, and useful words for Cyprus visitors
Paphos: Where myth, history and the sea meet
Aphrodite’s Rock: The heart of Cyprus’ coastal magic
Nicosia: Inside Europe’s last divided capital
From flamingos to Finikoudes: Fall in love with Larnaca
Limassol: The Mediterranean city that has it all
Protaras – Cyprus’s family-friendly coastal gem
Ayia Napa: Cyprus’s sun-drenched blend of buzz and beauty
Best beaches in Cyprus – From golden sands to hidden coves
Omodos: A timeless mountain village in the heart of Cyprus
Unearthing Cyprus: Walking through 10,000 years of history
UNESCO world heritage sites in Cyprus: What to see, why they matter, and how to visit
A guide to Nicosia’s modern retail landscape
Traditional Cypriot dishes: A guide to the most popular foods in Cyprus
What is the best time to visit Cyprus?
Moving to Cyprus: A guide to the pros and cons
Where to live in Cyprus? A guide to each major city (pros & cons)
Understanding Cyprus’ time zone and how it compares with Europe, the UK, and the US
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