Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains are Cyprus's cool, forested interior: Mount Olympus, the UNESCO-listed painted churches, the hilltop Kykkos Monastery and stone wine villages.
Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains are Cyprus's cool, forested interior: Mount Olympus, the UNESCO-listed painted churches, the hilltop Kykkos Monastery and stone wine villages.
The Troodos Mountains form the forested central massif of Cyprus, a cool, pine-clad upland that contrasts sharply with the hot coast. Topped by Mount Olympus (Chionistra) at 1,952 metres, the highest point on the island, the range holds Byzantine churches, monasteries, stone villages and walking trails. In winter the upper slopes see enough snow for a small ski area; in summer they offer a cool retreat from the beaches.
The cultural highlight is a group of painted churches inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 (now ten in total, the last added in 2001), whose interiors are covered with detailed Byzantine and post-Byzantine murals. The grand Kykkos Monastery, founded in the 11th century and richly decorated, sits high on the western slopes. Mount Olympus itself can be reached by road, with a nature trail looping near the summit.
What to do
- Visit several of the UNESCO painted churches scattered through the hill villages.
- Tour the hilltop Kykkos Monastery and its museum of icons and treasures.
- Drive or walk to Mount Olympus, the island's highest summit.
- Stroll the cobbled wine village of Omodos and stop at a family winery.
Resort and base villages such as Pano Platres and Troodos square sit high in the range, with tavernas, trails and waterfalls nearby. Lower down, wine villages on the southern slopes, including Omodos, produce local reds and the sweet Commandaria. The mountains reward a slow drive, with frequent stops for churches, viewpoints and food.
The Troodos make an easy day trip or overnight from the coast, climbing inland from Limassol and Paphos and reachable from the capital Nicosia. Bring a layer even in summer, as the air is noticeably cooler at altitude.
Practical information
Photo gallery
Top attractions
Kykkos Monastery
Mount Olympus (Chionistra)
Omodos Village
Kakopetria
Caledonia Waterfalls (Kalidonia)
Activities & experiences
Parks & nature
Where to eat
Where to stay
Linos Inn
★★★A complex of restored traditional stone houses in Kakopetria's old village, run as an agrotourism property with a restaurant and traditionally furnished rooms.
Petit Palais Platres Boutique Hotel
★★A small boutique hotel in Pano Platres with forest views, a sauna, and its own restaurant, consistently one of the highest-rated stays in the village.
Troodos Mountains questions
What are the painted churches of Troodos?
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The painted churches are a group of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches and monasteries in the Troodos region, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985; the listing now covers ten churches, the last added in 2001. Their interiors are covered with detailed murals spanning several centuries. They are scattered across the hill villages, so a self-drive route lets you see several in a day.
How high is Mount Olympus in Cyprus?
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Mount Olympus, also called Chionistra, reaches 1,952 metres and is the highest point in Cyprus. It sits in the Troodos range and can be reached by road, with a nature trail looping near the summit. In winter its upper slopes hold enough snow for a small ski area.
Is Kykkos Monastery worth visiting?
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Yes. Kykkos Monastery, founded in the 11th century, is one of the wealthiest and most richly decorated monasteries in Cyprus, set high on the western Troodos slopes. Its church glitters with gold mosaics and icons, and it has a museum of treasures. The mountain drive to reach it is part of the appeal.
Can you visit Troodos as a day trip?
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Yes. The Troodos Mountains climb inland from Limassol and Paphos and are reachable from Nicosia, so a day trip works well. A self-drive loop can combine a painted church or two, a wine village such as Omodos, and a viewpoint or short trail. An overnight in a hill village lets you slow the pace.
What should I pack for the Troodos?
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Bring a warm layer even in summer, as the air is noticeably cooler at altitude than on the coast, and sturdy shoes for the church visits and trails. In winter the upper slopes can have snow and the roads can be icy, so check conditions before driving up.
How many days do you need in the Troodos Mountains?
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A single day trip covers Kykkos Monastery or a waterfall walk, but two days let you sleep in a village, see several painted churches and hike a trail without rushing. Wine lovers often add a third day for the Commandaria villages on the southern slopes.
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