The Troodos Mountains and Akamas 8 Days
Highlights
- Walking in the Mountains of Cyprus
- Explore Sleepy Mountain Villages
- Visit Ancient Churches & Kykko Monastery
- Experience the Combination of Mountains and Coast
Overview
Cyprus is an island of natural beauty in a region with an abundance of ancient and modern civilisations and cultures. Its mineral wealth was well known in ancient times: the island gave its name to the element copper (Cu). Away from the cosmopolitan towns and beach resorts you will find large areas of natural, unspoilt countryside. Rugged, conifer-clad mountains, woodland, orchards and vineyards are interspersed with tranquil, timeless villages. The people extend a warm and friendly welcome and their hospitality will add greatly to the enjoyment of your tour. At lower altitude in mid to late March Cyprus comes into bloom with a profusion of exquisite, wild flowers.
This is gradually followed by the mountainous areas. The island’s position on one of the major migratory routes means that it becomes a stopover for many species of birds during their migrations, particularly in April and September / October. The Troodos Mountains cover much of the southern and western part of the country and this walk takes you from walking in the high mountains down to the coast, starting from an altitude of about 1100m. The walk takes you through a time worn landscape, with painted churches and Kykko Monastery, the largest monastery in Cyprus, dating all the way back to Byzantine days. The walk continues down to the Pafos area in the western part of the island.
- Day 1 - Arrive Cyprus
Transfer to Pedoulas in the heart of the Troodos Mountain Range. Accommodation: Pedoulas - Your first 3 nights accommodation is in a simple one star family-run hotel with about 20 rooms in the middle of this attractive village which has a 15th century World Heritage painted church. All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Meals: D
- Day 2 - Circular walk from Pedoulas - 16 km / 10 miles, 6 hours
You start with a circular walk from Pedoulas via Moutoulas and its 13th century World Heritage painted church, enjoying wonderful mountain scenery and some spectacular views.
Meals: B,D
- Day 3 - Pedoulas to Milikouri - 11 km / 6.9 miles,4 hours (or 19 km / 11.8 miles, 5.5 hours)
A short taxi transfer from Pedoulas to the start of your walk. You walk through the delightful Platy Valley to the village of Milikouri (with an option to extend the walk).You will be met at a set time and returned to Pedoulas.
Meals: B,D
- Day 4 - Pedoulas to Stavros tis Psokas - 15 km / 9.5 miles, 4.5 hours
Much of today's walk involves a long descent out of the mountains. The route passes through Stavros tis Psokas and up to Simou village from where you will be transferred to Kato Akourdaleia. Option to continue on foot to your hotel, for a further 6 km/3.7 miles, 2 hours. Accommodation: In the centre of this tiny village, set among orange groves, you stay in a traditional old building now converted into an attractive, family-run inn with 7 en-suite rooms. On occasion rooms in the nearby villa and in the village are used.
Meals: B,D
- Day 5 - Stavros tis Psokas to Kato Akourdaleia - 19 km / 11.8 miles, 5.5 hours
Much of today's walk involves a long descent out of the mountains. The route passes through Stavros tis Psokas and up to Simou village from where you will be transferred to Kato Akourdaleia. Option to continue on foot to your hotel, for a further 6 km/3.7 miles, 2 hours. Accommodation: In the centre of this tiny village, set among orange groves, you stay in a traditional old building now converted into an attractive, family-run inn with 7 en-suite rooms. On occasion rooms in the nearby villa and in the village are used.
Meals: B,D
- Day 6 - Kato Akourdaleia to Drouseia - 11 km / 6.9 miles, 4 hours
Today you regain some height as we reach the Laona Plateau and onto Drouseia. This small village has a population of 200. It is a typical Cypriot village with many old stone houses bearing traditional architecture of carved doors and windows of wood. The narrow, winding streets add to the character of the village along with the renovated village houses. There are two coffee shops that cater to the needs of the village, as well as two small supermarkets/kiosks and some good tavernas, normally open on weekends in winter. There is a small weaving museum and an open air theatre which hosts events during the summer months. The church of Agios Epifanios, is in the centre of the village and you can explore the ancient monastery of Agios Georgios Nikoxilitis on the eastern side. This monastery is thought to have been built in the 15th century and was rebuilt in 1923 after destruction by fire. From Drouseia you can see all the way across to the Troodos Mountains and, looking north you can see Chrysochou Bay, the town of Polis and Latchi harbour. Looking west, there are stunning views of the Akamas Peninsula with many huge landforms scattered in between. Accommodation: The Palates Hotel is a comfortable family run hotel. all rooms are ensuite.
Meals: B,D
- Day 7 - Drouseia to Agios Georgios tis Pegeias - 18 km /11.2 miles, 6 hours
Today you descend to the coast via the Kouphon Valley, with some rough trails in places, including the optional visit to the entrance of the spectacular Avakas Gorge. Entering the gorge itself as it narrows is now dangerous, mainly due to rockfall. Once more some good views and you'll get more of an appreciation of the rural nature of the island. Agios Georgios tis Pegeias situated about 400m from the coast, with a small fishing harbour and beach area. It is mainly an agricultural area with bananas and citrus, a taverna, two churches and the ruins of an early Christian basilica. It is locally claimed, that the sunset from Agios Georgios tis Pegeias is the most beautiful on the island. Perhaps the best place to be to view this spectacle is above the cliff next to the St. Georges Restaurant above the fishing harbour or on the coast itself. Accommodation: Agios Georgios tis Pegeias - A small family run one star hotel. All rooms are ensuite.
Meals: B,D
- Day 8 - Arrangements end after breakfast
After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to Pafos or Larnaka to catch your outbound flight.
Meals: B
- 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
- 7 nights accommodation in small hotels, a guesthouse and an inn on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
- Luggage transfer
- Arrival and departure transfer to Pafos airport. Arrival transfer from Larnaka airport.
- Lunches & Beverages
- Entrance fees.
- Travel insurance
- Transfer back to airport (if Larnaka airport)
- Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
- Unscheduled transfers required during the trip