Troödos Mountains

Home to Mt Olympus (1952m), the island’s highest peak, this stunning mountain range provides visitors with a forested flip side to the coastal resorts and big-city clamour. Overlooking the valleys of Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka and the greater Mesaoria plain, this region covers over 90 sq km and is a protected natural park which safeguards its wildlife, ecology and geology. In winter, skiers and snowboarders populate the ski resorts of the northern slopes, while at other times of the year the park is ideal for camping, picnicking, hiking, cycling and birdwatching.

In addition to the natural beauty of the landscape, the Troödos Mountains are home to a variety of postcard-pretty villages with cobbled streets, terraced slopes and vernacular architecture. The region’s peaks and valleys also hide some of the island’s most important medieval frescoed churches, along with unexpected monasteries, museums and some of the Republic’s finest wineries.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Troödos Mountains.

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Kykkos Monastery
The island’s most prosperous and opulent Orthodox monastery was founded in the 11th century by Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komninos after a bizarre series of events. Over the centuries, a series of fires all but destroyed the original monastery. The surviving building, an imposing and well-maintained structure, dates from 1831. The monastery is about 20km west of Pedoulas; try to visit early, as it can get busy from late morning onwards. Dress conservatively (though shawls and cover-up clothing are provided). The story behind the monastery started with a hermit called Esaias (Isaiah), who lived in a cave close to the site. One day in the forest, Esaias crossed paths with a hunter from Nicosia, Manouil Voutomytis, who was also the Byzantine governor of Cyprus. Voutomytis was lost and asked directions from the recluse, only to be ignored because of Esaias’ ascetic vows. The self-important hunter became outraged at what he perceived to be the hermit’s insolence, cursing at him and shoving him as a lesson. Upon returning to Nicosia, Voutomytis began to suffer incurable lethargy. He recalled how he had mistreated Esaias and set out to beg forgiveness, in the hope of restoring his failing health. Meanwhile, a vision from God appeared to Esaias, telling him to charge Voutomytis with the task of bringing an icon of the Virgin Mary from Constantinople to Cyprus. At the hermit’s request, and after much soul-searching, Voutomytis was eventually able to bring the icon to Cyprus. He convinced the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople, whose daughter suffered the same lethargic affliction, that she would be saved if they did what the hermit (and therefore God) had asked. The icon, said to be painted by St Luke, is one of only three that survive. For the last four centuries it has sat in a sealed, silver-encased box within the Kykkos Monastery.
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Archangelos Michail
Most people visit Pedoulas to see this extraordinary Unesco-listed church. Dating from 1474, the gable-roofed building sits in the lower part of the village. Its evocative and brightly coloured frescos, restored in 1980, show a move towards the naturalism of the post-Byzantine revival. The works are credited to an artist known only as Adamos, who, unusually for that time, signed his work. If it's not open, the key is held at the Byzantine Museum across the street. Also depicted are, of course, the Archangel Michael, looming above the faithful, as well as the denial of Christ, the sacrifice of Abraham, the Virgin and Christ, and a beautiful baptism scene where an unclothed Christ exits the River Jordan with fish swimming at his feet. Be sure not to mistake the looming white Church of the Holy Cross just up the road for this far more famous and historic church.
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Agios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery
This Unesco-listed site is a complex of three churches in one, dating from the 11th century and built over 400 years. Now under one huge pitched wooden roof, they represent some of the region's most wonderfully preserved churches. The monastery also houses an icon-filled Byzantine Museum. Get there by following the narrow, winding main street to the opposite side of the valley. Opening hours can fluctuate; you can generally find the priest (plus key) at the nearby coffee shop. The main domed Orthodox church exhibits colourful, intricate 13th-century frescos dedicated to Agios Irakleidios. These include depictions of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem on a donkey, with children climbing date trees to get a better look. Other frescos include the Raising of Lazarus, the Crucifixion and the Ascension, with vivid colour schemes suggesting artistic influence from Constantinople. The antechamber and Latin chapel have more frescos, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Those in the chapel are considered the most comprehensive series of Italo-Byzantine frescos in Cyprus. The scenes representing the Akathistos hymn (praising the Virgin Mary in 24 verses) are shown as 24 pictures, each carrying a letter of the Greek alphabet. The Arrival of the Magi depicts the Magi on horseback, wearing crusader armour and grandstanding red crescents (a Roman symbol for the Byzantines and later the Turks). Photographs of the iconography are not permitted. The original Orthodox church has a double nave, to which a narthex and Latin chapel were later added. The monastery's Byzantine Museum displays a collection of 15 icons discovered in 1998. Dating from the 16th century, the icons were hidden underground for many years by Orthodox priests escaping the invading Ottomans. The iconostasis is covered in carvings of local ferns found at the river in Kalopanayiotis, confirming its origins.
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Olive Mill of Paphitaina
In operation until 1955, this well-preserved olive-stone mill and wooden press are now housed in a traditional building in Spilia’s village centre. The mill, originally privately owned, was usually turned by a donkey, with the broken olives later being crushed by the presser. Olive oil was then extracted into tzares (clay urns). Eventually the mill was superseded by modern presses in nearby villages. You can obtain the key from the Friends of Spilia-Kourdali in the building next door.
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Byzantine Museum
This museum houses much of Kykkos Monastery 's fabulous wealth, including Byzantine and ecclesiastical artefacts. On the left when you enter is an antiquities display. In the large ecclesiastical gallery are early Christian, Byzantine and post-Byzantine vestments, vessels and jewels. A small circular room houses old manuscripts, documents and books, and a rich display of icons, wall paintings and carvings can be found in the larger circular chamber.
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Folk Art Museum
Near the village centre, this museum houses clothing, furniture and agricultural tools that provide a snapshot of the culture, customs and history of the Marathasa region. Housed in an attractive stone and timber house, it's a notch above many similar museums in these parts, with information in English as well as Greek.
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Pedoulas Byzantine Museum
The museum’s rich collection of 12th- to 15th-century icons come from six ancient Byzantine churches in the village and include the late-13th-century icon of the Virgin Vorinis. Many pieces have featured in exhibitions worldwide.
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Tomb of Archbishop Makarios III
The tomb of the first president of Cyprus is located on Throni Hill, 2km past Kykkos Monastery. Makarios was buried here at his request, close to the place where he served as an apprentice monk in 1926. The simple stone sepulchre is overlaid with black marble and covered by a round, stone-inlaid dome. A huge bronze statue of the archbishop, moved from Nicosia’s Archepiscopal Palace in 2008, now stands on the hill, adding to its grandeur. Higher up on the path from the tomb is the Throni Shrine to the Virgin Mary. It has spectacular, endless views of the valleys and roads leading to Kykkos from the east. A wishing tree is located just near here, where the pious tie paper and cloth messages in the hope that the Virgin Mary will grant their requests.