Exploring Cyprus III: Troodos Mountains & Limassol
As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers visitors great diversity in both its scenery and climate. So when the scorching summer heat becomes too unbearable along the coast, and the pool-beach routine turns too monotonous, the island's interior beckons and makes for a great escape away from the crowds and the heat. The Troodos mountain range ranks among the island's most magnificent and as such marks a perfect Treasures-off-the-beaten-track destination for visitors. Again, a rental car is the most convenient way to explore the mountains, leaving the Larnaca-Nikosia motorway just South of STROVOLOS and taking Highway B9 towards Troodos. Soon upon leaving the Southern outskirts of Nicosia, we begin straddling the border to Northern Cyprus and then the scenery gradually changes, as the highway first turns south and gradually meanders uphill. Shrubs and flowers abound, soon giving way to pine trees, increasing in size and lushness with every turn.
Our base for exploring the spectacular Troodos range is the resort community of KAKOPETRIA. With a permanent population of only 1500, it easily doubles in size during tourist peak season, as many head here to seek refuge from the heat along the coast. Here at the confluence of 2 small streams, the KLARIOS river is born, which then passes through the Solea Valley to empty out into the Morphou bay. Near the river, numerous cafes, restaurants and shops beckon in the village center. Kakopetria is thus a great base to buy supplies for longer excursions, hikes and climing expeditions throughout the Troodos range. Heading further Southwest, we soon reach the highest peaks of Troodos near Olympos. Here we find many scenically breathtaking hiking trails as well as winter skiing facilities. Also, the drive uphill rewards us with spectacular views of the entire South Coast of Cyprus including the panorama of Limassol in the far distance. Throughout the Troodos range, we repeatedly come across beautiful Byzantine churches and monasteries, including STAVROS, ASINOU and PEDHOULAS, that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage in Cyprus.
Inspired by the great views of the South Coast, we then begin our descent towards Limassol, Cyprus' second largest city and to many, its most beautiful. Along the way, we pass several attractive communities such as AGROS and LOUVARAS both featuring a quaint village center and picturesque churches. As the highway gradually veers downhill, the scenery begins to change once again, and pine trees give way to shrubs and flowers, before turning arid and desert-like near the coast. We then settle for a wonderful dinner in downtown Limassol, followed by a digestive stroll along its attractive seaside promenade. Although distinctly urban and mostly frequented by locals, Limassol retains the charm of a resort community and offers us a chance to explore and savor local Cyprus away from the tourist developments further East. It also makes for a great base to explore Cyprus' scenic Southern Coast, from Larnaca about 1 hour East all the way to Paphos on the West Coast.
Our base for exploring the spectacular Troodos range is the resort community of KAKOPETRIA. With a permanent population of only 1500, it easily doubles in size during tourist peak season, as many head here to seek refuge from the heat along the coast. Here at the confluence of 2 small streams, the KLARIOS river is born, which then passes through the Solea Valley to empty out into the Morphou bay. Near the river, numerous cafes, restaurants and shops beckon in the village center. Kakopetria is thus a great base to buy supplies for longer excursions, hikes and climing expeditions throughout the Troodos range. Heading further Southwest, we soon reach the highest peaks of Troodos near Olympos. Here we find many scenically breathtaking hiking trails as well as winter skiing facilities. Also, the drive uphill rewards us with spectacular views of the entire South Coast of Cyprus including the panorama of Limassol in the far distance. Throughout the Troodos range, we repeatedly come across beautiful Byzantine churches and monasteries, including STAVROS, ASINOU and PEDHOULAS, that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage in Cyprus.
Inspired by the great views of the South Coast, we then begin our descent towards Limassol, Cyprus' second largest city and to many, its most beautiful. Along the way, we pass several attractive communities such as AGROS and LOUVARAS both featuring a quaint village center and picturesque churches. As the highway gradually veers downhill, the scenery begins to change once again, and pine trees give way to shrubs and flowers, before turning arid and desert-like near the coast. We then settle for a wonderful dinner in downtown Limassol, followed by a digestive stroll along its attractive seaside promenade. Although distinctly urban and mostly frequented by locals, Limassol retains the charm of a resort community and offers us a chance to explore and savor local Cyprus away from the tourist developments further East. It also makes for a great base to explore Cyprus' scenic Southern Coast, from Larnaca about 1 hour East all the way to Paphos on the West Coast.
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