Troodos Mountains

The Basics

For visitors coming from seaside resorts, Troodos offers a totally different perspective on the island’s culture and landscape. Tours of the mountains depart from all over the Republic of Cyprus, and you can opt for everything from off-road safaris to culture-focused outings. Visit the 12th-century Kykkos Monastery (Panagia tou Kykkou)—a remote, Greek Orthodox site—or spend your time exploring the mountains' many historic villages, such as picturesque Kakopetria, Omodos, Kalopanayiotis, and Platres.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Temperatures drop quickly as you climb into the mountains, so bring lots of layers.

• The mountain roads twist and wind; if you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared with your favorite remedy.

• This is a great destination for art lovers as some of Cyprus’ finest Byzantine paintings are located in the area’s Orthodox churches.

How to Get Here

While the Troodos Mountains cover a relatively small area, distances can be deceiving on the rural roads here, and sights are farther apart than they seem. Tours generally include transportation, with pickup and drop-off available in main resort areas across the Republic of Cyprus. If you’re staying north of the Buffer Zone, you’ll likely need to cross into the southern part of the island before meeting up with your tour outfitter.

When to Get Here

The Troodos Mountains are a year-round destination, but temperatures and conditions vary widely. In the summer, the cool mountain air is a respite from coastal heat. In winter, the mountains can be downright cold, and snow dusts the higher-altitude mountain villages. If you’re planning to spend the night, bring a warm jacket—no matter what time of year you’re visiting—as temperatures cool off dramatically after the sun goes down.

Visiting the Troodos Mountains’ UNESCO-Listed Churches

To see Cyprus’ most distinctive churches, head out of the capital and into the tiny villages scattered through the Troodos Mountains. Ten of the most beautiful—including Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis in Kakopetria—are recognized by UNESCO as important cultural heritage sites. The interiors of these churches hold exquisite Byzantine and post-Byzantine artwork, but many are maintained by volunteers, so the hours can be variable; consider visiting with a guide to ensure access.