Troodos Travel Guide

The Troodos Mountains are Cyprus’s largest and highest range in the west-center, covered in pines with a climate cooler than the coast and inland. Summer (Jun–Sep) is best for an escape from the heat; in winter the Olympus area (island’s highest, ~1,952 m) gets snow and hosts the island’s only ski resort. Scattered through the mountains are rustic old villages (Kakopetria, Omodos wine village) with vineyards and wineries. The most precious cultural treasure is the Byzantine painted churches hidden in the forests — low, steep wooden-roofed little churches whose interiors are covered with gorgeous, well-preserved medieval frescoes; ten are listed as World Heritage. Mountain roads are great for self-drive; bring warm clothing in winter. The south uses the euro. Prices are for reference.