The true heart of Cyprus beats within the Troodos Geopark, an area off the beaten path offering a unique blend of natural landscapes, historical heritage, and warm hospitality.
Cyprus isn’t defined only by its mesmerising beaches. Tucked away in the island’s interior lies the Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark, a world heritage treasure and destination deserving every visitor’s attention. A place rich in magic, it has inspired poets such as Nobel Laureate Giorgos Seferis, who in 1955 wrote about the nightingales that keep you awake in Platres – the oldest and most famed mountain resort of Cyprus. For decades, the Troodos remained the best-kept nature lover’s secret among Cypriots. But since the early 21st century, it has garnered international acclaim, officially joining the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in 2015. Today, it stands as a symbol of sustainability and a premier destination for travellers seeking an authentic and unique escape.
The Geopark is located in the centre of Cyprus and covers over 1,100 square kilometres. It spans across three districts –Nicosia, Pafos, and Limassol– and is bordered to the east by the villages of Mitsero, Agia Marina, and Potami, and to the north by Katydata up to Kambos tis Tsakistras. It extends westward to Stavros tis Psokas and Vouni tis Panagias, and to the south and southwest to the villages of Vretsia, Agios Nikolaos, Mandria, Papoutsa, and Agios Epifanios. On its picturesque slopes, the park is home to nearly 100 villages and settlements, with elevations ranging from 300 to 2,000 metres. The landscape is striking: springs, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, geological phenomena, and rich vegetation with cedars, pines, plants, and fruit trees. Its wildlife includes hedgehogs and foxes. Venetian bridges and Byzantine churches are scattered throughout. The healthy climate, the warm hospitality of the locals, the vibrant traditions, and the exceptional wine all enhance the experience. Dozens of well-crafted trails await, inviting you to explore them in peace, far from the noise of the city.
Geotopes and Ecosystems
The area’s geological importance is a key reason for its recognition by UNESCO. The Troodos presents a unique chance to witness a crucial chapter in the Earth’s geological evolution, offering a journey
through time into the history of ancient oceans. Here, visitors can observe the Earth’s oceanic crust and ophiolites that formed 90 million years ago, once located 8,000 metres beneath the ocean’s surface. The oceanic crust is a part of the Earth’s surface that usually remains hidden beneath the oceans. But in the Troodos, due to unique geological processes, it has emerged at the surface. This natural phenomenon reveals veins of volcanic rock, such as granite, basalt, and lava, while over 10 abandoned mines, tunnels, and quarries, along with unusual geological formations, bear witness to the movement of tectonic plates. Additionally, sulphur springs and remnants of limestone reefs are rare geological features. Together, they form a Geopark of global significance, offering a deeper understanding of the history of the oceans and our planet.
At the same time, this area serves as a welcoming sanctuary for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Whether as rain or snow, the water that falls on its slopes filters through the rocks and nourishes underground aquifers, filling its rivers and creating fertile valleys teeming with wildlife. Here, famous Mouflon (wild sheep), hares, reptiles, eagles, owls, harmless snakes and tarantulas, and freshwater crabs are found, as are one of the richest flora in the Mediterranean. Impressively, at least 50% of the plants here are endemic to Cyprus and the Troodos.
Churches and Monuments
This natural wonder is not just for geologists and scientists, but for anyone seeking a connection with the outdoors, spirituality, and a rich historical heritage. It is a place that invites you to redefine your values and view the world through a different lens. Hidden within the pine forests of the Troodos are 10 Byzantine churches dating from the 11th to the 16th century, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These churches captivate with their distinctive architecture and rich frescoes and stand out for their sloping wooden roofs, simple wooden doors, and stone walls made of carefully placed boulders. The frescoes, painted with vibrant colours derived from the mountain’s minerals, bring to life scenes from the Gospels and religious symbols: blue from lapis lazuli, green from copper acetate, red from hematite, white from gypsum, and black from graphite – all give depth to these religious depictions.
The Church of Panagia of Araka in the village of Lagoudera stands as the most impressive example of Byzantine architecture in the area – a single-aisled church with a dome, ideal for pilgrimage and exploration. Equally noteworthy is the Church of Panagia Asinou in Nikitari, while the Church of Saint Nicholas of the Roof in Kakopetria, with its unusual cross-shaped architecture and stunning masonry, leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
In addition to the Byzantine churches, the vast Geopark is home to several well-preserved 16th-century bridges, which are excellent examples of Venetian architecture. These stone bridges, with their perfect symmetry and impeccable construction, are seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape and serve to connect isolated areas, traversing inaccessible yet enchanting terrain. The three most famous bridges –the Kelefou, the Elias, and the Roudia– offer stunning views and a remarkable forest backdrop that is well worth exploring.
Life and Traditions
In the Troodos, you don’t visit solely for the natural landscapes and cultural monuments, but also to immerse yourself in authentic Cypriot experiences. You’ll savour traditional cuisine at charming local tavernas and partake in vibrant local festivals, where dancing and music fill the streets. You can taste handmade sausages and genuine Soutzouko, famous sweets made from pure Moustalevria (must jelly), their roots in the picturesque villages of the region. You’ll delight in rose festivals, aromatic distillates, fragrant herbs and, of course, the exceptional, locally-produced wines, renowned for being among the best on the island thanks to the distinctive microclimate and elevation. From December to March, the modern ski resort transforms into a mountainous paradise for enthusiasts of winter sports. All of this is complemented by the warm hospitality of the locals, who welcome you with heartfelt smiles and the serenity that life in the Troodos offers.
