Troodos Range, Nicosia Attractions Lefkosía - Tróodos
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The Troodos Range is known for its many tiny villages, secluded churches, complex hiking and walking trails and other attractions.The main stopping spots in the mountain range are Troodos Square, the Troodos Ski School, Kykkos Monastery and Throni, where the late President Archbishop Makarios is buried.
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Nature Trails
There are several nature trails in the area which provide pleasant walks. A leaflet is available from the tourist office, which gives details of the wildlife that might be seen on these trails. A series of numbers mark the items of interest on the route, which correspond with the tourist office leaflet.Signs listing significant trees and plants also line the trails.Trails range from two to five miles and begin at different parts of Troodos.The Kryos Potamos trail, beginning 1.25mi/2km from Troodos Square, goes past the Kaledonia Falls, which are the most impressive on the island.
Troodhitissa Monastery
Trooditissa Monastery is located five kilometers northwest of Platres, on the Platres-Prodromos Road. This beautiful monastery was founded in A.D. 1250 as a shrine for an icon of the Virgin Mary which may have been hidden here originally in a cave in the eighth century. Just short of the monastery, beyond the waterfall, is a pathway up to a small cave where a copy of the icon can still be seen.The present church dates from 1731 and contains many valuable icons, including the original one, now plated with silver.A large religious fair is held on the grounds on August 15.
Troodos Youth Hostel
Youth hostels in Cyprus are open to members of the International Youth Hostels Association. Non-members are also accepted but on arrival at the hostel they will be provided with a guest card.Persons wishing to become members of the association may apply to the Nicosia Youth Hostel.The Youth Hostel is open from April to October (weather permitting) and offers kitchen facilities.The hostel is located about 400m from the center of Troodos Hill Resort on the Troodsos-Kakopetria road.
Panayía Podíthou Church
Panayia Podithou church is near Galata. Built in 1502, it once belonged to a monastery. Above the west entrance is the resurrection, in the apse scenes from the life of Moses, and a fine depiction of the Communion. In the west pediment is the Crucifixion in an extremely crowded narrative style rather than using traditional Byzantine symbolism.
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus, at 6,404 ft/1,946m, is the highest peak on the island. From here there are spectacular views of the surrounding area, and on a clear day you can see Turkey.The summit itself is well known for the white "golf-balls" which are the outward signs of the military listening posts.
Cyprus Ski Club
In Cyprus, skiing can be enjoyed on the slopes of Mount Olympus (1,951 meters above sea level) from the beginning of January to the end of March.Mount Olympus is only three kilometers from the Troodos hill resort, and about an hour's drive from either Limassol or Nicosia.The Cyprus Ski Club possesses four ski lifts: Two of these are installed on the north face of Mount Olympus. One is 350m long and the other is 500m long.The other two ski-lifts are installed at "Sun Valley" south of Olympus and each is 150m long.Sometimes competitions are held on these slopes. The roads are usually kept open by snow plow, but at times drivers will need chains to get through.
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