Nicosia - Troodos Range Attractions Lefkosía - Tróodos

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.

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.

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.

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.