Category: Discover Cyprus

Linking the Troodos area with the Kykkos Mountains, this 55km route also allows further trips to the northwest coast of the island, along the route from Stavros to Pyrgos or to Polis.

The route begins in Troodos Square and climbs to the west for about 2,5km when it reaches a turning to the left leading to Mount Olympos. From here, it travels downhill to the village of Prodromos. It then turns right to the Pinewood area and travels above the village of Pedoulas to Kykkos Monastery. At this point there is an opportunity to stop at the Kykkos restaurant before going on to Kampos. A turning to the left before Kampos leads to Stavros tis Psokas to the west and 3,5km further down, another turning to the left leads to the Cedar Valley. The route continues straight on for another 16km until another turning to the left, leading to Stavros tis Psokas forestry station 3km along the way. Here, there is a restaurant, a hostel, a picnic site and a camping site, as well as a fenced off area where moufflon (indigenous mountain goats) are kept.

Karvounas is one of the main junctions of the Troodos cycling network. It forms the administrative boundary between Lemesos (Limassol) district to the south and Lefkosia (Nicosia) district to the north.

All seven rest and viewpoints are located along the first 9km of the route, overlooking Platres Valley and linking it with Moniatis. The southern shores of the island and the city of Lemesos stretch out in the distance, and the horizon extends as far as Cape Gata.

The route crosses the Mesa Potamos River 6km from the starting point. The dense vegetation in this corner of the eastern slopes of the mountain range of Troodos creates a cool, almost chilly environment that is a welcome respite in the hottest summer months. There are rest benches, and fresh running water is freely available for visitors to drink when they stop here for a well­earned break.

The nearby village of Pano Platres, 1km away, provides hotel and other tourist accommodation, restaurants, cafes, banks and shops.

The Karvounas – Prodromos route is of medium difficulty and is divided into two parts: a 10km descent (8km in a forest dirt track), and a steady ascent for the remaining 12,7km. At the first signposted viewpoint ­ 5km from the starting point – the village of Kakopetria spreads down towards the heart of Solea Valley. About 15km from the starting point of this route, cyclists arrive at the Stavroullia rest and viewpoint. Here, as at the Marathos picnic site 2,5km farther on, the Marathasa Valley reveals its splendour with the villages of Pedoulas, Moutoullas and Kalopanagiotis to the west. Further north, the village of Gerakies nestles amidst the backdrop of the mountain peak of Kykkos and its famous monastery.