Mountains in Cyprus
The Mountains in Cyprus offer welcome respite to anyone suffering from an overdose of Mediterranean beach life and the soaring heat of the coastal regions in summer, with temperatures at least 5 degrees cooler than the beachresorts. No visit to Cyprus is complete until you have experienced the magic of the Cyprus Mountains. Traveling inland; Cyprus palette changes from the thirsty ochres of the coastal strip to a lush green mosaic that cloaks the mountains.
Visitors driving up the chaotic hairpins and switchbacks of the Cypriot Mountains takes them back in time to an older and wiser Cyprus; a world away from the bustle of the coast. Hiking trails weave through the forests to half-forgotten villages, splendid Byzantine churches and secluded monasteries. The mountains are favorite places for Cyprus weddings for those lookingto truly get away from it all. Or perhaps spend a few days of their honeymoon in the mountains.
Cyprus Geography
Cyprus was formed as a result of a series of distinctive events which has made the island a geological show case. Cyprus was part of the bottom of a deep ocean, called Tethys about 90 million years ago. Tectonic movements at that point resulted in the impact of the African with the Eurasian plate, ultimately giving birth to the island.
The Troodos Massif itself first rose above the ocean around 20 million years ago along with the Pentadactylos range, in the north of the island. Mount Olympus, highest point in Cyprus otherwise known as Chionistra at 1952m or 6400 ft, is actually a slice of a 90 million year old crust of the ocean consisting of plutonic, meddling and volcanic rocks and chemical sediments. The complex geological processes which took place to form the island can be clearly seen inthe rock formations in the Troodos massif area. The Troodos Mountain Range Being volcanic in origin comprised of serpentine-rock, diabase, gabbroand pillow lava.
The mountains are also rich in mineral deposits including asbestos, chromite, iron and copper which probably gave the island its name and without doubt made it an attraction for invading powers over the centuries. Just go for a walk or a mountain bike ride on one of the many nature trails in the Cyprus Mountains to see the remarkable variety of rock strata. Smple routes through mountain villages across valleys and gorges are equally enjoyable and, in spring, Visitors are likely to spot one of the many different species of orchids that grow in Cyprus as they are common in many of the valleys. Visitors will sometimes be asked to stop for a drink by a local in one of the mountain villages which is sharing a bottle of Zivania, a fairly rough local spirit made from the remains of the wine making process.
Kyrenia mountain ranges
Along the north coast of Cyprus, The Kyrenia mountain range is a long, constricted chain of mountains that runs about 160 km. The mountains are chiefly limestone, with some marble. The highest mountain, Kyparissovouno, is 1024 m (3360 ft) in elevation. The western half of the range is also known as the pentadactylos (Greek: “five fingers”) mountains. Stretching from the Zafer Cape at the eastern tip of the island to Cape Korucam at the western tip, this range of mountains are without question the most beautiful in the whole island of Cyprus and probably the Mediterranean. The Kyrenia Mountains are only half the height of the Troodos; they are very rocky and rise abruptly from the mesaoria plain making them very magnificent. The area more and more attracts walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The Kyrenia Trail from Kyrenia mountain trail association is a 230km trail along the length of the Bespamark and Kyrenia mountain chain. The whole area is wooded with an abundance of wildlife, birds and flora including the famous orchids, which flourish in the spring. This contrasts noticeably with the dry, dusty interior of the central plains to the south of the island.
The mountains have always been a line of defense for the island, and there are few castles in the mountain ranges. Apart from the well-known Kyrenia castle, travel through the mountains reveals the other castles in the Crusader network, such as Buffavanto. Vistors to the castle are rewarded with a magnificent view over the surrounding countryside from the 3,084 feet high crag. With picnic and barbecue sites available at the nearby forest station, a day out in the Kantara castle is a great day out for the family to escape the heat of the North Cyprus towns in summer.
For the avid explorers, hikes organized by the “Association of Mountaineering” every Sunday during the winter for a special interest walk through the mountains. Meanwhile, the Catalkoy Riding Club offer lessons and treks through the Kyrenia Mountains, on trips that include picturesque stops and visits to the historical sights. All rides are done by trained, professional instructors, and hard hats must be worn.
Troodos Mountains
Troodos is about 45 minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea and it is the name of the mountainous part of Cyprus, the inland region between Lemesos and Lefkosia. The Troodos Mountain Region stretches across the centre of Cyprus it is worth considering as a holiday destination. There are monasteries, beautiful churches and some magnificent scenery to enjoy. Tourists can pack a picnic and take off on one of the nature trails; the Tourist Office can supply you with information and leaflets on recommended walks/trails in the area. One familiar trail in this region is the Caledonia Falls; it follows a stream to a remarkable waterfalls.
Kakopetria, a beautiful village on the trail is an area to visit. Visitors can see local Cyprus chairs been made from wood and straw, wander around the old part of the village which has preserved much of its traditional architectural character. There are quite a few churches around here to visit including the famous Agios Nickólaos tis Stegis which has some extraordinary murals dating from the 11th-17th century. The church has some original 16th century wall paintings for you to admire.
Nine of the monasteries in the area are included in Unesco’s World Heritage Sites with Kykkos Monastery being the most famous. The Monastery is founded in the 12th century and has a golden icon of the Virgin Mary said to have been painted by St. Luke which is covered in an embossed silver plate. The tomb of Archbishop Makarios is at Throni Peak, on the trees around you will see handkerchiefs and small pieces of cloth put there as a mark of respect to the Archbishop.
There are many scenic mountain villages which give the feeling of stepping back in time. The mountains are famous for the wines produced here and tourists can enjoy some of the best traditional Cypriot food and wine at one of the many little village tavernas. The CTO (Cyrus Tourist Office) has all the information tourists need on the four official trails in the area.
Many tourists visit Troodos in summer and winter as The Troodos are known for their snowy vistas. It is known to be considerably cooler in Troodos in summer and in winter the mountains are full of snow. The visit to Troodos Mountains can be done either by hiring a car, taking a coach excursion or taking a jeep safari trip. it snows on the top peaks of the Troodos Mountains between January and March, the island’s most colorful and wonderful park – the highest point being Mount Olympus at 1952m. The ski centre is a one hour drive from Paphos and during March visitors can ski in the Troodos Mountains in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon. There are 10 ski runs and quite a few cross-county trails, which are appropriate for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers.
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