studentsineurope

Backpacking the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus

photo: www.europe-trips.eu

If you’ve read a few of my posts, you know I love islands (particularly Mediterranean islands, though I’ve backpacked some great islands off the coast of Ireland as well). Why do I love islands? Because I love seeing new things, and on an island it only takes a few hours to change your environment completely. I spent a week backpacking on the island of Cyprus, so of course I had time to do some swimming at the gorgeous beaches (check out Governor’s Beach near Limassol for a white, sandy spot with cool rock formations). But my most exciting experience came when I turned the rental car north and drove toward the fragrant pines of the Troodos Mountains.

The Troodos Mountains make up the biggest mountain range on Cyprus, located in the center of the island. The Troodos are the only place you’ll find green plants and flowing streams during a Cypriot summer, plus they’re about ten degrees cooler than the rest of the island (not to mention shady, too). The Troodos are a popular picnic destination for the Cypriots, and there are lots of roadside spots with great views and picnic tables if you want to make a relaxing day trip.

If your idea of relaxing involves something a little more strenuous, however, I recommend going for a backpacking trip. I parked my car in a parking lot in Troodos Village (I paid about fifty cents to leave it there for the day), and walked off into the trees with a big loaf of Cypriot bread and a daypack. There are trails throughout the Troodos and you can get maps at tourists stands that show where the trails go – just be warned that the trails are marked on the map better than they are on the ground. Also, a number of the trails I tried to take disappeared suddenly and left me scouting around under the trees for an alternate route.

I made it back to my car eventually, however, and the truth is I liked not knowing where I was. It increased my sense of adventure – and my sense of wonder every time I popped out from under the trees to see a rocky precipice and a gorgeous vista beyond. If you decide to go off trail, make sure you take a couple liters of water with you and if you get truly lost, follow a stream – villages tend to be built near water so you’ll run into something sooner or later. Buses run through the mountain villages regularly, so you’ll be able to make it back to wherever you left your car (or your friends, or your hotel…)

If you want to plan a longer or more culturally-themed stay, the Troodos are home to nine churches and a monastery that are among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the village of Platres makes a nice home base. Platres has several hotels ranging from the dirt cheap to the pool-and-hot tub variety as well as restaurants, bars, and night clubs. If you’re looking for an unusual winter destination, the Troodos Mountains also offer great skiing, so don’t confine yourself to a summer trip. The Troodos Mountains are beautiful all year round.