The Artemis Trail Circles Mount Olympus
The Best Walking Trails in The Troodos Mountains of Cyprus
Nov 14, 2009
The Artemis Trail, perhaps the best walking trail in Cyprus, is named for Diana the ancient Goddess of Forests. It is easy to understand why the goddess would appreciate the natural black pine woodlands of the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, that this trail winds through, as it completes a circuit of Mount Olympus.
The Artemis Nature Trail, Perhaps the Best Walking Trail on Cyprus
The Artemis Nature Trail in the heart of the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus is a 7km route which follows the 1850m contour line in a loop around the summit of Mount Olympus, more properly known as Chionistra, 1951meters in height, the highest point on the island of Cyprus.
The trail begins at the Cyprus Tourist Office map board on the spur road to Mount Olympus.
The level path is easy to follow and well waymarked. Taking around 2 hours to complete the way is marked by boards at the edge of the path which indicate the natural points of interest along the way. A free leaflet which describes these points is available from the visitors centres at Troodos Square and Plano Platres.
Highlights along the trail include the black pine trees, extensive views towards Prodromos and the Kykkos Monastery and ruins of fortifications built during the Venetian occupation.
Access to the Artemis Nature Trail Around Mount Olympus in Troodos Mountains of Cyprus
The Artemis Trail is a circular route around Mount Olympus at the heart of the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus.
The route commences from the spur road up to Mount Olympus. From Plano Platres continue to Troodos square. At the roundabout at Troodos Square take the first turning, pass over the cobbles, and continue towards Prodromos. After approximately 2km turn left onto the spur road to Mount Olympus. After a short while the road bends to the right and there is obvious parking on the left side of the road.
Plano Platres is easily reached by car and if on holiday on Cyprus with a rental car this could easily be done as a day trip from Paphos or Limassol. Plano Platres also has a daily bus service from Paphos.
Refreshments, public toilets, and accommodation are available in Plano Platres and Troodos Squares.
When to Walk in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus for the Best Conditions
The area is best explored in Spring, Summer or Autumn. The route may be covered in snow in the winter months
As with all walks on Cyprus, it is imperative that whatever time of year the Troodos Mountains are enjoyed adequate water must be carried.
Further Information on the Best Walking Trails in Cyprus
Other walks in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus include: The Persephone Trail and the Kaledonia Waterfall Trail
The Rother Walking Guide to Cyrus, Rolf Goetz Rother 2002 has detailed descriptions of 42 walks on Cyprus
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