Walking Trails on Cyprus
The Persephone Trail to the Best Viewpoint in the Troodos Mountains
Nov 9, 2009
The Persephone Nature Trail is a three mile out and back level walk which explores the heart of the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. The walking trail leads to a stunning viewpoint from which vast tracts of the southern part of Cyprus can be seen.
Walking the Persephone Nature Trail to one of the Best Viewpoints of Southern Cyprus
The Persephone Nature Trail leads to one of the most celebrated viewpoint in the Troodhos Mountains a spot that is known as Makria Kondarka.
The trail is an out and back route that is three kilometers each way. There is almost no height gain as the trail follows the contour line at around 1,700 meters.
The Persephone Nature Trail follows a well made path through the beautiful pine trees that are the trademark of the Troodhos Mountains.
There are 30 boards at the side of the path draw the visitors attention to the local flaura which includes: black pine trees; juniper; sage; St John's Wort; dog rose and cat mint.
The forestry department produces a free leaflet to the Persephone Nature Trail which has a sketch map of the route on its reverse, and has interpretation of the boards that are placed at frequent intervals along the trail. Sometimes the leaflets are available in a box at the start of the trail, but more reliably they may be collected from the Troodos Visitor Centre in Troodos Square, or the tourist information centre in Pano Platres.
After the first kilometer along the nature trail there are extensive views across to the huge, now disused, Amiantos asbestos mine, and up to the summit of Mount Olympus, the highest point on Cyprus. The trail continues along the contour line until it reaches the stunning viewpoint of Makria Kondarka. There are plenty of benches provided so the walker can sit and take in the views which are at their most extensive looking towards the south coast.
The most straightforward return is to retrace the same route. However a variation is possible. The route should be retraced from the Makria Kondarka viewpoint a short distance until a crossroads with a forest road is reached. The return to Troodhos can be made by turning right onto the forest road here. Once on the forest road, continue straight on a a junction shortly after, this is signposted Troodos, in a little under three kilometers Troodos Square is reached.
Access to the Persephone Nature Trail at the Centre of the Troodos Mountains
The Persephone Trail is situated at the heart of the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus.
The route commences not far from the centre of the village of Troodos sqauare.
Troodos 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. There is ample free parking available.
Troodos square has a once daily bus service from Pano Platres.
Refreshments and public toilets are availiable in Troodhos Square.
When to Walk on Cyprus for the Best Conditions
The area is best explored in Spring or Autumn. There is snow on the ground at times in the Winter months
As with all walks on Cyprus it is imperative that whatever time of year the trails are explored adequate water must be carried.
Further Information on the Best Walking Trails in Cyprus
The Rother Walking Guide to Cyrus, Rolf Goetz Rother 2002 has detailed descriptions of 42 walks on Cyprus
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