Rural Destinations
Troodos
Welcome to Troodos! The imposing Troodos massif raises its highest peak
to 1,952m above sea level, stretching across most of the southwestern
part of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Nestled within this region
are some of the island’s most picturesque and tranquil local
communities. Charming villages, many with cobbled streets and preserved
traditional architecture built on terraced slopes, amid vineyards,
almond trees, apple orchards and cherry blossoms!
Troodos was renowned since antiquity for its
dense forests and rich mines. It provided timber and copper for the
construction of ancient ships and weapons that fought the battles and
naval engagements of the classical era. In Byzantine times it became a
centre for religious art, as monks and ordinary folk built and decorated
superb churches and monasteries, away from the regularly raided and
pirate savaged coastal lowlands.
Nature has been particularly generous to
Troodos. Its lower slopes alternate between terraced vineyards and the
Phoenician juniper maquis, found in abundance near the coast, sprinkled
in places with pink rock rose and wild lavender. Bright green pine trees
and majestic cedars dominate in the higher elevations. It is an area of
extreme natural beauty throughout the year. Whether escaping the summer
heat, walking or cycling along scenic routes in spring or autumn or
sipping a hot beverage after a demanding skiing descent in winter,
Troodos is the place for all seasons.
Troodos provides a wide range of hotels,
traditional houses and agrotourism establishments for accommodation and
hosting of small scale seminars or conferences. There is a choice of
nearly 2,000 available beds, in different types of licensed
establishments, from basic village accommodation to 4star hotels. The
region offers an abundance of things to do and see. It is an area of
fresh air, winding nature trails and scenic panoramas. Walking or
cycling through forests in mountain trails, attending local village
festivals, experiencing the local traditional gastronomy, or discovering
the cultural treasure of UNESCO World Heritage church sites are among
the main pursuits. Birdwatchers, botanists, geologists, ramblers,
bikers, photographers or nature lovers seeking a relaxing break away
from the cosmopolitan coastal resorts shall be delighted.
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