Troodos
Winner 2007 in the category Best Emerging
European Rural Destination of Excellence
Troodos has five distinct regions, grouped
around Mount Olympus, the highest mountain peak in Cyprus (1,952
meters):
-
Lemesos Mountain Resort region situated
around the central higher elevations of the Troodos range,
featuring pine covered village communities.
-
Pitsilia region (North and South) to the
east of Mount Olympus, home to picturesque valleys covered
with vineyards, almond, hazelnut, walnut and fruit trees. A
good time to visit is in the spring, when the entire Valley
is in full blossom.
-
Solea Valley to the north, situated
along the main Lefkosia-Troodos road, a charming area of
tranquil villages set in beautiful natural surroundings.
-
Marathasa Valley located on the
northwestern slopes of the Troodos range, a fertile cherry
producing area of small village communities and crystal
water springs.
-
Krassochoria and “Commandaria” region,
located on the southern slopes of the Troodos range, a
region known for its wine production. In recent years a
number of small enterprises specializing in the production
of local wine have emerged, establishing wine varieties of
international standard.
Troodos provides a wide range of
hotels, traditional houses and agrotourism establishments for
accommodation. There is a supply of nearly 2000 beds in various
types of licensed establishments. The area offers an abundance
of things to do and see: walking or cycling through forest
nature trails, attending local village festivals, experiencing
the local traditional cuisine and discovering the cultural
treasures of UNESCO World Heritage sites are amongst the main
pursuits. Birdwatchers, botanists, geologists, ramblers, bikers,
photographers or nature lovers seeking a relaxing break away
from the cosmopolitan coastal resorts will be delighted!
Troodos National Forest Park covers an area
of 9,337 hectares around Olympus Mountain. The highest point is
Chionistra (1,952 m) and the lowest is the Moni forest (700m).
Machairas National Forest Park situated in
the Pitsilia region contains over 600 plant species, including
27 indigenous to Cyprus. The predominant forest tree types are
the Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia) and the golden oak (Quercus
alnifolia). Fauna includes foxes, hares, hedgehogs, snakes,
lizards and rare endemic species of butterfly. The two most
important Cypriot rivers, Pediaios and Yialias, spring from this
Park. Five nature protection area reserves are found within the
Troodos region and all are included in the European ‘NATURA
2000’ network.
Cultivated vineyards cover a large
percentage of Cyprus’ hilly and mountainous land, from sea level
up to 1,500 metres. Most vineyards are located in the southern
Troodos area predominantly on the slopes of the Krassochoria and
“Commandaria” region.
The region’s vineyards are the source of a
sweet, robust dessert wine known as Commandaria. Originally
produced by the ‘Grand Commanderie’ of the Knights of the Order
of St. John of Jerusalem during the 12th century, it is
considered to be the oldest named wine in the world.
Tradition and heritage form an important
part of daily life in the area. It is home to many small museums
and centres dedicated to traditional skills, to the environment,
to iconography and rural life. Local festivals commemorating the
patron saint of a village are an integral part of life in the
region. Other festive events cover a wide variety of themes such
as folk art and craft festivals, bread, preserved sweets, meat
and other local produce exhibitions and wine tasting events.
More Information:
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