Discovering the Most Beautiful Places in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus (2026)
Tucked away in the heart of Cyprus the Troodos Mountains hold some of the island’s best-kept secrets. Away from the crowded coastal resorts, this highland region is dotted with sleepy stone villages, centuries-old monasteries, and pine-scented trails that feel worlds apart from the beach-town buzz most visitors expect. Spending a few unhurried days winding through these hills is, for many travellers, the true highlight of a Cyprus trip.
Mountain Villages Frozen in Time
In the Marathasa Valley, three neighbouring settlements—Kalopanayiotis, Moutoullas, and Pedoulas—cling to the hillsides in tiers, giving each an amphitheatre-like layout that’s best appreciated on foot. Kalopanayiotis charms visitors with its natural hot springs beside an old stone bridge and its UNESCO-recognised monastery, home to remarkable Byzantine artwork. Just up the valley, Moutoullas offers a quieter, more low-key experience, with an ancient chapel and river views that reward a slow wander. Pedoulas, meanwhile, feels like an authentic slice of everyday Cypriot life, its historic churches tucked between homes with sweeping valley panoramas.
Sacred Sites and Forested Retreats
No trip through these highlands is complete without a stop at Kykkos Monastery, one of the wealthiest and most revered religious sites on the island. Set high in the northwestern hills, it houses a museum filled with centuries-old manuscripts, icons, and artefacts tied to its legendary sacred image of the Virgin Mary. For a change of scenery, the pine-covered village of Platres offers cooler air, waterfall hikes, and shaded footpaths that make it a favourite escape during warmer months.
Wine Villages and Storybook Streets
South of the main range, the villages of Laneia and Lofou showcase a different side of Troodos’ charm. Laneia, framed by terracotta roofs and whitewashed cottages with brightly painted doors, produces the region’s famous sweet Commandaria wine and has an almost Tuscan feel to its quiet lanes. Lofou, slightly larger, invites visitors to lose themselves in its tangle of narrow alleys, admiring restored facades and timber balconies before relaxing at a local microbrewery or café.
Bustling Centres with Old-World Character
Not every Troodos village is sleepy. Omodos draws the most visitors of the bunch, thanks to its lively central square ringed with tavernas and craft shops, plus a striking monastery at its core. Further southeast, Pano Lefkara is renowned across Cyprus for its intricate handmade lace, sold in shopfronts lining limestone streets that echo the hill towns of southern France.
Planning Your Visit
The easiest way to explore this scattered collection of villages is by renting a car, giving you the freedom to hop between towns at your own pace. Travellers without wheels can instead join one of several day tours departing from Paphos, many combining village visits with wine tastings or monastery stops. For an overnight base, family-run guesthouses in Pedoulas, Platres, or Lofou offer a cosy, authentic way to experience mountain hospitality, while several vacation rentals near Omodos provide added comfort with pools and forest views.
Whether you’re chasing mountain vistas, sacred history, or simply a slower pace of travel, the Troodos Mountains reward anyone willing to trade the coastline for the hills.
About the Author
