Cyprus - Rain in the Troodos Mountains

From Limassol, we headed up the Troodos Mountains, topped by Mount Olympus at almost 2000 masl. We had terrible weather; cold, rain, and bad visibility.

The first night we based ourselves in Troodos village (1750 masl). We walked the Artemis trail the first afternoon, no rain, but in the clouds most of the time. The next morning we walked the parallel road to the Persephone trail, in cold rain, but turned around after we glimpsed the jewel-like Asbestos Lake in the distance.

The second night we based ourselves in the village of Kakopetria.(650masl). Kakopetria is a scenic village with some traditional buildings and several streams rushing through. We spent the afternoon and next morning walking to two UNESCO painted churches. The frescoes are rather ordinary but not a waste of time. No photos allowed, but they don't charge admission either.

The bus ride from Limassol at sea level to mile-high Troodos Square started with a walk to the bus station. Then up, up and into the black pine forest.






After checking in at our hotel we immediately set off walking to the Artemis Trail trailhead. This 7-km trail circles the summit of Mount Olympus.


There is an awesome viewpoint on the way to the trailhead.




The Artemis trial hike was awesome even though the wind was whistling and the clouds rolling in. We made some new friends, Eitan and Einat, from Israel.










A tremendous breakfast the next morning at the Troodos Hotel.


Then a short walk in the rain to stretch our legs before riding the bus to Kakopetria. Look for Asbestos Lake in the photo (3rd) below.






Sun-Ling walking (uphill) to our BnB in Kakopetria Old City.


After checking in we made a beeline down the waterside trail to Galata; stepping inside the the modern Church of the Virgin Mary Hodegetria for a look, before walking down to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Panagia tis Podithou Church and its 15th-century frescoes - no photography allowed inside the church.








And walked back home in the rain through the Old City.


The next morning, after a filling buffet breakfast (with Cypriot coffee), we walked up, up, up, to Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof with some great views back to the Old City - no photography allowed inside the church.






A last look at the Old City before we head back to the BnB, pick up our bags, and walk to the bus stop to catch the bus to Nicosia.