Kykkos Monastery & the wild north of the Troodos
High in the western Troodos Mountains, at over 1,100 metres, lies the most famous and richest monastery of Cyprus: Kykkos. The drive there is an experience in itself — winding roads through pine forests, deep valleys and mountain villages where time seems to stand still.
Gold, mosaics and a famous icon
The cloisters of Kykkos are covered floor to ceiling in golden mosaics and frescoes. The monastery holds an icon of the Virgin Mary said by tradition to have been painted by the evangelist Luke himself — one of the holiest relics of the Orthodox world. The monastery museum displays centuries of icons, vestments and manuscripts. A little further on lies Throni hill, with the tomb of Archbishop Makarios, the first president of Cyprus, and sweeping views over the mountains.
Through the Paphos forest
Beyond Kykkos begins the wildest part of Cyprus: the dense Paphos forest. A beautiful route passes the forest station of Stavros tis Psokas, where with a little luck you may spot the mouflon — the protected wild sheep found only on Cyprus.
Niki's insider tip
Make it a proper mountain day: after Kykkos, carry on through the Paphos forest towards the west coast instead of driving back the same way. Along the route you'll pass viewpoints and tiny villages where you can have lunch in the village taverna among the locals.
