Protaras Villas And Apartments - Luxury Properties In Kapparis, Cyprus

[Stabilo]

The Troodos area of Cyprus is a fantastic place and up to 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the island.

Remarkably many Cypriots (and ex pats) never go there. Some Cypriots have told me they went 25 years ago with school but haven't been since! I suspect many holidaymakers never make it to Troodos either. Until recently I had never been either.

I have now been twice in recent weeks and last time I camped overnight at one of the camp sites.

Photos of the first visit which included walking the Artemis trail are at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7 ... 7ec1f4d444 . Artemis is a 7km circular route around the summit of Mount Olympus. Takes about 2 to 3 hours and could be done in comfortable trainers but I would recommend walking boots.

Most of the walk is in sheltered (cool) woodland despite being close to 2000m above sea level. Unlike mountains in the UK you can drive right to the top of the Troodos Mountains. It takes about 2 hours to drive from the Paralimni area, head for Nicosia and just before you hit the capital you will see the signs for Troodos (A9).

Photos of my second visit are at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7 ... e7dc54387c . On this occasion I camped overnight and walked the Kaledonia Falls trail. The trail is just 3km long but it does range from 1800m to 1200m over the short distance. It is not a circular route so you will need someone to pick you up at the other end or retrace your steps to the start. Takes 1 to 2 hours, each way and I chose to return to the start. The trail follows a river that runs all year round (rare in Cyprus) and includes the Kaledonia waterfall. You really need walking boots for this trail as you don't want to limp 2km with a twisted ankle.

The camp site costs just €5 per tent per night and has showers, shop and cafe. There are at least 4 camp sites in the Troodos area and I used the one closest to Troodos Square (called simply Troodos Camp site).

If you haven't been to Troodos it is well worth a visit with skiing available most years in February to April. Excursions are available if you don't want to drive there yourself.