If you want to climb Cyprus' highest mountain, you don't even have to put in a lot of effort. The surprisingly easy Atalante circular hike goes around Olympos (1,952 m). Here you can find everything you need to know, including GPS data.
The Troodos Mountains are considered the green heart of Cyprus
Cyprus is - at least when we were there in spring - amazingly green. The Troodos Mountains, which are forested in contrast to the rest of the island, are considered the green heart of the Mediterranean island and, with all their foothills, take up about a third of the area. We are also completely surprised by the number of trees that are up to 800 years old: In the Troodos - the "Black Forest" of Cyprus - grow the endemic alder-leaved oaks as well as Aleppo pines, pines, plane trees, cedars and holm oaks.
We decide to walk around Mount Olympus. Not around the famous seat of the Greek gods (that is on the Greek mainland), but around the highest mountain in Cyprus. The summit is closed to hikers, but a hiking trail that is surprisingly easy for the altitude leads around it. Information boards describe the most important geological and biological highlights.
The Legend of the Sports Star Atalante
As is the case almost everywhere in Cyprus, we are of course following in the footsteps of the gods - we choose the Atalante hike on Olympos, named after the famous sportswoman Atalante. Her legend is spectacular: she grew up with bears and later became so fast that no suitor could beat her in a race. Only the winner was allowed to ask for her hand - but there was a suitor, Melanion, who resorted to a ruse. Aphrodite gave him two golden apples, which he dropped during the race to distract Atalante. The ruse worked, he won, and they got married. So far so good, but they had forgotten to thank the goddess, and goddesses, and especially Aphrodite, don't like that at all. The end (of one version) of the legend after 1000 detours is that they were turned into lions.
snowstorm in Cyprus
Luckily, we don't have to run or drop any golden apples along the way. At first, we stroll leisurely along the 13 km long circular path and admire the juniper trees, giant cedars and Douglas firs that are up to 800 years old. But then we get a (presumably) divine whim. About halfway there, a snowstorm sets in, which not only spoils our view of the supposedly spectacular view, but also makes us run faster than we had planned. We may not win a race, but at least we don't freeze too much.
Key facts about the circular hike on the Atalante Trail around Mount Olympus in Cyprus:
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Walking time : 4:00 h
Altitude : 150 m up and down
Length : 13.2 km
Accessible by public transport?
Yes. Bus 64 runs once a day from Germasogeia near Limassol to Troodos. It is easier and more straightforward to get there by rental car.
Refreshments along the way? Only at the start and end point in Troodos
GPS data: I have uploaded the GPS data for the hike to the Outdoor Active website
Start and end point: Troodos 1,700 m
Directions: From Limassol, the B8 leads directly into the Troodos Mountains. The roads in the mountains are narrow and winding.
Parking: There is ample parking available at Troodos Square.
Hiking guide: Rolf Goetz: Cyprus – South & North, The most beautiful coastal and mountain hikes , Rother Bergverlag, 2023.
In the Troodos Mountains there are eleven barn churches that are UNESCO World Heritage sites and worth a visit.
directions
Follow the E910 for a short distance out of Troodos. After about 30 m, the well-signposted nature trail turns left into the forest. After 3 km there is a spring with drinking water and wooden benches for resting. After 9 km the hiking trail crosses the main road E910 Troodos - Prodromos. To continue the hike, cross the main road, but immediately turn right again onto a forest path (do not follow the wider gravel path here). A wooden sign shows the direction of the path, which runs almost parallel to the main road back to Troodos Square.
Further information and links
The Visit Cyprus website provides useful information on accommodation, events and activities.
WEATHER
Cyprus has an intense Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers (from mid-May to mid-October) and mild winters (from December to February). Cyprus is blessed with sunshine. Even in December and January there are six to eight hours of sunshine per day. In the summer months, however, the average is 11.5 hours!
February to May and September to October are the best months for hiking
ARRIVAL
Lufthansa flies nonstop from Munich to Paphos once a week. Ryanair flies twice a week from Memmingen.
If you want, you can offset the CO2 emissions of your flight, for example through Atmosfair.
CARDS
The publisher Kartographos has three hiking maps at a scale of 1:25,000: Tróodos, Tóchni, Akámas.
EQUIPMENT
For most hikes, light hiking shoes or trail running shoes are sufficient. For the Avakas Gorge, hiking sandals and hiking poles are helpful. Take enough refillable water bottles with you.