Less than an hour from the beach, the Troodos Mountains feel like an entirely different country — pine forests, stone-built villages, waterfalls and, at 1,952 metres, the highest point in Cyprus. It’s one of the most rewarding day trips you can take from Limassol, and every kilometre of the drive is part of the experience.
The route
From Limassol, take the B8 north through Trimiklini and into the foothills. The road climbs steadily, switching from straight motorway-style tarmac to tighter bends as you gain altitude — allow extra time here, especially if you’re not used to mountain driving.
Stops worth making
- Platres: the region’s best-known resort village, with shaded cafés, walking trails, and the popular Caledonia and Millomeris waterfalls a short walk from the centre.
- Trooditissa Monastery: a working monastery dating back to the 18th century, tucked into the forest with sweeping valley views.
- Mount Olympus: the island’s highest peak, home to Cyprus’s ski resort in winter and panoramic views in every other season — on a clear day you can see the coastline from the summit.
- Kykkos Monastery (optional detour): one of the wealthiest and most historic monasteries in Cyprus, about 45 minutes further west if you have a full day to spare.
Driving tips for the mountains
The roads are well maintained but narrow in places, with sharp switchbacks and limited overtaking room — locals know these bends well and drive them confidently, so keep right, take your time, and pull over at designated viewpoints rather than stopping on the road. In winter (typically January–March), snow chains may be required near the summit; DriveNow can advise or provide chains on request during ski season. In summer, the altitude brings genuine relief from coastal heat, so it’s worth packing a light jacket even in August.
Fuel and facilities
Petrol stations are limited once you leave Trimiklini, so fill up in Limassol or at the first station you pass on the B8. Platres has cafés, tavernas and public toilets, making it a natural halfway stop for lunch before continuing to the summit or heading back down.
Which car to take
A standard sedan or hatchback handles the main routes to Platres and the summit comfortably. If you’re planning to detour onto unpaved forest tracks or visit in winter, an SUV with better ground clearance is the safer choice — ask our team when booking and we’ll match the car to your plans.
Ready to head for the hills? Reach out to DriveNow on WhatsApp or by email at Contact@DriveNowCy.com and we’ll get you set up with the right vehicle.
