The imposing Troodos mountain range raises its highest peak of Mount Olympos to over 1950 metres (6397 feet) above sea level and stretches across most of the western part of cyprus. This is contrast to the common association of cyprus with its coastal landscape of award-winning Blue Flag beaches, which these days are within easy reach of the majestic beauty of the pine scented forests of Troodos. Driving time from Limassol to Troodos Square is around 45 minutes to 1 hour.The total number of individual plant species recorded in the Troodos National Forest Park approaches 750. Among them, 72 are endemic to cyprus, of which 12 are exclusive to the Park, that is, they can be found only in the Troodos National Forest Park and nowhere else in cyprus or on the planet. Some of these plants have been named after Troodos like Alyssum troodi, Nepeta troodi, Scorzonea troodea, Rosa chionistreae etc. The Troodos National Forest Park constitutes the only, or the main habitat in cyprus for many hardy plant species, such as the wild service tree, foetid juniper, cotoneaster, barberry etc. As a result of these characteristics, Troodos is considered as a botanical heaven and has been classified among the most important mountainous habitats of flora in Europe.There is a giant black pine tree estimated to be 500 years old – young by comparison with some trees in the Troodos at 1000 years old!

Nestled in the Troodos mountains are some of the most beautiful hill resorts of the island – with mountain streams, waterfalls, picturesque villages built on terraced hillsides and Byzantine monasteries. Since antiquity, the Troodos area has been renowned for its rich mines. In Byzantine times it became a centre for art – as monks and ordinary citizens built churches and monasteries far from the coastal areas threatened by Arab raiders.

Ten Byzantine period churches from Troodos are listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Stavros tou Agiasmati, Panagia tou Araka, Timios Stavros at Pelendri, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Panagia Podithou, Panagia Asinou, Agious Ioannis Lambadistis, Panagia (Moutoulla), Archangelos Michael at Pedoulas and Sotiros at Palaichori.

The Troodos Visitor Centre is situated 200 metres west of Troodos Square (Plateia).

It is the first of its kind in cyprus and provides information about the Troodos National Park, the various facilities and activities available here plus information about the mountain environment in general. There is a reception area with information on the geology, flora and fauna of the Troodos mountain range.

This tranquil region provides a cool refuge for long summer walks – and in winter provides an opportunity for skiing and winter sports. Activities related to snow can only be pursued during January and February and in some years from December to March when snow is present. The Park provides unique opportunities to photographers both amateur and professional, to bird-watchers and to those who like studying plants and geology.

For good reason, cyprus is known as the island for all seasons, providing different pleasures and a truly wide variety of recreational pursuits across the ages to satisfy the soul and tantalise the senses.

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