A Day in the Mountains: Troodos

The Troodos Mountains are the highest peaks on Cyprus. Markings in the rock show how this was all once part of the sea bed. And the highest peak? Mount Olympus where the Greek Gods lived (or is there a Mount Olympic is Greece?)

It's easy to catch the bus #64 from the Old Hospital bus station to here. Right now, there's only the one departure in the morning at 930am that departs the mountains at 3pm to bring you back. The bus number isn't listed on the timetable board, so it was a bit nerveracking especially as it got closer to and then past the scheduled time. Thankfully it did turn up as an old long distanced bus coach and we all piled in.

The mountains aren't that far away, but the road is windy and we pass through several villages. A picturesque drive, the city gives way to rolling green fields, then valleys and mountainside villages. Given the elevation of the mountains, snow also came into view. The roads are clear, but there is about 2.5 of snow piled along the roadside. And it is cold. I kid you not.

When we arrived at Troodos Square, the first order of business was putting my toque on and then finding out where Mt Olympus was. I was very glad that I hadn't booked a hiking tour as originally planned as I would never have made it, with the trail covered in snow. Instead I opted to walk along the road to Olympus. There are a few waterfalls in the area as well, but given the time we had, I picked what I picked.

As I neared the top, the weather turned to be quite foggy, it was hard to see past 30 ft perhaps. I managed to get as far as I could go - a locked gate. Turns out there are military bases in the mountains. Still, I was as high as we could be, I learned from a local couple who drove up for some pictures. And not a bad way to get some exercise in.

The trip down was definitely easier than up. I also stopped by Sun Valley, a very small ski spot that is a fraction of Whistler. Fog continued to bill and I was glad I went up when I did, as there's little to see now. Back in the square, I checked out a few of the shops before settling down for a much needed hot chocolate and lunch.

Little else to do but wait for the return bus, however, instead of heading back to Limassol, i was going back to Nicosia for one more dinner with my friend. It was a bit nerve wracking trying the different route, especially when the 64 drove off. If the other bus didn't come, I'd likely be stranded on the mountain overnight (also not good, because I'd just booked a day tour for the next day).

A local woman was waiting for the bus to Nicosia as well. She didn't speak English as we tried to communication about the bus. Here is where I got a little confused: Lefkosia/Nicosia, Lemesos/Limassol. Get it? Took me a while, but I finally figured it out. Tomayto tomahto. Luckily there were also a few people across the street waiting for the bus, and once the minibus arrived, 2 girls from Lithuania who confirmed our ride.

The minibus was going to take us to a village nearby where we'd transfer to a large bus back to the city. Once we were on our way, it was just relief and trying to defrost from the cold. The drive back was really smooth and I got into the capital around 5pm. My friend wasn't off work yet, so I found a nice Starbucks to have a tea and read a book while I waited.

A low key dinner of appies (she was still full) before we bid our farewells and I caught the last bus back to Limassol for the night. Quite the full day, but if you think about it, still not quite the go go go and time press that's demanding.Read more