Tackling the Artemis Trail in Cyprus
If you love to travel and would like to try a hiking adventure, Artemis Trail in Cyprus is a great way to start your love affair with hiking.
If the name of the trail sounds familiar to you, it is because it is named after the Greek goddess Artemis, daughter of Zeus and Leto. What makes the trail more exciting and intriguing is that it takes you to the top of Mount Olympus, home to the gods of Greek mythology and known locally as Chionistra. Reaching the summit takes you a little over 1,800 meters above sea level. This means you’ll be in a great vantage point for the spectacular scenery, including views of iconic towns like Paphos and Limassol.
Connecting with the Atalanti Trail, the Artemis Trail is actually a rough circular loop and covers 7 kilometers. It starts and ends at the small car park by the Olympus Summit road. The trail leads to shady but also open areas that offer stunning views of the mountain. Although Artemis takes about three hours to complete, the trail is relatively flat and that’s why it’s perfect for new hikers with different fitness levels.
Mount Olympus is not the only highlight of the trail, Artemis also leads to the “Walls of the Old City” (Teisia tis Palias Choras), which are actually the ruins of an ancient temporary Venetian fort, believed to have been built during the late 16th century. The fortification was built as the main defense against Ottoman invaders. The trail also features endemic plants, geological formations, and black pine forests. An added attraction to the trail are the ancient black pines, which are around 500 years old.
The Artemis trail is in the Troodos National Forest Park, part of a protected area called NATURA 2000. The trail is well marked and even has proper information signs that will give you more insight and information about the forest and the journey. The most suitable period to walk this splendid path is from March to November. And while Artemis has a lot to offer in the summer, also consider coming in the winter for some skiing fun, as the trail is near a ski lift and club.
Before tackling the Artemisa trail, don’t forget to bring water, a hat, and your preferred sunscreen. Smoking, eating, and excessive noise are not recommended when hiking this nature trail. You can also walk as much as you want without the worry of getting run over since bicycles and motorcycles are prohibited.
If you want to spend the night in the area, you always have the option of staying in one of the camping areas with equipment. You will also find some hotels and other types of accommodation in the towns located in the Troodos mountain range. The villages have small local restaurants or taverns where you can have some traditional Cypriot dishes. If you head to Plaza de Torrodos, there is a collection of restaurants, shops and hotels to choose from. Near the square there is an Environmental Information Center.