Jeep safari in Troodos (Troodos)

People from northern climes mainly come to Cyprus to swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea and soak up some sunshine. But you’ll agree that, when choosing a beach holiday, it’s worth thinking in advance about how you can add some variety to your stay. After all, new experiences and positive emotions are an integral part of a fulfilling holiday. Cyprus is an island with a history stretching back centuries; it boasts a rich historical, cultural and natural heritage, and everyone can find something of interest here to suit their preferences and budget.

Affordable VIP adventure

For those who want to add a touch of adventure to their holiday and give it a hint of spontaneity, a jeep trip to the Troodos Mountains will be right up their street. A jeep safari is a wonderful alternative to coach tours. A key advantage of such a trip is its relatively low cost, comparable to that of a coach tour. The group size is determined by the number of seats in the jeep and does not exceed eight people, including the driver and tour guide.

If you’re holidaying with a group, this sort of tour can be an excellent VIP experience at a very reasonable price. It is also worth noting that a jeep tour of the Troodos Mountains allows you to combine a visit to Cyprus’s main religious site – Kykkos Monastery – with the most fascinating natural attractions.

To Kykkos Monastery across rough terrain

Like most excursions, the jeep safari starts at 8.30 am. However, as there’s little time spent gathering everyone together, within 15 minutes we’re already speeding along the motorway towards the Troodos Mountains.

Our first stop is in the village of Omodos. After strolling through the deserted village streets, we visit the Monastery of the Life-Giving Cross, and then enjoy a morning cup of freshly brewed coffee with warm homemade pastries in one of the cafés near the monastery. Our journey then continues along winding mountain roads to the Byzantine Chelefos Bridge.

This enchanting corner of nature will leave no one unmoved. Tourists, artists and nature lovers alike come here all year round in search of inspiration. The Chelefos Bridge, built from large cobblestones, is 30 metres long and rises 6 metres above the Diarizos River. On the banks of the river, which is particularly full during the spring and winter months, there are spreading plane trees and alders. Even in August, it remains pleasantly cool here. There are 13 Byzantine bridges in Cyprus in total. They lie hidden in the Troodos Mountains like ancient treasures, reminding curious travellers of the island’s turbulent historical past.

We drive along a dirt track from the bridge to Kykkos Monastery. This alone makes the jeep trip worthwhile. The tree canopies hang low over the road, blocking out the sun. It feels as though you’re driving through an impenetrable jungle, where few human feet have ever trodden. Of course, it’s impossible to travel along such a road by bus. We head back to civilisation near the village of Milikouri, just a stone’s throw from Kikkos Monastery. The tour is planned so that we have time to explore the whole monastery, visit its museum with its priceless exhibits, and see the monastery church.

Lunch with an Olympic atmosphere

Next, our route takes us to the island’s highest point — Mount Olympus, at an altitude of 1,951 metres. There is a British military base right at the summit, so we can only stop and take photographs at the viewing platform situated just below it. Which is exactly what we do.

Afterwards, lunch awaits us in the picturesque village of Platres. Although it isn’t included in the price of the tour, for just 13 euros we manage to sample a rustic meat meze consisting of several dishes, washed down with some fine house wine. The village of Platres is nothing like most Cypriot villages. There’s a distinct English influence in the local architecture. Neat brick houses with red-tiled roofs cling to the mountain slopes. The windows and front doors of the houses are in a traditional English style. Taking a leisurely stroll through the village streets after a hearty and delicious lunch is a real treat. Those with a sweet tooth can pop into the chocolate shop and sample locally produced chocolates with various fillings. Chocolates flavoured with local herbs – such as lavender, jasmine and basil – are traditionally a particular favourite with visitors.

To round off the tour – the waterfall

The final stop on our tour is a visit to the Milomeri Waterfall. At 15 metres high, it is the tallest waterfall in Cyprus. Locals believe the waterfall is named after a mill (‘milos’ in Greek means ‘mill’) that once stood nearby. The water of the waterfall is quite cold in both winter and summer, but in August many overheated tourists boldly wade into its streams, enjoying themselves and washing away their fatigue.

Tired but satisfied, we return to Limassol at around 17:30.

It is worth noting that this excursion is particularly popular with visitors to the island who wish to explore the main attractions and the marvellous natural beauty of the Troodos Mountains whilst driving along a dirt track in an off-road vehicle, without having to worry too much about historical details.

Tour price:

• adults €75;
• child €45.

To book a tour, you can fill in the online booking form or email us at .Show email