Gourri Trail (Palaia Vrysi) and the hidden Mavritsios Waterfall

Nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, near the village of Gourri, the Palaia Vrysi nature trail is one of those hidden spots that feels untouched and wonderfully quiet. The trail also leads to Mavritsios Waterfall, adding an extra touch of natural beauty to the experience. Gourri is a beautiful mountain village surrounded by steep slopes, deep valleys, and the wild landscape that makes this part of Cyprus so special.

Practical information:

• Length: 2 km linear (around 4 km with the return)

• Estimated duration: 1 hour

• Difficulty: 1

• Starting point: Gourri village - Access from the main road from Nicosia towards the cemetery, at the traditional fountain

The trail begins at the old traditional fountain, surrounded by large plane trees that immediately set the tone for the walk ahead. From the very start, it feels peaceful, with the sound of running water following you almost the entire way.

What makes this trail especially charming is the route itself. The path follows the river, crossing it over a series of wooden bridges, eleven in total, while winding through lush vegetation, basalt rocks, and traditional dry-stone walls that blend beautifully into the landscape. The trail is relatively easy, with only gentle elevation changes, making it suitable for most walkers.

Parts of the trail felt quite neglected. Some sections were a little overgrown, so the path was not very clear at certain points. In places, it gave the impression that nature had slowly started reclaiming it. Yet somehow, that added to the experience rather than taking away from it. Far from the more popular nature trails in Cyprus, it was absolutely worth it.

There was something so peaceful about walking alongside the stream, hearing the water flowing below, and being completely surrounded by greenery. It felt like one of those places that not many people know about, which made it even more special.

At the end of the route lies the hidden reward: Mavritsios Waterfall. This seasonal natural waterfall, around 8 metres high, cascades gracefully over rocky terrain and is especially beautiful during the rainy months, when the local streams are fuller and the water flow is stronger. Surrounded by dense greenery and the quiet sounds of the forest, it truly feels like a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains.

The Palaia Vrysi trail may not be the most known trail on the island, but that is also part of its charm. It feels authentic, quiet, and wonderfully off the beaten path.

Instead of returning through the same route, we chose to return by circling back through the village of Gourri. Wandering through its quiet streets, traditional stone houses, and peaceful mountain atmosphere was the perfect way to end the trail.