Length: 7km – Circular
Estimated duration: 3 hours
Difficulty rate: 1
Starting point: 300 meters from the junction where Chionistra road meets the Troodos-Prodromos Road.
The Artemis Trail in Troodos is an easy, circular hike which takes you around Olympus Mountain peak (Chionistra) at an altitude of 1850m. The trail is named after Goddess Artemis, daughter of Zeus and Leto, the goddess of wild animals, hunting, vegetation, chastity and childbirth.
The trail is part of the Troodos National Forest Park which is a NATURA 2000 area and it is worth mentioning that almost one in every two plants that you will come across during your hike, is indigenous to Cyprus. A beautiful trail, rewarding its hikers with spectacular views in all directions.
The trail takes you through dense pine forest, in which you will find two 500-year-old pines, other rare species of plants and rare rock formations of the area.
A point of historical interest across the trail is “Teisia tis Palias Choras” (Walls of Old Chora), the ruins of fortifications which were built in 1571 AD by Venetian attempting to defend themselves against the Ottomans.
The Artemis and Atalanti trails are both located around Cyprus’ highest peak and a great way to discover more about the Troodos Mountain. Both trails are suitable for all year round, easily accessible, and a cool escape during the summer months.