Hiking the Venetian Bridges Trail

The Venetian Bridges Trail (Enetika Gefyria) in Cyprus is one of the most scenic and historically rich hiking routes on the island. The trail takes you through dense forest landscapes and across three impressive stone bridges that date back to the Venetian rule of Cyprus between 1489 and 1571.

Along the trail you will encounter the well preserved bridges of Roudias, Tzielefos and Elia, remarkable structures that have stood for centuries and remain an important part of Cyprus' cultural heritage.

This hike combines nature, history and adventure, making it one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Cyprus.

Trail Information

Length: 17 km linear trail

Estimated duration: 6 hours

Difficulty rate: 3

Starting point: a) Kaminaria village or b) Vretsia village

It is believed that these bridges were part of the historic Camel Road, an important trade route used by camel caravans during the medieval period. Merchants transported ores, raw materials and timber from the Troodos mountains to the port of Paphos.

Walking this trail is therefore not only a nature experience but also a journey through Cyprus' medieval trading history.

Along the route hikers pass several interesting locations including:

• Mita Farm

• Saouris Cave

• Saouris Farm

• Pera Vasa picnic site

At the Pera Vasa picnic site a large dry pine tree has been preserved and placed on display.

The trail also offers beautiful panoramic views along the way, including a viewpoint overlooking Arminou Dam, one of the largest dams in Cyprus.

We started the trail from Vretsia village, an old abandoned Turkish Cypriot village. Finding the starting point of the trail was not easy and we ended up hiking more than planned. Instead of the official 17 km route, our total hiking distance reached 21 km.

The distances between the main points of interest are:

• Vretsia village to Roudias Bridge: 3 km

• Roudias Bridge to Tzielefos Bridge: 6.9 km

• Tzielefos Bridge to Elia Bridge: 3.9 km

• Elia Bridge to Kaminaria village: 3.2 km

Roudias Bridge

Roudias Bridge, also known as Gefiri tou Roudia, is located in the Paphos Forest above the Xeros River. The bridge is surrounded by lush vegetation including plane trees, alder trees and pine trees.

The name Roudia comes from the bush called roudi, whose bark and leaves were once traded and were an important source of income during the Venetian period.

The bridge was almost destroyed during a powerful earthquake in the 1950s but was later restored in the 1970s. Its beautiful natural surroundings make it one of my favourite locations along the trail.

Tzielefos Bridge

Tzielefos Bridge (Gefiri tou Tzielefou) is the second bridge along the trail and one of the most famous Venetian bridges in Cyprus.

Located at an altitude of about 440 metres within the Paphos Forest, the bridge is surrounded by rich vegetation and dramatic natural scenery. It is also the largest stone bridge in Cyprus and is built over the Diarizos River.

At both entrances of the bridge there are waiting points. These indicate that there was significant traffic during the Venetian period, as the bridge served as an important connection between Paphos and other districts of the island. The bridge was originally called Vokaria, from the Greek word vokaros, meaning "separating".

There are several theories about the origin of the name Tzielefos. One theory suggests it comes from the Greek word kelefos, meaning weak or sick, possibly linked to a worker who became ill or died during the construction of the bridge. Another theory suggests that it comes from the Greek word kelifos, meaning shell.

Elia Bridge

Elia Bridge (Gefiri tis Elias) is built over the Finioti River, at the point where the rivers of Kaminaria and Diarizos meet.

The name Elia translates to olive and comes from the olive trees that once grew in the area. In particular, there was a large olive tree next to the bridge that served as a meeting point for travellers.

During the medieval period this bridge was the only passage to Foiniotis (Fini) for travellers going to and from Paphos. From there travellers continued towards Tzielefos Bridge and then to Roudias Bridge.

One distinctive feature of Elia Bridge is the carved crosses that can still be seen on both sides of the bridge.

This long but rewarding hike is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Cyprus while discovering the island's fascinating Venetian history.