Walk on Artemis trail and in Old Kakopetria

Hike on Artemis trail (8 km / 5 miles, flat and easy), the highest elevation trail in Cyprus, covered with unique flora. It is barren on many stretches and characterised by black pines and endemic Troodos junipers. Usually it offers excellent vistas to many parts of the island and to coasts from Limassol to Morphou bay. Meander inside the picturesque old part of Kakopetria village - visit old olive press, an old church and watermill. Take a short walk along a shaded stream opposite the old part of Kakopetria village. Cyprus coffee on a coffee shop veranda overlooking the stream is highly recommended (as is a fresh trout meal at a nearby restaurant). Visit the 11th century UNESCO World Heritage site Agios Nicolaos tis Stegis painted church, a former monastery where only the chapel survives. The frescoes are superb, dating from the 11th century onward. Enjoy a customisable route on the top of Cyprus, combining some of the best nature and cultural heritage the island has to offer.

Itinerary

1. Artemis is the highest elevation trail in Cyprus. It is unique in a number of ways, because of its geology, its high altitude (nearly 2,000 m) and the vistas it offers towards many directions. It is a top - five walking trail in Cyprus, not to be missed. It is flat and circular, and at places requires case as people walk next to steep sloped. (2h 30min)
2. The laid-back old part of Kakopetria village offers an excellent example of Cyprus rural architecture and a collection of attractions (eg a traditional man powered olive press and a grape press). Meandering through the narrow alleys is one part of the walking experience. The other consists of the stretch next to the stream, which combines nature with views from below of the traditional part of the village, a medieval bridge and watermill. Enjoying a Cyprus coffee at a local coffeeshop is yet another dimension to the experience. (1h 30min)
3. In our opinion, visiting one of the ten Unesco World Heritage Troodos Painted Churches in Cyprus is a must do activity in our Cyprus, because of the high artistic value of the painted churches. Agios Nicolaos tis Stegis chapel, is almost entirely painted and probably one of the two best parts of the collection of churchers. It is basically what still survives from the monastery that was built around 1000 AD. (1h 0min)

Meeting & end point