Hiking Divine Trails – The Artemis Trail Around Mount Olympos
Cyprus is often called the “Island of the Gods” – and for good reason. On your journey across the island, you’ll encounter them everywhere: in ancient ruins, myth-steeped landscapes, and hiking trails named after Greek deities. One of the most iconic places is Mount Olympos, Cyprus’s highest peak at 1,952 meters – named after the mythical home of the gods.
Circling the summit at around 1,850 meters is the Artemis Nature Trail, named after the goddess of the hunt and forests. The name is fitting – this area features some of the island’s most pristine pine forests, along with sweeping views of the Troodos Mountains and, on clear days, even the distant coastline.
In this blog post, I’ll take you with me on my personal hike along the Artemis Trail – one of Cyprus’s highest walking routes and a real highlight of my island adventure. Enjoy the read – and welcome to my travel blog!
My hike on the Artemis Trail in brief
If you click on a link below, you will be taken directly to the corresponding section of the route. It starts at the parking lot of the Artemis Trail. The first section of the route directly opens some beautiful views of the Troodos Mountains. This is followed by a section on the southern slopes of Mount Olympos through black pine forest and Cyprus cedars, which, however, allow views of the mountains again and again. On the western slopes, unobstructed views of the mountainous landscape of Cyprus open up. Afterwards, the Artemis Nature Trail becomes narrow, rocky, and runs along the precipice. In return, breathtaking views await you, reaching all the way to the sea. The last section of the route passes again through great forest areas and passes ancient black pines.
In total, the hike on Mount Olympos is 7.2 kilometers long and I needed about 2 hours. The route does not have a significant slope, so no extraordinary condition is required. Although the hike is located at 1850 meters altitude it is easy to manage. Respect for height should be present, however, because the Artemis Trail runs partly along unsecured slopes. The paths are stony, but well developed, signposted and recognizable. Hiking shoes are nevertheless mandatory here. There are no refreshment stops or drinking water on the hike, so enough provisions should be taken. I have marked the route and all important points on the map.
-
7,2 km
-
↑↓ 163 m
-
Easy
-
Parking at Artemis Trail
-
Well developed nature trails with signposting
-
Highest hiking trail in Cyprus
If you’re looking for more information and tips on hiking in Cyprus, check out this blog article.
How to get to Mount Olympos
Travel by car
The trail has its own parking lot at the start of the route (see map). Parking there is free of charge. Through the Troodos Mountains runs the road B9, from which you have to turn off the E910 in Troodos. After about 2 kilometers you will reach a road that leads to Olympos. From Troodos to the Artemis Trail, it takes about 5 minutes. I recommend to stop at the turnoff, because there is a viewing platform that promises beautiful views of the northern part of Cyprus. I was here at sunrise (see pictures).
To Mt. Olympos by bus
From Kakopetria bus line 45 goes to Troodos. Bus line No. 408 runs between Nicosia and Troodos. The bus stops in all towns along the B9 road. From the south, bus line 64 runs from Limassol to Troodos and stops at the places along the B8 road. However, from Troodos it is a 2.2 km walk uphill on a hiking trail to the Artemis Trail. I have marked the bus stops on the map. You can find more information on the website Cyprus by Bus.
If you want to learn more about traveling by car or public transportation in Cyprus, check out my travel blog about Cyprus.
My hiking tour on the Artemis Trail
High-altitude hiking trail on the highest mountain in Cyprus
Shortly before I reach the parking lot of Mount Olympos, I stop at a glass viewing platform that promises breathtaking views of Cyprus. You can find the sunrise pictures above. The parking lot at Artemis Nature Trail, located at 1830 meters, is empty. I pack my things, put on my hiking boots, and follow the signs. The trail leads me directly into an incredibly beautiful black pine forest and immediately opens up beautiful views of the Troodos Mountains. It is early. The morning sun shines on the mountain slopes and puts a warm cloak of light over the indescribable mountain landscape. It is fresh up here, but in the valley, people are slowly awakened by the warm rays of the rising sun.
I walk past bizarrely shaped black pines, small boulders, and a field full of cairns. Again and again, the Artemis Trail opens up great views of the Cyprus landscape. Everything is enveloped by a golden cloak of light, which makes not only the surroundings but also my mood shine.
Short Facts for your Trip
For hiking on the Olympos I recommend you to travel between April and November. The Artemis Trail is located at 1850 meters altitude and runs in the shade, so it is a bit fresher there even in summer. During the months of December to March, there is a high probability of snow on Mount Olympos. I managed the hike in early November.
For the hike on Mount Olympos you can plan about 2 to 2.5 hours. However, it is worth to stay longer in this area of Cyprus because there are some sights waiting. For example, the Venetian bridges or the Caledonian waterfalls and the Millomeris waterfall. In the Troodos Mountains you will also find several beautiful monasteries, which have the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, you will find countless other hiking opportunities and magnificent natural spectacles such as the Madari Trail. Not to forget the many authentic mountain villages of the region.
You can stay overnight in one of the many mountain villages near the Artemis Trail. Especially in the villages Troodos* or Prodromos* you will find some accommodations. But of course, there are many more villages where accommodation is available. Under the following link you will find a selection*
The easiest way to get around Cyprus is with your own car. Parking lots are available at the Artemis Trail.
For the journey by bus, you need a lot of time. The bus network is poorly developed, and the Artemis Trail is unfortunately not directly accessible. Bus lines 45, 64 and 408 go to the village of Troodos, from where it is about 2.2 kilometers to the hiking trail. You can find more information on the website Cyprus by Bus.
For the hike on the Artemis Trail hiking shoes are mandatory. You should also bring weatherproof clothing, because in the Troodos Mountains the weather can change quickly. It is also much cooler here than at the sea. Be sure to take enough food and drink with you because you can’t buy anything or fill up your water anywhere on the trail. My selection of recommended hiking gear for Cyprus can be found on this page.
The panorama high trail offers optimal conditions for landscape photography. There are great views of the Troodos Mountains at almost every corner. With a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens, you are therefore right at Artemis Nature Trail. But also in the forest many beautiful details are waiting for your camera.
Varied hiking trail around Mount Olympos
The trail is in constant alternation between small, wooded areas and stony passages directly on the precipice. To my left, views of the surrounding area open up. On the right, a slope stretches uphill towards the summit of Mt. Olympos. Unfortunately, the highest peak of Cyprus is not visitable, because there is a military radar station of the British.
I hike at the same altitude over the southern slopes of Mount Olympos. Black pines and Cyprus cedars stand along the trail and repeatedly provide shade from the incoming sun. Indeed, the Artemis Trail lives up to its name because Artemis is the Greek goddess of the forest. In fact, nowhere in Cyprus is there as much forest as in the region around Mount Olympos.
If you are looking for hikes in Cyprus, check out this book. I personally like this hiking guide series very much. The book is small and handy, offers useful information about hiking and detailed descriptions of the hikes. It has allowed me to discover great hikes in Cyprus that I would not have found without these books.
Viewpoints of the Troodos Mountains
In a valley cut I pass a ski lift and a ski hut, which do not look as if they are still in operation. After crossing a juniper grove, I slowly leave the wooded areas behind. The Artemis Trail now runs directly along the precipice on the west side of Mount Olympos. Here, spectacular views of the mountains and landscape of Cyprus open up again. I pass a formation of harzburgite lying on the slope, which contains uplifted deep rocks from the earth’s mantle.
Artemis Nature Trail: the highest hiking trail in Cyprus
A passage follows that makes it clear that I am on the highest hiking trail in Cyprus. Boulders lie before me, bizarrely shaped trees protrude from the stones, and in the distance the peaks of the Troodos Mountains rise into the air. Behind the mountains stretches the lowlands that finally end at the Mediterranean Sea. From up here, 1850 meters above sea level, I look out over all of Cyprus.
The last section of the Artemis Trail
I follow the hiking trail back into a forest. Suddenly it gets dark, because here the sun has trouble to unfold its rays through the dense crowns and high trunks. I reach a second ski lift, behind which the Artemis Trail again leads into the forest. Shortly thereafter, I stand in front of a 500-year-old black pine that clearly outshines the surrounding trees. A great attraction at Mount Olympos.
The last part runs through forests above, but parallel to a mountain road. There are other viewpoints along the way where I can look up to Madari and beyond. (Feel free to check out my blog post on the Madari Trail). About 30 minutes after the mighty black pine, I return to the parking lot. There I meet other tourists for the first time who are just starting out on the Artemis Trail. Have fun on this great trail around Mount Olympos!
If you are looking for a travel guide to Cyprus, check out this book. I personally like this travel guide series very much. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low budget travelers. Moreover, not only the well-known sights are described, but also more unknown places are mentioned.
Conclusion of the Artemis Trail around Mount Olympos
In summary, the route is beautiful, and I liked it very much. Those who appreciate the mountains and nature will love this hike. The alternation between forest and views over the mountains makes the Artemis Trail special. You can discover something new at every turn, even though the trail is at a consistent elevation. No relevant hiking experience is needed to tackle the route, but respect for heights should be present. You are here at almost 1900 meters of altitude. In any case, hiking boots should be worn. The circular hike is 7.2 kilometers long and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. I was on Mount Olympos in November, in the low season. It was sunny and still around 20 degrees. However, it seems a bit fresher at high altitude due to the wind and the shady forest. Therefore, you can go hiking here even in the hot midsummer. During the winter months and into April, you can expect snow on the Artemis Trail. I can highly recommend this attraction. The views are breathtaking, and the nature is beautiful. For me, the high-altitude trail at Mount Olympos was an absolute highlight on my Cyprus trip.
After a challenging hike through the impressive landscapes of the Troodos Mountains, you’ll be craving a well-deserved cool down. And what could be better than diving straight into the refreshing pools of the Aphrodite Waterpark* in Paphos?
Hotels and accommodation near Mount Olympos
The best starting point for the hike on Mount Olympos is the region around Troodos. In the village there are bus connections, supermarkets, restaurants, and accommodation. A selection of accommodations can be found under this link* The nearby village of Prodromos* is also a good place to stay. I stayed in Pedoulas at Christys Palace Hotel* and was very satisfied.
Of course, there are countless other places in the region that offer accommodation. Below you will find a selection for the entire Troodos region.
I hope you enjoyed my travelogue about Artemis Trail. On my Cyprus Blog I show you other beautiful travel destinations in Cyprus and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Cyprus. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be happy if you recommend my travel blog, leave a comment, or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your vacation in Cyprus.
The references marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called commission links. If you click on such a referral link and buy something, I get a small commission from the provider. For you, the price does not change! I see it as a small thank you for my work and look forward to any support.
2 comments
Hello,
We are couple from UAE to climb mt olympos. Which is the better air port to reach there? We need transportation from airport and back and if possible we need a certificate.
Regards
Nayla
Hello Nayla,
The airport in Paphos is closer to Mount Olympos than the airport in Larnaca. For transportation, I recommend booking a rental car directly at the airport. Enjoy your vacations!
Many greetings
Arne