Where the Gods Hike: The Madari Trail in the Troodos Mountains
According to Cyprus’ famous slogan – “Where the gods go on holiday” – the gods once came to bathe and relax on the island’s dreamy beaches and turquoise bays. But did the divine beings also venture into the high mountains rising in the center of Cyprus?
The Troodos Mountains would certainly have been worth it. In fact, the region offers stunning landscapes that rival the beauty of the coast.
Pure Panoramas on the Madari Circular Trail
The Madari Trail reveals the true beauty of the region. This high-altitude trail offers panoramic views across nearly the entire island. Cyprus has even developed this trail into a circular route – and for good reason.
In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to my personal hike on the Madari Circular Trail. For me, this mountain hike was an absolute highlight of my journey through Cyprus. An amazing adventure and an unforgettable experience. I hope you enjoy reading my travel report, and I’m glad you found your way to my blog.
My hike over the Madari in brief
If you click on a link below, you will go directly to the corresponding section of the route. It starts at the parking lot at Doxa soi o Theoas. The first section of the route immediately climbs steeply uphill. In return, however, a multitude of magnificent viewpoints over the Troodos Mountains await you. And that over a length of 3.5 kilometers. At the end, the fire lookout awaits at Madari at 1613 meters above sea level, which promises a spectacular 360-degree panorama. This is followed by a descent via switchbacks and a hiking trail through wooded areas, which, however, always allow for wonderful views of the region. Afterwards, the Madari Trail will lead you along the European Long-Distance Trail E4, and the last section of the route will take you from the Moutti tis Choras junction uphill back to the Doxa soi o Theos Pass.
The entire hike is 12.5 kilometers long and I needed about 4.5 hours. Especially at the beginning of the hike, the route has a steep incline, so that a good basic condition should be present. In total, there are a good 650 meters of altitude to climb. Nevertheless, the Madari Circular Trail is rather easy to manage. The paths are stony, but well developed, signposted and recognizable. Hiking shoes are nevertheless a must. 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.
- 12,5 km (4.5 h)
- ↑↓ 655 m
- Easy
- Parking at Doxa soi o Theos
- Well developed nature trails with signposting
If you’re looking for more information and tips on hiking in Cyprus, check out this blog article.
How to get to Madari Circuit
Travel by car
There are four parking lots along the circular trail (see map). However, the most sensible place to start is at Doxa sio o Theos. The road 909 runs through the Troodos Mountains, from which you have to turn onto the F944 in Kyperounta. After about 2 kilometers you will reach the parking facilities at Doxa sio o Theos. Parking there is free of charge. The drive from Troodos to Madari Trail takes about 20 minutes.
To Madari Circular Trail by bus
From Kakopetria bus number 44 goes to Spilia. From there it is a 1.1 km walk to the road junction Moutti tis Choras, crossed by the Madari Trail.
Bus lines 32, 43, 406 and 407 run between Kakopetria and Chandria. There is a bus stop in Kyperounta at the hospital. From there it is a 2.4 km walk to Doxa sio o Theos. Lines 406 and 407 even start in Nicosia.
Bus number 4 runs between Peristerona and Lagoudera and stops at Saranti. From there it is a 1.5 km walk to Selladi tou Karamanli, located on the Madari Circular 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 hike across the Madari Trail
Cyprus’ best panoramic hiking route
I park my rental car on a gravel road at Doxa sio o Theos (1335 m) and wonder why so many cars are already here so early in the morning. Along the stony road, several men in camouflage clothing and orange high-visibility vests sit and stand, shooting into the sky with long rifles. Is today something like hunting day?! Let’s get out of here quickly. I go on the hiking trail, which leads directly quite steeply over serpentines uphill. Therefore, I reach very quickly several viewpoints that promise a wonderful view of the mountains of Cyprus.
Short Facts for your Trip
For hiking in Cyprus, I recommend you to travel between March and May or between September and November. In summer it is too hot for that. During the months of December to February, there is a high probability of snow on the Madari. Another advantage is that there are few tourists in the low season. And the Madari is a very popular destination in Cyprus.
For the hike you can plan about 4 to 5 hours, and for the journey from Troodos 20 minutes. 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 Olympos, the highest mountain on the island. Not to forget the many authentic mountain villages of the region.
You can stay overnight in one of the many mountain villages near the Madari Trail. Especially in the villages Kakopetria*, Agros* or Kyperounta* 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 Madari Trail.
For the journey by bus, you need a lot of time. The bus network is poorly developed, and the Madari Trail is unfortunately not directly accessible. Bus lines 32, 43, 406 and 407 go to the village of Kyperounta, from where it is about 2.5 kilometers to the trail. You can find more information on the website Cyprus by Bus.
For the hike on the Madari 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 here.
Viewpoints over the Troodos Mountains
The hiking trail over the ridge of the Madari continues uphill. At about 1480 meters altitude I reach a bench from which I have a magnificent view of the Troodos Mountains. In the distance I can even see the summit of Mount Olympos. Feel free to check out my blog post where I show you my trek and travelogue on the Artemis Trail around Mount Olympos.
After another 50 meters of altitude, the next seat awaits me, somewhat hidden. From here I have a wonderful view of the valley of Kyperounta. I sit down and enjoy the idyll. But still rifle shots drown out the quiet sounds of nature every few minutes.
Hare hunting in the mountains of Cyprus
Every 30 seconds a loud bang, which quickly falls silent in the vastness of the mountain landscape. Again, and again dogs cross my path, which hunt excitedly up and down the mountain slopes of Madari. I ask a hunter standing by the trail what he is hunting. “rabbits” I wish him good luck but secretly hope he doesn’t shoot a single one. I continue and hope that I am not mistaken for a rabbit on my hike.
I try to ignore the noise and devote myself to the magnificent view that opens up at every turn. The pine forest is behind me, along the way are now golden oaks, strawberry trees, and rock roses. At an altitude of 1600 meters, I reach a vantage point that allows a panoramic view of the mountains of Cyprus. In the distance I can see the sea, a fire watch is enthroned within reach on the Madari.
View from the fire lookout on the Madari
A paved path leads from the parking lot at the foot of Madari to the fire station. At the summit (1613 m) there is a small glass hut where an official watches over the area. From up here, a breathtaking view reveals itself. To the north I look at the Mediterranean Sea in the distance, see the peak of Olympos and many smaller peaks of the Troodos Mountains. I can see the path I’ve traveled and guess where the hike will take me. In short, the 360-degree panorama on the Madari is amazing. But see for yourself!
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.
Circular trail from the Madari
A sign shows me which way I have to take for the round hike. Over serpentines it goes now about 150 meters of altitude steeply downhill. It follows pine forest and again excited dogs cross my path. I walk over soft ground, on which also on the warm island of Cyprus the leaves collect in November on the ground. Suddenly I reach a small picnic area and to my surprise there is a hammock. Of course, I don’t let myself miss it and lie down in it. A great idea to enjoy the beautiful view of Troodos Mountains.
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?
Hidden viewpointsat Madari Trail
I leave the pine forest behind me, and it goes further downhill. After a kilometer I reach a bench in front of a large prominent tree (see picture). Behind it hides a small path that leads to a viewpoint. At the end, I stand on a rock and marvel at a 360-degree panorama. Behind me is the ridge of Madari from which I came. In front of me I see the valleys with the villages of Saranti, Spilia and Kannavia. I continue walking and shortly after I reach the road Selladi tou Karamanli. Here is a small EOKA monument, which reminds of the Cypriot resistance against the former colonial power.
Section on the European Long-Distance Trail E4
I follow the sign “E4”, which marks the European Long-Distance Trail E4. This connects the most southwestern point of Europe (Portugal) with the most southeastern point in Cyprus. It is thus the longest long-distance hiking trail in Europe. However, my path on Madari Circular Trail leads me through dense golden oak forest, which, however, always provides opportunities for great views.
Moss covers small streams and boulders along the way. Autumn has also arrived in the Troodos Mountains, so the hiking trail is covered with colorful leaves. There is still a bang in the distance. If this continues, soon there will be no more hares in Cyprus.
The last section of the Madari Trail
I reach the junction Moutti tis Choras, where parking is also available. A signpost shows me the way towards Doxa soi o Theos. The trail runs parallel to a road and requires another small effort. Almost 180 meters of altitude must be overcome on the last 1.8 kilometers. Exhausted, I return to the car. The hunters have disappeared, and no more shots can be heard. Fortunately, no one has mistaken me for a hare.
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: Hiking the Madari Ridge Trail
I really enjoyed this route overall. If you appreciate mountains and nature, you will love this hike. The first section along the Madari ridge to the fire lookout station is a highlight in itself. With so many viewpoints and 360-degree panoramas, it’s hard not to be amazed. The effort of climbing the elevation is well worth it.
No prior hiking experience is required to complete this route, though a healthy respect for heights is helpful. Proper hiking boots are essential. The circular hike is 12.5 kilometers long and takes around 4 to 5 hours. You can shorten it by returning the same way from the fire station (7.6 km). There’s also the option to extend your adventure by taking on the spectacular “Teisia tis Madaris” circular route around the summit (+3.5 km).
I hiked the Madari Trail in November, during the off-season. It was sunny and around 20 degrees Celsius, although it felt a bit cooler at elevation due to the wind. I only met one couple from Poland on the trail, but I started early in the morning.
I highly recommend this attraction. If the full hike is too much, you can just visit the fire station on the Madari – the view is breathtaking. For me, this ridge trail was an absolute highlight and an incredible experience during my trip through Cyprus.
Hotels and accommodation near Madari Trail
The best starting point for the hike at Madari Circular Walk is the region around Kyperounta. In the village there are bus connections, supermarkets, and accommodations. You can find a selection under this link* The nearby town of Kakopetria* and the town of Agros* are also good places to stay. I stayed at the Livadia Hotel Kyperounta* 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 the Madari 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.
