Troodos Walking Trip Review: Artemis+/Myllomeris Waterfalls from Larnaca
So, you are probably picturing Cyprus as, you know, all sun-drenched beaches and warm, blue water. And really, you are not wrong about that part, not at all. But, you know, there’s a whole other side to this island that is, frankly, completely different and just a little bit magical. As a matter of fact, leaving the coastline behind for a day to explore the Troodos Mountains is something I tell everyone they should do. This particular private trip from Larnaca, focusing on the Artemis Trail and Myllomeris Waterfalls, is, to be honest, a pretty perfect way to see that other Cyprus. You get to breathe in some really fresh, pine-scented air and just disconnect from the beach buzz for a while. It’s a very different kind of relaxation, more or less. Actually, the change of scenery is so complete, you might almost forget you are on a Mediterranean island. The whole experience, at the end of the day, feels a lot more personal and quiet than you might expect, which is just lovely.
The Private Pickup Experience: A Seriously Easy Start
Alright, one of the best things about this day is how, you know, completely stress-free it starts. Having a private pickup from your place in Larnaca is just a totally different feeling from figuring out buses or rental cars. Frankly, you just wake up, have your coffee, and wait for your guide to arrive. Our guide was, seriously, right on time and the vehicle was extremely comfortable and clean. The drive itself is, basically, part of the adventure. You start in the flat, warm plains around Larnaca and, well, you gradually start to climb. As I was saying, you can literally watch the landscape transform out your window. The air gets a little cooler, you see fewer palm trees and more pine trees, and pretty soon you’re winding your way up these mountain roads. It’s really beautiful and sort of builds the anticipation for the walk. Honestly, just being able to sit back and watch it all unfold without worrying about directions or traffic is, in itself, a luxury. By the way, this is a great time to chat with your guide, who kind of gives you a bit of a preview of the day and some interesting facts about the villages you pass through and stuff like that.
Walking the Artemis Trail: Like, Around the Top of Cyprus
Now, the Artemis Trail itself is just so cool. It’s named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, and as a matter of fact, you walk past the ruins of an old temple dedicated to her, which is pretty neat. The trail itself is, more or less, a gentle ring that goes around the peak of Mount Olympus. And obviously, when I say peak, you’re not climbing to the very top, as that’s a military area, but you’re really high up there. The path is pretty flat and easy to walk on, so you definitely don’t need to be some sort of super-fit hiker. You can just, you know, stroll and take it all in. What’s amazing up there is the air, which is so incredibly clean and smells strongly of pine. You are surrounded by these massive, centuries-old Black Pine trees that are, frankly, just stunning. And the quiet, I mean, it is just so peaceful up there. Sometimes, all you can hear is the wind moving through the trees and maybe some birds. Every so often, the trees open up and you get these absolutely incredible views stretching out across Cyprus. You can apparently see almost the whole island on a clear day, which is just wild. It’s a very grounding experience, sort of, walking on this ancient path high above everything else.
The Magic of Myllomeris Waterfalls
Okay, so after the open, airy feeling of the Artemis Trail, the next part of the trip is a complete, and frankly, wonderful contrast. You head to the Myllomeris Waterfalls, which is a bit of a different vibe. The walk to the falls is sort of a short and relatively easy trail, but it feels a bit more enclosed, like you’re descending into a little green canyon. The sound of the water gets louder and louder as you get closer, which is really exciting, you know. And then, well, you round a corner and there it is. The waterfall is just really pretty, cascading down this dark rock face into a small, clear pool below. At about 15 meters high, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Cyprus, apparently. What’s really nice is the coolness in the air around it. The spray from the falls feels just amazing, especially if it’s a warm day. You can just stand there for a bit, take pictures, and let the sound of the falling water wash over you. It’s an incredibly picturesque spot, honestly, and feels like a little hidden secret in the middle of the forest. The whole atmosphere is just very, very serene and almost a little bit magical. It’s a perfect counterpoint to the wide-open views from the mountain trail.
What to Expect From Your Guide and the Trip
At the end of the day, what really makes a trip like this special is having a good private guide. It’s not just about the driving, obviously. A guide, you know, just adds so much depth to the experience. For instance, our guide was able to point out different types of plants along the Artemis Trail and explain their traditional uses, which is something we would have just walked right past. He also knew all these little local stories and bits of history that, basically, brought the whole area to life. You just feel a much deeper connection to the place. This trip tends to be well-paced, so you never feel rushed. You can spend as much time as you like at the waterfall or stop for photos whenever you want, which is just a huge perk. In terms of what to bring, comfortable walking shoes are, frankly, a must. Trainers are perfectly fine. You might also want to bring a light jacket, as it can be quite a bit cooler up in the mountains, even on a hot day. And, of course, your camera, some water, and maybe a few snacks are always a good idea. The entire day is just handled for you, more or less, which lets you really relax and soak in the natural surroundings.
Recommendations: Honestly, Who Is This Trip For?
So, who would really love this trip? Honestly, I think it has a pretty broad appeal. If you’re a nature lover, then it’s, obviously, a no-brainer. You get to see two very different, but equally beautiful, natural settings in the Troodos Mountains. It is also, in my opinion, absolutely perfect for couples looking for a romantic and quiet day out, away from the more crowded tourist spots. It would also work for families, for example, as long as the children are old enough to handle a bit of walking and enjoy being outdoors. It’s not too strenuous, you know. It’s for anyone who, frankly, wants to see that there’s more to Cyprus than the beach scene. If you have an interest in geology, botany, or just getting some incredible photos, you’ll find a lot to like here. At the end of the day, it’s for people who appreciate convenience and want a deeper, more personal look at the island’s natural heart. It’s basically a perfect little escape into the green, cool mountains.
You think you know Cyprus, and then you go up into the Troodos Mountains. It’s just a completely different world up there, and honestly, a private tour like this is the absolute best way to experience it. You just get to see and learn so much more.
- Key Takeaway: You know, this trip offers a seriously beautiful and relaxing look at the natural side of Cyprus.
- Key Takeaway: Honestly, the combination of the high-altitude Artemis Trail and the lush Myllomeris Waterfalls gives you two very different experiences in one day.
- Key Takeaway: A private guide and transport from Larnaca, well, it just makes the entire day completely effortless and much more informative.
- Key Takeaway: It is, at the end of the day, perfect for nature lovers, couples, and anyone wanting a peaceful break from the coastal heat.
Read our full review: 2025 ‘Troodos Walking Trip (Artemis+/Myllomeris Waterfalls) – private – from Larnaca’ Full Review and Details
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