One of the greatest pleasures in Cyprus, for me, is driving through the glorious countryside leading up to the Troodos Mountains. I made my first trip up the mountains some 30 years ago when the roads were much narrower, but the smell of mountain pine air is unforgettable. Pine trees generate magical aromas that catch your attention whilst taking in all the spectacular views and sceneries.
The views of Troodos across the valley from the village of Trimiklini are stunning, Having passed through Trimiklini, you should turn right for Pelendri Village where you will find, well before the village on your left, Tsiakkas Winery. Great wine and such a charming location set in the pine forest.
Before Trimiklini are the villages of Lania on the right and Doros and Monagri on the left. Lania is a stunning village although it can get overrun with tourists. Doros and Monagri are sleepy and very traditional, but well worth browsing around.
Further up the mountain you come to the village of Moniatis and then the celebrated village and hill resort of Platres. Many hotels, shops, banks and even a discothèque plus many tourist shops line the main road of this very large village. Platres has a great climate and is a retreat for locals, mainly during the hot summer months.
Then on to the magnificent Mount Olympus at 6,401ft/1,946m. Being the highest point in Cyprus, the views are extra special. On a clear day, you can have views clear across land to the golden beaches and the azure sea. (Of course on a misty cloudy day you can see nowt) The skiing resort dates back to the 1930s and has two ski lifts, with around 50% of the skiers being from Cyprus. On the highest point are radar ‘golf balls’ used for listening devices by the Armed Force, these are visible from many miles. You can be skiing on Mount Olympus in the morning and in the afternoon you can be swimming in the Mediterranean on the same day. Cyprus holds great attractions for just about everyone. From this area, you can drive to Nicosia through Kakopetria to the east, or west to Paphos through Mandria or northwest to Pyrgos passing by Kykkos monastery.
Places of Interest
Wineries: (MOST IMPORTANT)
Tsiakkas Winery Region: Troodos
Ayia Mavri Winery. Kilani Village, Limassol-Cyprus
Vlassides Winery, Kilani Region: Troodos
Kyperounda Winery. Kyperounda .Region: Troodos
Kykkos Monastery Winery .Nicosia .Region: Troodos

In total there are nine Byzantine churches in the Troodos Mountains, and all are included in the official UNESCO World Heritage List. These are:Stavros tou Ayiasmati, Panayia tou Araka, Timiou Stavrou at Pelendri, Ayios Nicolaos tis Stegis, Panayia Podithou, Panayia tis Asinou, Ayios Ioannis Lampadistis, Panayia tou Moutoulla and Archangel Michael at Pedhoulas.
Pitsilia. And Kykko Monastery, The most famous and richest monastery in Cyprus. Founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it possesses one of the three surviving icons ascribed to St. Luke. The icon, covered in silver gilt and enclosed in a shrine of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, stands at the front of the iconostasis.
Not to forget the medieval castle which are dotted around, some of which are absolutely stunning. You will never find enough time to fit it all in!!!!!....because you keep getting stopped….in order to eat the fabulous food or to talk to the wonderful friendly locals…...the favourite pass-time of the day is to sit on the patios of the cafes’ and drink coffee and talk!!!!
Great!!!....I love it.