Kakopetria Cyprus Travel Guide
Kakopetria is a town located between the Kargotis and Garillis rivers, just over 30 miles from Nicosia. With an altitude of 667 meters, it is the highest town in the Solea Valley. The pure mountain air and the authentic atmosphere make Kakopetria the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday. During the winter months, Kakopetria is an ideal base for skiing on Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains. The entire old town is a protected national monument with small streets lined with old stone houses and historic churches and buildings. Stroll around and soak up the incredible atmosphere before relaxing with a leisurely meal or drink in one of the traditional tavernas dotted around the shady town square.
This authentic and romantic mountain village offers traditional shops, a market and excellent cafes and bars serving traditional local cuisine and local wines. If you enjoy a glass or two of wine, a visit to one of the mountain wineries to sample some of the local vintages is a must on your Kakopetria vacation.
The area is steeped in history with many ancient monasteries and Byzantine churches, including the Kykkos Monastery, which is one of the most famous in Cyprus. Historic places to visit include Paphos, which is a World Heritage Site. Here you will find the Tombs of the Kings, the House of Dionysis, Paphos Castle and the Archaeological Museum.
The thick forests, beautiful valleys and variety of flora and fauna attract walkers, hikers, nature lovers and bird watchers. There are many marked trails that will guide you through vineyards and orchards, passing mountain streams and old churches on your way. Pears, apples, plums, apricots, peaches and cherries are grown in the region’s orchards. A hike along one of the scenic routes into the Troodos Mountains will give you the chance to explore the amazing monasteries dotted around the mountainside. Another way to explore the beautiful countryside is by mountain bike. There are many trails that take riders through different types of terrain, including easier ones for visitors who just want a leisurely ride, and more challenging ones for the more experienced and adventurous. Other ways to explore the countryside include jeep safaris and horseback riding.
The beaches on the south coast near Limassol are ideal for relaxing, swimming and water sports. There are also excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities along the coast. For golfers there are several golf courses within easy reach of Kakopetria.
The climate here is hot and dry in summer, but not as hot as in the coastal resorts. Temperatures often reach 30°C, but the fresh mountain air makes it more pleasant and less humid than the coastal resorts. Kakopetria enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, even April sees 8 hours of sunshine a day, an ideal time to book one of the many holiday deals available in Cyprus.
Spring and autumn are the best times for cheap Kakopetria vacation packages. Spring sees the region revive with the mountainside covered in beautiful flowers and the trees in the fruit orchards covered in blossoms. Fall is great for walking and hiking in the warm, sunny weather that the area enjoys this time of year.