There is no better place to get back to nature than the spectacular Troodos Mountains in Cyprus.
Home to the island's highest peak – Mount Olympus, which rises to 1,952m – these mountains are the perfect place to explore the island's interior.
This beautiful region is thought to be more densely-wooded per square meter than Canada and the spectacular trees are lovingly cared for by the British-trained forestry department – thought to be the finest in the Mediterranean. If you're after a wilderness retreat, this is the perfect place for you.
Summers here are refreshingly cool and you may want to take advantage of the fresh mountain air to do some exploring on foot. There are plenty of nature walking trails and summer hikes you can enjoy in the Troodos Mountains – contact the Cyprus tourism office for a directory of the best ones to choose from. And if you make a wintertime visit to the mountains, you may find you are even able to ski on their snow-capped peaks.
Of course, you'll need somewhere to stay and luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation. Your options range from charming local inns to three and four-star hotels set in areas of stunning natural beauty. Or if you are more independently-minded or traveling with a larger group, you may wish to go the self-catering route and stay in a beautiful village house.
It is easiest to explore the mountains by car – especially if you want to cover a lot of ground during your travels. You may even want to make a stop in the Troodos Mountains part of a longer trip to Cyprus – there are plenty of other destinations on the island that are also well worth a visit. The Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Foundation has published a number of excellent itineraries that allow you to pass through smaller villages and really capture the flavor of Cyprus – or alternatively, you could create a route and travel at your own pace.
You're sure to have a brilliant time exploring the Troodos Mountains, as well as the rest of this colorful and welcoming nation. Cyprus is a brilliant place to take a fly-drive holiday – begin planning your break today.