If you love to travel and would like to try a hiking adventure, the Artemis Trail in Cyprus is a great way to start your hiking love affair.
If the name of the trail sounds familiar to you, it is because it is named after the Greek goddess Artemis, daughter of Zeus and Leto. What makes the trail more exciting and intriguing is that it takes you to the top of Mount Olympus, the home of the gods in Greek mythology and locally known as Chionistra. Reaching the summit takes you a little over 1800 meters above sea level. This means you’ll be in an excellent vantage point for the spectacular scenery, including views of iconic towns such as Paphos and Limassol.
Connecting to the Atalanti Trail, the Artemis Trail is actually a rough circular loop and covers 7 kilometers. It starts and ends at the small car park along the Olympus Summit road. The trail leads to shady but also open areas that offer amazing views of the mountain. Although Artemis takes about three hours to complete, the trail is relatively flat which is why it is perfect for new hikers with different fitness levels.
Mount Olympus is not the only highlight of the trail, Artemis also leads to the “Old City Walls” (Teisia tis Palias Choras), which are actually the ruins of an old temporary Venetian fort, believed to have been built in the late 16th century. The fortification was built as the main defense against the Ottoman invaders. The trail also features endemic plants, geological formations, and black pine forests. An added attraction of the trail are the old black pines, which are around 500 years old.
The Artemis trail is in the Troodos National Forest Park, part of a protected area called NATURA 2000. The trail is well signposted and even has proper information signs to give you more information and information about the forest and the trip. The most suitable period to walk this splendid trail is from March to November. And while Artemis has a lot to offer in the summer, also consider coming during the winter for some skiing fun, as the trail is located near a ski lift and club.
Before tackling the Artemis Trail, be sure to bring water, a hat, and your favorite sun protection. Smoking, eating, and excessive noise are not recommended when hiking this nature trail. You can also walk as much as you want without worrying about being run over since bicycles and motorcycles are prohibited.
If you want to spend the night in the area, you always have the option of staying in one of the camping areas with equipment. You will also find some hotels and other types of accommodation in the villages located in the Troodos mountain range. The villages have small local restaurants or taverns where you can have some traditional Cypriot dishes. If you head to Plaza de Torrodos, there is a collection of restaurants, shops and hotels to choose from. Near the square there is an Environmental Information Center.