Did you know that there are two Mount Olympuses? Not only the famous Greek mountain can boast of this name. You can also find a Mount Olympus in Cyprus and it’s also the highest point of the country. I was surprised how high the mountain actually is and I found out that you can even ski in Cyprus in winter. Unfortunately, this mountain has one major disadvantage as it is a very tourist unfriendly mountain. This article will give you the answer why. Besides that, it will tell you all you need before your visit of the highest point of Cyprus including a map and my personal experiences and tips.
Important information for visiting the highest point of Cyprus – Mount Olympus
Short description of the ascent: Short easy walk Essential equipment: Nothing special, it's a short walk Best time to visit: All year round Fees or restrictions: You can't reach the actual top of the mountain as there is a military base but you can come very close Camping allowed: No, but it's tolerated Nearest accommodation/food supply: Trodoos hotel Height of the peak: 1952 m Hiking distance: 1,3 km (one way) Time to ascend : 30 min (one way) Elevation climbed: 81 m (one way) Difficulty level: * (6 stars maximum) Personal rating of the mountain: ** (6 stars maximum) Beer on the peak: Kea Beer ** (6 stars maximum)
Map of the route to Mount Olympus
What is the best way to reach the highest point of Cyprus?
The easiest way is to get a popular guided tour with a pickup from cities/villages Yeroskipou, Paphos, Kissonerga, Coral Bay or Chlorakawhich. It will take you not only to the highest peak of the country but also to traditional villages, waterfalls, tastings and the unique nature of the mountaneous region of Cyprus.
If you are more adventurous, you can rent a bike and challenge yourself to get to the peak with your own power. The last option is to rent a car and make the trip according to your wishes as I did. See below how I enjoyed.
My story of reaching the highest point of Cyprus with personal tips
I visited Mount Olympus as a part of my project European Peaks during which I climbed the highest peak of every European country. I was very curious about Cyprus and since I didn’t make much research in advance I was looking forward to what I’ll see. The first surprise happened already at the airport. When picking up a rental car in Paphos I found out that I will be driving on the left. It makes sense. It used to be a British colony!
Romantic evening at Mount Olympus by myself
I had a romantic plan to spend the night at the famous beach Petra tou Romiou where the goddess Afrodité was born according to the legend. Once I reached it though I found out how hot and wet it was outside. I realized I would never be able to fall asleep there so I changed my plan and headed directly to Cyprus mountains. Since it was late there was no traffic and I was soon close to the highest point of the whole Cyprus.
At the height of 1900 m there was a different extreme. It was very cold there but I preferred that and I also had a view to the beautiful Milky Way. I think I selected the best place to spend the night at. If you prefer to stay inside, I understand. You can stay over in a pleasant hotel in nearby village Troodos.
Zeus skiing slope
The other advantage of this sleepover place was that I woke up very close to Mount Olympus. I just had to climb the skiing slope called Zeus and I was on the top. Unfortunately it is impossible to reach the real highest point of Cyprus because there is a military zone with a large radar. It was even forbidden to take pictures there. Since there were no guards unlike the place where the main road leads to the top I took some pictures. Happy I didn’t end up in prison.
Short holiday on Cyprus
Since this mountain was very tourist unfriendly I didn’t stay long and headed back to Petra tou Romiou to get 10 years younger. According to the legend everyone gets 10 years younger after a swim in the waters where Afrodité was born. Since I didn’t become a teenager again I doubt this legend, though.
Then, I headed to the beach city Larnaca to spend some time on the beach before I moved to the next mountain. I took another amazingly warm swim in the local sea and got refreshed for my next mountain and my next adventure.
My tips for the mountain Mount Olympus:
- Don’t come to the peak on the main road. There are guards and you will not be able to make a summit picture. Instead find the start of the skiing slope Zeus and climb the few hundreds meters up. You will have a better view without guards.
- Spend the night in Cyprus mountains and watch the amazing Milky Way (avoid full moon period). I recommend accommodation nearby the highest peak at Troodos hotel
- If you have time, rent a bike in one of the rental shops below the mountain.