There are two ways up, and the driver will choose depending on the weather and your destination. The usual one follows the A6 motorway east towards Limassol, then leaves it and climbs north through the wine villages on the southern slopes of Troodos, past vineyards and pine woods, to Platres. The other heads straight into the Paphos hills via smaller roads and mountain villages; it's shorter on the map but slower, and a beautiful drive if you're not in a hurry.
Platres, at about 1,100 m, is the main village resort, with hotels, tavernas and the trail to the Kaledonia waterfall. Higher up, Troodos Square sits close to the summit of Mount Olympus, the island's highest point at 1,952 m, where the ski slopes open when there's enough snow. From here the road continues to villages such as Kakopetria, Pedoulas and Omodos, and to Kykkos Monastery further west.
Even in summer the mountains are usually several degrees cooler than Paphos, so bring a light jacket. In winter, snow and ice can occasionally close the highest roads for a few hours; we keep an eye on conditions and will let you know if your plans need adjusting. For a day trip, the driver can drop you at a trailhead in the morning and collect you at a set time.
- The roads are winding: mention car sickness or a baby on board and the driver will take it slowly.
- Snow day at Troodos Square? Book early on winter weekends, when many locals head up.
- Planning a hike? Agree a pick-up point and time; mobile signal can be patchy in parts of the forest.
