The Troodos mountains rise behind the south coast to the highest point in Cyprus, and a day up there feels like a different island: cool pine forest, terraced vineyards, stone villages and painted churches, with snow on the top in the coldest weeks of winter. The EOS Tours day trip we link is a small-group outing, capped at nineteen people and rated 4.8 on Viator, that strings together the region’s highlights from Paphos. It starts at Tzelefos, a graceful medieval stone bridge in the forest, then stops at the LionSpirit winery and distillery for a complimentary tasting. In the high Troodos you have time around the summit area and walk the trail to the Milomeris waterfall, before finishing in Omodos, a wine village of cobbled lanes, craft shops and a large monastery church in its square. A local guide explains the history along the way, and there is time for a long lunch, paid locally, in a mountain taverna.
How it works: the tour starts around half past eight, with pickup from Paphos hotels about thirty minutes earlier; if you are not in a hotel, you agree a meeting point with the operator after booking. Expect about eight hours in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and guide. The wine tasting is included, lunch and other drinks are not, and cancellation is free up to twenty-four hours before. The operator may adjust the order of stops to suit the weather and the group.
What to expect: the mountain roads are winding, so take something for motion sickness if you need it. The waterfall walk is a short forest trail with some uneven steps. In late autumn and winter it is several degrees colder up in the Troodos than on the coast, and the high areas can see snow and ice in the depths of winter, which is beautiful but occasionally changes the route.
Making the most of it: bring a warm layer and shoes with grip, even if it is sunny in Paphos. Save some cash for Omodos, where village bakers and shops sell sweets and local wine. If you would rather focus on food and wine, the Limassol food and wine tour covers the wine villages in more depth.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group guided day trip by air-conditioned vehicle from Paphos, with a stone bridge, a winery tasting, a waterfall walk and a wine village.
Best time
Spring and autumn for mild days and clear views; winter brings crisp air and sometimes snow on the high peaks.
How long
About eight hours including pickup, with a long stop for lunch and about an hour of easy walking.
Tips
Pack a warm layer and walking shoes, and bring cash for lunch and for sweets and wine in Omodos.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want to see a completely different Cyprus of forests, vineyards and stone villages in one easy day.
- Families
- Fine for children who manage winding roads; the waterfall walk and the village lanes give them space to move.
- Couples
- A romantic, unhurried day with a wine tasting and a long taverna lunch in the mountains.
- Pair with
- A quiet beach day in Paphos the next day, or the Troodos food and wine tour from Limassol if you want more of the wine villages.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Does the Troodos tour run in winter?+
The tour is bookable through the cooler months, with recent reviews from October and November. Snow and ice on the high roads can occasionally change the route in deep winter.
Is lunch included?+
No, lunch is not included, but there is a long stop to eat in a mountain taverna. The wine tasting at the LionSpirit winery is included.
How cold is it in the Troodos in November?+
It is noticeably cooler than the coast, especially at the higher stops and in the shade of the pines. Bring a fleece or light jacket even if Paphos is warm.
How many people are on the tour?+
Groups are capped at nineteen travellers, so it feels more personal than the big coach excursions. Pickup is from most Paphos hotels.
Does the tour visit Kykkos Monastery?+
No, this itinerary focuses on Tzelefos Bridge, the high Troodos, the Milomeris waterfall and Omodos. Other day trips from Paphos include Kykkos if the monastery is your priority.
