Summarise this page 13 key points · 1 minute
- The 10 at a glanceThe ten nature spots run from Troodos waterfalls and forests to the Akamas, Cape Greco and Larnaca Salt Lake, with trails graded 1 to 3.
- 1. Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfallThe Kalidonia waterfall trail is 3 km, about 1.5 hours and grade 3, following a river that runs all year round.
- 2. Millomeris waterfallThe Millomeris waterfall trail in Pano Platres is a 1.2 km, 30-minute walk, but it is graded 3, so expect rough ground.
- 3. Chantara waterfallThe eight-metre Chantara waterfall lies on an easy 4.5 km linear trail of about 2 hours, so plan transport back or return the same way.
- 4. Madari ridgeThe Madari ridge offers panoramic views, with the Doxa soi o Theos trail climbing 3.8 km in about 2 hours to the fire lookout.
- 5. Mount Olympos black pine forestThe easy 7 km Artemis loop around Mount Olympos passes 500-year-old black pines on Cyprus's highest nature trail, reaching 1,850 m.
- 6. Xyliatos DamThe Xyliatos Dam trail is a 3.8 km lakeside walk of 1 to 1.5 hours at grade 2, well suited to picnickers and families.
- 7. Baths of Aphrodite and the Akamas forestThe Aphrodite and Adonis trails both start at the Baths of Aphrodite and are each 7.5 km, about 3.5 hours and grade 3.
- 8. Peyia sea cavesThe Peyia sea caves form arches beside the Edro III wreck, a well-known sunset spot, but boarding the wreck is prohibited.
- 9. Cape GrecoCape Greco's easy coastal trails, from 1.7 km to 4.8 km, pass sea caves, the Kamara tou Koraka arch and Agioi Anargyroi.
- 10. Larnaca Salt LakeLarnaca Salt Lake hosts thousands of flamingos from November to March and has a 4 km nature trail to the Kamares aqueduct.
- What about Avakas Gorge?The Avakas Gorge trail has been closed since 6 December 2025 and stayed closed until further notice in May 2026, so check before visiting.
- Tips for nature spotsStay on marked trails, light no fires, report forest fires on 1407, and check the grade, as some short trails are graded 3.
Quick answer
The best waterfalls in Cyprus are in the Troodos Mountains: Kalidonia (Caledonia) on a 3 km trail above Pano Platres, Millomeris on a 1.2 km trail in Pano Platres, and the 8 m Chantara waterfall on the Trooditissa–Foini trail. The best nature spots beyond the falls include the Madari ridge, the black pines of Mount Olympos, Xyliatos Dam, Cape Greco, Larnaca Salt Lake with its winter flamingos, the Akamas around the Baths of Aphrodite and the Peyia sea caves.
- The Chantara waterfall on the Trooditissa–Foini trail is eight metres high.
- The Kryos Potamos (Cold River) along the Kalidonia trail has running water all year round, according to Visit Cyprus.
- Larnaca Salt Lake was last harvested for salt in 1986; thousands of flamingos stay there from November to March.
- Two black pines on the Artemis trail near the summit of Mount Olympos are around 500 years old.
- Avakas Gorge has been closed since 6 December 2025 until further notice for safety reasons.
Away from the beaches, Cyprus has mountain waterfalls, year-round rivers, centuries-old trees, sea caves and wetlands full of birds. We picked ten spots, mostly reached on official nature trails, with the length, grade and walking time published by Visit Cyprus and the Department of Forests. Trails are graded 1 (easy), 2 (average) or 3 (difficult). For waterfall background, see our Troodos waterfalls guide.
The 10 at a glance
| # | Spot | Area | How you get there | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kalidonia waterfall | Troodos / Pano Platres | 3 km trail, about 1.5 hrs | 3 |
| 2 | Millomeris waterfall | Pano Platres | 1.2 km trail, about 30 min | 3 |
| 3 | Chantara waterfall | Trooditissa to Foini | 4.5 km trail, about 2 hrs | 1 |
| 4 | Madari ridge | Adelfoi Forest | 3–3.8 km trails, 1.5–2 hrs | 3 |
| 5 | Mount Olympos black pine forest | Troodos | 7 km Artemis loop, 2.5–3 hrs | 1 |
| 6 | Xyliatos Dam | Xyliatos area | 3.8 km trail, 1–1.5 hrs | 2 |
| 7 | Baths of Aphrodite and Akamas forest | Akamas | 7.5 km trails, about 3.5 hrs | 3 |
| 8 | Peyia sea caves | Paphos coast | Coastal viewpoint | – |
| 9 | Cape Greco | Famagusta district | 1.7–4.8 km trails | 1 |
| 10 | Larnaca Salt Lake | Larnaca | 4 km nature trail | – |
1. Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfall
What it is: A waterfall on the Kryos Potamos (Cold River), reached by a linear trail through dense forest in Troodos National Forest Park.
Why it's on the list: Visit Cyprus says the river has running water all year round. Along the way grow Troodos sage, Aphrodite's spurge and golden oak, and you may spot the endemic Cyprus warbler and Cyprus wheatear.
Where: The upper start is about 350 m off the Troodos Square–Platres road, 3 km from the square; the lower end is Psilo Dentro (the "Tall Tree") above Pano Platres.
Practical details: 3 km, about 1.5 hours, grade 3, dropping from 1,571 m to 1,238 m.
Who it suits: Walkers comfortable on a trail graded difficult.
2. Millomeris waterfall
What it is: A short trail in Pano Platres, starting between Faneromeni church and the village centre.
Why it's on the list: It passes the Millomeris waterfall and lush riverside vegetation, then opens onto scrubland with views to the south.
Practical details: 1.2 km linear, about 30 minutes, grade 3. It lies outside the State Forests, so it is maintained by the local authority rather than the Department of Forests. See our Platres area guide.
Who it suits: Anyone short of time in Platres.
3. Chantara waterfall
What it is: An eight-metre waterfall on the Trooditissa–Foini trail, a forest road linking Trooditissa Monastery with Foini village.
Why it's on the list: It is the main attraction of the only one of our three waterfall walks graded easy. The trail crosses the Trooditissa River and passes vertical cliffs before ending in Foini, all within Troodos National Forest Park, a Natura 2000 area.
Where: The start is on the Platres–Prodromos road (1,330 m); the end is just outside Foini on the Foini–Agios Dimitrios road (944 m).
Practical details: 4.5 km, about 2 hours, grade 1. It is linear, so plan transport back or return the same way.
Who it suits: Families and less experienced walkers.
4. Madari ridge
What it is: The Adelfoi mountain ridge, whose highest point (about 1,613 m) is crowned by the Madari fire lookout.
Why it's on the list: Visit Cyprus describes panoramic views in every direction from the ridge, tall cliffs and areas of geological interest, with views over the Mesaoria Plain and Morfou Bay. The area is part of the Troodos Geopark, and endemic plants include the Troodos rose and the Cyprus cedar.
Practical details: The Doxa soi o Theos trail starts about 2 km from Kyperounta, with a drinking-water fountain at the start, and climbs 3.8 km (about 2 hours, grade 3) to the lookout. The Teisia tis Madaris loop below the lookout takes about 1.5 hours (grade 3).
Who it suits: Hikers who want big views.
5. Mount Olympos black pine forest
What it is: The black pine forest around the summit of Mount Olympos (Chionistra), walked on the Artemis trail.
Why it's on the list: Two black pines on the trail are around 500 years old, and the route has endemic plants such as Cyprus skullcap and Troodos sage. It is the highest nature trail in Cyprus, reaching 1,850 m. The Atalante trail, which also circles the mountain, passes an 800-year-old juniper.
Practical details: 7 km loop, 2.5–3 hours, grade 1. See our Artemis trail guide.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a high-altitude forest walk on an easy grade.
Map it · Driving route
Troodos forests and waterfalls by car
- Artemis trail
- Kalidonia waterfall
- Millomeris waterfall
- Chantara waterfall
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
6. Xyliatos Dam
What it is: A reservoir in the Xyliatos area with a trail that follows its highest water level.
Why it's on the list: It is a lakeside walk with an average grade, with steps up to the dam picnic site. Xyliatos dam is also one of the views from the Stavros tou Agiasmati – Panagia tou Araka trail.
Practical details: 3.8 km, 1 to 1.5 hours, grade 2. Start over the dam overflow or at the picnic site.
Who it suits: Picnickers and families.
7. Baths of Aphrodite and the Akamas forest
What it is: The starting point of the Aphrodite and Adonis trails in the Akamas Peninsula.
Why it's on the list: Both trails start at Loutra tis Afroditis (the Baths of Aphrodite), with botanical gardens at the start. The Adonis trail passes a 500-year-old oak and the Queen's Tower, and the Aphrodite trail passes the Kefalovrysia fountain. The nearby Smigies trail (2.5 km or 6 km, grade 2) looks over Lara and Chrysochou bays.
Practical details: Aphrodite and Adonis are each 7.5 km, about 3.5 hours, grade 3. See our Akamas guide.
Who it suits: Walkers who want forest and sea views together.
8. Peyia sea caves
What it is: Sea caves on the rugged shore near Peyia that form arches and natural windows onto the sea.
Why it's on the list: The caves sit beside the Edro III, a cargo ship that ran aground in rough seas in December 2011 and was never recovered. It is one of the island's best-known sunset spots; see our sunset guide.
Practical details: Boarding the wreck is prohibited for safety reasons.
Who it suits: Photographers.
9. Cape Greco
What it is: Cape Greco National Forest Park, with several short coastal trails.
Why it's on the list: The trails pass the Ayia Napa sea caves, Cyclops' Cave, the Kamara tou Koraka arch and the church and sea cave of Agioi Anargyroi, with views of Konnos Bay. Wild orchids flower in winter and spring.
Practical details: Konnoi – Cyclops Cave is 1.7 km (45 minutes), Sea Caves – Agioi Anargyroi 4 km (1.5 hours) and Konnoi – Agioi Anargyroi 4.8 km (2 hours), all grade 1. See our Cape Greco guide.
Who it suits: Families and easy walkers.
Map it · Walking route
The Konnoi to Agioi Anargyroi walk at Cape Greco
- Konnos Bay
- Cyclops' Cave
- Agioi Anargyroi
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
10. Larnaca Salt Lake
What it is: The second-largest salt lake in Cyprus (2.2 km²), protected since 1997 and listed as a Ramsar and Natura 2000 site.
Why it's on the list: Visit Cyprus calls it one of the most important waterfowl habitats in Europe. Thousands of flamingos stay from November to March, feeding on the brine shrimp Artemia salina.
Practical details: A 4 km linear nature trail with signposted plants and benches leads to the old Kamares aqueduct. See our flamingo guide.
Who it suits: Birdwatchers, walkers and joggers.
What about Avakas Gorge?
The Forestry Department closed the Avakas Gorge trail in the Akamas on 6 December 2025 because of increased water flow, slippery ground and the risk of falling rocks. In May 2026 it said the trail stays closed until further notice and that anyone entering does so at their own risk, despite signs and barriers. Check before you plan a visit.
Tips for nature spots
- Stay on marked trails and do not light fires in or near the forest.
- Report forest fires on 1407; for emergencies call 112 or 199.
- Check the grade. Several short waterfall trails are graded 3 because of rough ground.
Heading into the mountains? Our hiking routes finder lists the Troodos trails, and the rest of the island, by area, length and difficulty, with directions to the start in Google Maps.
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GetYourGuideFrequently asked questions
What is the biggest waterfall in Cyprus?
The official sources we checked do not give a height for the Kalidonia or Millomeris waterfalls, so we cannot compare them reliably. Visit Cyprus gives the Chantara waterfall, on the Trooditissa–Foini trail, as eight metres high.
How long is the walk to the Kalidonia waterfall?
The Kalidonia trail is 3 km long and takes about 1.5 hours. It runs from about 3 km outside Troodos Square down to Psilo Dentro above Pano Platres and is graded 3 (difficult).
Is there an easy waterfall walk in Cyprus?
The Trooditissa–Foini trail to the Chantara waterfall is graded 1 (easy) by Visit Cyprus. It is 4.5 km long and takes about 2 hours, following a forest road from the Platres–Prodromos road to Foini.
When can I see flamingos in Cyprus?
Thousands of flamingos stay at Larnaca Salt Lake from November to March, along with wild ducks and other water birds. A 4 km nature trail runs through the area.
Is Avakas Gorge open?
No. The Forestry Department closed the Avakas Gorge trail on 6 December 2025 because of increased water flow, slippery ground and falling rocks, and in May 2026 said it remains closed until further notice.
Useful links
- Visit Cyprus – Kalidonia (Linear), Troodos Forest Nature Trail
- Visit Cyprus – Trooditissa – Foini (Linear), Troodos Forest Nature Trail
- Visit Cyprus – Hiking Map – Nature Trails
- Nature trails outside State Forests – Department of Forests
- Visit Cyprus – Teisia tis Madaris (Circular), Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail
- Visit Cyprus – Doxa soi o Theos – Madari Fire Lookout (Linear), Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail
Sources (12)
- Kalidonia (Linear), Troodos Forest Nature Trail – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Trooditissa – Foini (Linear), Troodos Forest Nature Trail – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Hiking Map – Nature Trails (2026) – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Nature trails outside State Forests – Department of Forests
- Teisia tis Madaris (Circular), Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Doxa soi o Theos – Madari Fire Lookout (Linear), Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Artemis (Circular), Troodos Forest Nature Trail – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Larnaka (Larnaca) Salt Lake – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Land.cy – The EDRO III: a maritime legend on the coast of Paphos (3 August 2026)
- Fast Forward – 4 breathtaking spots to watch the sunset in Cyprus (4 August 2025)
- Nature Trail Stavros tou Agiasmati – Panagia tou Araka (leaflet, walker advice) – Department of Forests
- Politis – Avakas Gorge remains closed as visitors continue to ignore warnings (6 May 2026)
