Quick answer
Platres is a historic hill resort at around 1,100–1,200 metres in the Troodos Mountains, in the north of the Limassol district. It offers forests, waterfalls and cool summers, and suits retirees, remote workers and nature lovers who are happy with a small, quiet community and a drive down to the coast.
- Mountain village in the Troodos, about 45 minutes' drive from Limassol.
- Cool summers, cold winters with occasional snow, and forest trails on the doorstep.
- Best for retirees, remote workers and nature lovers; a small year-round community.
- Very limited buses; a car is essential, and roads are winding.
- Main trade-offs: isolation, seasonal businesses and distance from hospitals and schools.
What is Platres like?
Platres sits on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, in the northern part of the Limassol district, at an altitude of roughly 1,100–1,200 metres. Strictly speaking, the village is Pano (Upper) Platres; nearby Kato (Lower) Platres is a separate, smaller village a few kilometres away.
Platres has been a hill resort since British rule began in 1878, when hotels, bars and shaded walks were built for visitors escaping the coastal heat. It attracted famous guests, including the poet Giorgos Seferis, who mentioned Platres in one of his best-known poems, and it is still known as "the village of kings and poets". Today, it is a small, green village of old hotels, stone houses and pine forest, with a stream running through it.
Where is Platres and how do you get around?
Platres lies about 5 km from Troodos Square and is reached from Limassol by a mountain road that climbs through villages and vineyards.
- Limassol: about 45 minutes by car to the city and the nearest beaches.
- Nicosia: about an hour or a little more by car.
- Airports: Paphos Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes away and Larnaca Airport about 1 hour 30 minutes.
There is a bus link with Limassol, but services are infrequent. Roads are winding and can be affected by snow or ice in winter, so a reliable car is essential. Our public transport guide covers buses in Cyprus.
Who is Platres best for?
- Retirees who want peace, fresh air and cooler summers.
- Remote workers who are happy working from home with occasional trips to the coast.
- Nature lovers who want hiking, cycling and forest on the doorstep.
- Second-home owners looking for a summer retreat from the coastal heat.
It is a harder fit for families with school-age children, students and anyone who needs to commute daily into Limassol.
Homes and cost of living
Housing includes traditional stone village houses, older holiday homes and chalets, apartments in converted or low-rise buildings, and a small number of newer homes. Choice is limited, and properties come up less often than on the coast.
Prices are generally lower than in Limassol and its suburbs, although well-renovated homes with views are in demand. Expect higher heating costs in winter and less need for air conditioning in summer. Some groceries and services cost more simply because of the distance from the city.
Schools, healthcare and everyday amenities
Platres has small shops, bakeries, cafés, restaurants and hotels, but many businesses are seasonal. For a big supermarket shop, most residents drive down to Limassol. Schooling options in the mountains are limited; private and international schools are mainly in and around Limassol. The Heritage Private School, for example, is in Palodia on the Limassol–Troodos road. See our guide to international schools in Cyprus.
There are local doctors in the wider Troodos area, while Limassol General Hospital in Kato Polemidia is about 40–45 minutes away. Our GESY guide explains how to register with a GP.
Things to do in and around Platres
- Waterfalls: Caledonia (Kalidonia) and Millomeris falls, both reached by forest trails.
- Hiking and cycling: routes across the Troodos, including around Mount Olympus.
- Winter sports: skiing on Mount Olympus when there is enough snow.
- Culture: the Giorgos Seferis cultural centre in the old market building, and historic churches and monasteries in the surrounding villages.
- Wine: wineries in Kato Platres and the wine villages on the way down to Limassol.
Pros and cons of living in Platres
Pros
- Cooler summers and clean mountain air
- Forests, waterfalls and trails on the doorstep
- Peaceful village atmosphere with real history
- Generally lower property prices than Limassol
Cons
- About 45 minutes from Limassol, hospitals and most schools
- Very small year-round community and seasonal businesses
- Cold, damp winters and winding roads
- Wildfire risk in the surrounding forest during hot, dry summers
Use our area finder to compare Platres with coastal options.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
Is Platres a good place to live for expats?
It suits expats who want a peaceful mountain lifestyle and are comfortable with a small community. Only a few hundred people live there year-round, so it is very different from life on the coast.
Is Platres good for families?
It can work for outdoorsy families who are prepared to drive, but schooling is limited locally and most private and international schools are in Limassol, about 45 minutes or more away.
How far is Platres from Limassol, the beach and the airports?
Limassol and the nearest beaches are about 45 minutes by car. Paphos Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes away and Larnaca Airport about 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the route.
Do you need a car in Platres?
Yes. Bus services to Limassol are very limited, and you will need a car for shopping, healthcare and getting around the mountains.
What is Platres like in summer and winter?
Summers are noticeably cooler than on the coast, which is why the village has been a retreat for well over a century. Winters are cold and damp, with some snowy days, and many hotels and restaurants scale back or close outside the main seasons.
