Quick answer
The best-known Troodos waterfalls are Caledonia (Kalidonia), about 13 m high on a 3 km forest trail between Troodos and Pano Platres, and Millomeris, a short 1.2 km walk down a riverbed from Platres. Both are on official nature trails, have river crossings and no drinking water, and flow most strongly from winter to late spring. In late summer, especially in drought years, they can shrink to a trickle.
- Caledonia trail: 3 km linear, about 1.5–2 hours one way, following the Kryos Potamos stream to Psilo Dendro above Pano Platres.
- Millomeris trail: 1.2 km linear, about 45 minutes, starting on the road between Pano and Kato Platres.
- Both trails have river crossings and no drinking water; wear grippy shoes.
- Flow is best from January to May; late summer flow can be very low.
- The trails are in the Troodos National Forest Park; fires are banned outside designated sites.
Waterfalls are not what most people expect in Cyprus, but the Troodos Mountains have several, fed by streams that run off the island's highest peaks. The two classic walks start in and around Platres, about an hour's drive from Limassol.
Where are the Troodos waterfalls?
Most of the waterfalls worth visiting are on the southern slopes of the Troodos range, around the mountain resort of Platres in the Limassol district. They sit inside the Troodos National Forest Park, among black and Calabrian pine, golden oak and plane trees, at altitudes of roughly 1,100 to 1,600 m.
From Limassol, Platres is about an hour by car; from Nicosia, about 1 hour 15 minutes; from Paphos, around 1.5 hours. There is no practical bus service to the trailheads, so you will need a car. Our Platres area guide covers the village.
Caledonia (Kalidonia) waterfall
Caledonia is the best-known waterfall in Cyprus. Visit Cyprus describes it as about 13 m high, on a trail that follows the Kryos Potamos ("cold river"), which runs all year.
The Caledonia trail at a glance
| Detail | Official figure |
|---|---|
| Type | Linear |
| Length | 3 km one way |
| Time | About 1.5–2 hours one way |
| Grade | 2–3 (moderate to demanding) |
| Altitude | About 1,571 m at the top start, 1,238 m at Psilo Dendro |
| Water | No drinking water on the route |
How to walk it
- Top start (downhill): the official start is about 3 km from Troodos Square, 350 m off the main Troodos–Platres road; it can also be reached from the old Troodos–Platres road past the Presidential Summer Residence. Walk downhill through dense forest, crossing the stream several times, to the waterfall and on to Psilo Dendro.
- Bottom start (Platres end): start at Psilo Dendro, above Pano Platres, walk up the valley to the waterfall and return the same way. This avoids arranging a car at both ends.
- Allow extra time for the stream crossings on stepping stones and roots, which are slippery when wet.
The forest is home to endemic plants such as Troodos sage and birds including the Cyprus warbler and Cyprus wheatear.
Millomeris waterfall
Millomeris (also spelt Myllomeris) is just below Pano Platres and is the quickest waterfall walk in the Troodos. Visit Cyprus's trail brochure describes a 1.2 km linear path taking about 45 minutes, rated grade 1, going downhill along the riverbed to a waterfall of about 20 m. Other local sources give a slightly lower height of about 15 m.
- Start: on the road from Pano Platres to Kato Platres. There is also dirt-road access closer to the waterfall from the Platres–Limassol road.
- Terrain: frequent stream crossings and a stepped descent; the walk back is uphill.
- Water: none on the route.
Other waterfalls in the Troodos
- Chantara waterfall, near the village of Foini west of Platres, is a two-level fall inside the Troodos National Forest Park, often combined with lunch in Foini.
- Mesa Potamos, near the monastery of the same name, is another small waterfall on a mountain stream.
These smaller falls are not on the official nature trail list and depend heavily on rainfall, so check recent reports and manage expectations in dry periods.
When is the best time to go?
- January to May: the strongest flow, after winter rain and snowmelt. Spring adds wildflowers and comfortable walking temperatures.
- June to September: cooler than the coast and pleasant under the trees, but the waterfalls can be weak, and in drought years some almost dry up.
- Winter: after snowfall, paths can be icy and the upper road may be closed. Check road conditions with the police or the Cyprus Ski Club website before heading up.
Weekends in spring are busy, so go early or on a weekday.
Practical tips
- Shoes: wear hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip; flip-flops are a common cause of falls.
- Water and snacks: carry your own; there is none on either trail.
- Layers: it is several degrees cooler than the coast, and much colder in winter.
- Parking: spaces at Psilo Dendro and along the Platres roads fill on weekends.
- Fire safety: fires are banned outside designated picnic and camping sites. Report fires on 1407 or 112.
- Stay on the trail and do not climb on the falls.
What else is there to do nearby?
- Platres for lunch in a mountain tavern.
- Troodos Square and the visitor centre for the Troodos National Forest Park.
- The Artemis trail around Mount Olympus; read our Artemis trail guide.
- Wine villages such as Omodos; see our wine routes guide.
- Winter skiing on Mount Olympus; see our skiing in Troodos guide.
What to do next
- Plan a longer walk on the E4 trail through the Troodos.
- Browse more routes in our hiking routes guide.
Recommended for this guide
Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
How long is the walk to Caledonia waterfall?
The official trail is 3 km one way and takes about 1.5–2 hours, between a start point about 3 km from Troodos Square and Psilo Dendro above Pano Platres. You can also walk in from the Platres end and return the same way.
Which Troodos waterfall is easiest to reach?
Millomeris is the shortest: a 1.2 km downhill walk from the Pano Platres–Kato Platres road, rated easy by Visit Cyprus, though the return is uphill.
When is the best time to see the Troodos waterfalls?
From January to May, after winter rain and snowmelt. In late summer and early autumn flow is much lower, especially in dry years.
Are the Troodos waterfalls suitable for children?
Yes for older children with good shoes and supervision. Rocks near the water are slippery, and there are stream crossings on both trails.
Can you swim in the Troodos waterfalls?
The pools are small, shallow and very cold. Paddling is common, but it is a protected forest, so keep the water clean and do not climb the falls.
