Located in the Troodos mountain range, in the Lemesos (Limassol) district, the village of Platres sits at an altitude of 1.100 metres. It can be reached from Lemesos by following the B8 route, and then the F825 for Kato Platres.
The picturesque village resembles an amphitheatre, with the lower part of the village having one altitude and the upper part having another, thus separating it into Pano (upper) and Kato (lower) Platres. It is a popular holiday destination and offers accommodation in quaint hotels.
There are various versions of where the village takes its name; from a ‘platria’ (saleswoman) who lived there; from the French word ‘platre-s’ – (‘white plaster’); from monks in white known as ‘Platrai’ during Frankish times, or from the word ‘platsa’.
Aside from the nature trails, Platres has one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus – Caledonia – believed to be named by English or Scottish visitors to the area in 1878. The village is also filled with charming old buildings, and has a winery in Kato Platres.
Visitors will also enjoy its unique attractions, which include a chocolate workshop, an adventure rope park, and an exhibition at its Cultural Centre which incorporates old photos of the village, and of the Greek poet Giorgos Seferis.
Churches
Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church
The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.
Later on, the church was demolished and a new, bigger, more majestic church was built at the same place funded by Mr. Frixos I. Demetriou.
The inauguration of the new church occurred in 1973. It is an architecturally and aesthetically beautiful Church, a jewel and a monument of the community and it’s worth seeing by the visitors of Platres.
Panayia Faneromeni Chapel
The small chapel of Panayia Faneromeni formerly was the main church of the community. Its situated closely to Platres and a liturgy takes place at the chapel twice a year, on the 8th of September and on the Friday of Easter Week.
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)
Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.
The chapel is dedicated to Panayia Iamatiki (the One that heals) but the name that prevailed is chapel of Panayia Samatziotissa since is build within the region Samatzia close to Forest Park Hotel.
A liturgy takes place at the chapel twice a year, on the Tuesday of Easter Week and on the 31st of August.
Ayios Nicolaos Chapel
Ayios Nicolaos chapel completed on 1995 and is built upon the ruins of and old church. The people of Platres use to have a liturgy at the church once a year, until 1930.
Today a liturgy takes place at the chapel twice a year, on the 6th of December and on Low Sunday.
Kalidonia Waterfall
Kalidonia Waterfall was named by the Scots when visiting the area of Platres, around 1878 and are located two kilometres north of Platres. The Scottish ware amazed by the beauty and the resemblance of the waterfall with their home land. (Scotland used to be called Kalidonia in ancient times).
Kalidonia Waterfalls are among the highest natural waterfalls we have in Cyprus. The water of the waterfall falls vertically from a height of 12m. The visitor may visit the area using the roadway towards the waterfall or following nature trail on foot leading to it near Psilodentro.
Millomeris Waterfall
Millomeris waterfall is located in the south-eastern region of Platres one kilometer away from the starting point of the nature trail that leads to the Waterfall.
Water falls from a height of 15 meters and Millomeris is among the highest natural Waterfalls of the island. Millomeris was not well known until the recent years, since its location was not accessible. Among the works carried out from the community council (roadways and nature trail) Millomeris Waterfalls attracts many visitors and tourists with its natural beauty.
The fountain of Roxanne Koudounaris
It is a beautiful monument, with very nice architecture, built with marble and local stone. Constructed in 1936 and located in Caledonia Street opposite of the Valley of Hariton.
Nature Trails
Kalidonia Nature Trail
Starting point: About 700m from the road between Troodos and Platres near the President’s summer residence. Also accessible via a forest road which begins at the tourist road 2 kms from the Square.
Points of interest: The trail follows a course along Kryos Potamos river, which never runs dry. It passes the Kalidonia Falls and ends at Psilo Dendro, in Pano Platres.
Psilo Dendro – Pouziaris Nature Trail
Starting point: The junction of the Platres – Mesa Potamos forest road and the Moniatis – Platres – Troodos road near Psilo Dendro. Three different routes start from the above point. The first route is circular. It passes through dense thickets of Pine to Pouziaris peak, from there to Kaminouthkia stream, then to Vryses and back to the starting point at Psilo Dendro. Length: 8 kms Time: 3 hours The second route is an uphill walk towards Pouziaris and ends at a point of the Troodos Square – Makria Kontarka (Persephone) Trail (I) via which one can go to Troodos Square (II). Length: (I) 7 kms Time: (I) 3 hours Length: (II) 9.5 kms Time: (II) 4 hours The third route initially follows the same course as the previous route, up towards Pouziaris, but then takes a secondary forest road to Kryos Potamos at the starting point of the Kalidonia trail. Length: (I) Psilo Dendro – Kryos Potamos 5 kms Time: (I) 2 hours Length: (II) Psilo Dendro – Kryos Potamos – Kalidonia Falls – Psilo Dendro 8 kms Time: (II) 3 hours.
Point of interest: For the first kilometer it passes through dense pine thickets (Pinus brutia) changing to black pine (Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana), after 3 km. Panoramic views.
In many cases, there are signposts in place, to indicate the starting point of the trail, as well as flora and geology features along the route.
Although walking in Cyprus can be enjoyed throughout the year, the recommended seasons are during late Autumn (November) and spring, when the Cyprus rural and forest areas are at full bloom.
Milia Bridge
MIlia Bridge is one of the old surviving landmarks that still stand intact. It’s situated just below the village inside the forest. It provided a crossing point over Krios Potamos.
Picnic & Camping Sites
If you’re an outdoor lover, then you probably like camping. It’s the best way to experience the great outdoors. In the area there is one camping site (Troodos camping) and seven picnic sites:
1. (Kampos tou Livadiou picnic site)
2. ( Pashia Livadi A & B picnic sites)
3. ( Almyrolivado A, B, C & D picnic sites)
Oak 200 Years Old
The ancient oak tree of the village, it’s about 200 year with Diameter 4.89 m, Height c. 20 m.
Read More: Traditional Building in Platres
Read More:Â Platres artists and craftsmen
Read More: Platres Chocolate Workshop
Courtesy of the CTO and Community Council
