Starts: 300m from where the road starts, towards Chionistra meets the Troodos – Prodromos road.
Length: 7km
Estimated duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Difficulty rate: 1
Points of interest: The trail passes through the black pine forest; you will also encounter rare species of flora and rock formations of the area. You can find two ancient black pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp. Pallasiana) that are around 500 years old; they are accompanied by signs with information. Of historic interest are “The teishia tis palaias choras”, ruins of makeshift fortifications built in the last years of the Venetian occupation of Cyprus (1571 AD) by a group Venetian generals attempting to defend themselves against the Ottomans. The route circles around the top of Mount Olympus (Chionistra) at an altitude of 1850m, offering an excellent view in all directions. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park and you will find the Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park at a distance of 2.2km from the trail.
Endemic plants: Cyprus Skullcap (Scutellaria cypria subsp. cypria), Cyprus jurinea (Jurinea cypria), Spurge (Euphorbia cassia subsp. rigoi), Cyprus germander (Teucrium cyprium subsp. cyprium), chamomile (Salvia willeana), Pondikangathos (common subshrub) (Astragalus echinus subsp. chionistrae).
Fauna: The main species of fauna found in this area are:
Mammals: Fox, hare, hedgehog
Birds: Bonelli’s eagle, Eurasian jay, Wood pigeon, partridge, Cyprus warbler (endemic), Cyprus wheatear (endemic)
Reptiles: Cyprus viper, Cyprus snake (endemic)
COORDINATES OF STARTING POINT 488309 / 3865639
COORDINATES OF END POINT 488307 / 3865645
ALTITUTE OF STARTING POINT 1835m
ALTITUTE OF HIGHEST PEAK 1850m
ALTITUTE OF END PEAK 1835m
