Millomeris Waterfall

Millomeris Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Cyprus — a single 15-metre drop into a small natural pool in the pine forest above Pano Platres, fed by the Kryos Potamos stream. Less famous than nearby Caledonia Falls and reached by a shorter, steeper, less-developed path, Millomeris rewards a 30-minute round-trip walk with one of the most photogenic natural moments in the Troodos.

The trailhead is signposted from the upper edge of Pano Platres village, at the top of a residential lane. The path is short — around 800 metres each way — but steep and stone-stepped, descending into a wooded gorge. The falls themselves are striking: a clean single drop over a polished rock face into a deep rounded pool, with mossy rock walls on either side and pine trees framing the view. The microclimate of the gorge is cool and humid; in summer the temperature difference from the village above is several degrees.

The pool at the base is small and cold; technically swimmable but most visitors do not. The path continues briefly past the falls but quickly becomes overgrown — most visitors turn back at the falls. The geology is volcanic (the Troodos ophiolite), and the polished black-grey rock face that the water falls over is a textbook example of pillow basalt.

What to do. Walk down to the falls (10-15 minutes descent), photograph, sit, walk back up. The full visit is 60-90 minutes including time at the pool. Bring swimsuit if you mean to brave the cold pool.

Insider tips. The path is steep — moderately fit visitors only, sturdy shoes essential. After rain, the stones are slippery and the falls flow at their strongest (best photographic flow). The Pano Platres village above has several tavernas and the famous Skylight Restaurant for lunch. Combine with Caledonia Falls for a 'two waterfalls morning' from Pano Platres — they are 5 minutes apart by road and very different in character.

Combinations. Pair with Caledonia Falls (5 minutes by road), Pano Platres village (lunch), Trooditissa Monastery (10 minutes), and either Mount Olympus or a Pitsilia winery (Tsiakkas in Pelendri 25 minutes) for a complete Troodos day.

Bring. Sturdy shoes (essential), 1L water, snack, light jacket for the gorge (cooler than the village above), camera, swimsuit and towel if intending to swim. When. March-November is fine. February to April gives the strongest water flow after winter rain; autumn gives the calmest, clearest walk. Avoid the day after heavy rain when steps can be slippery to the point of dangerous. Millomeris is the small dramatic counterpart to Caledonia and easily worth its own short walk.