Mount Olympus 1952 m — a trek to the highest peak of Cyprus in summer
Olympus on Cyprus has nothing to do with the Olympian home of the gods in Greece — except for the name and symbolic meaning. This Olympus is the highest point of the island, 1952 metres above sea level, rising above the Troodos massif. At the summit stands a white dome of a military radar. The view is a little less romantic than we might want — but the path to the summit, through cedar and black pine forests, with a panorama stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to Turkey on a clear day, is a truly alpine experience in miniature.
How high, how difficult
1952 m is impressive on an island scale — you can’t climb higher. But it’s not the Tatra Mountains. Asphalt roads lead to points at 1700–1800 m above sea level, so the technical ascent is only a few hundred metres of elevation gain.
Route without car access (from Troodos Village centre, 1700 m): approx. 4–5 km one way, +250 m elevation gain, time 1.5–2 hours one way.
Shorter route (from the peak of the service road near the ski resort, 1850 m): approx. 1 km, +100 m, time 20–30 minutes.
Starting points
Troodos Square (centre):
- GPS: 34.9235° N, 32.8738° E
- Altitude: approx. 1700 m
- Parking: Yes, free
- This is where the Artemis trail (around Olympus, 7 km) and trails to the summit begin
Parking near the ski resort:
- GPS: 34.9338° N, 32.8623° E
- Altitude: approx. 1850 m
- Summer season: access possible, asphalt road
For the shortest route: drive to the highest possible point of the road leading to the summit (on the north-eastern side), park there and walk the last 500 m. Check current access — roads near the military radar may be temporarily closed.
The route through the forest — details
The official trail to Olympus runs through a pine and cedar forest, marked with signs from the Cypriot Department of Forests. Markings: green-blue on signs.
Forest characteristics:
- Cypriot cedar (Cedrus brevifolia) — endemic species, only found here. A tree with wide-spreading branches, fragrant resin
- Black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) — tall, straight trunks
- Berberis, mountain thyme, aquilegia (columbine) in the undergrowth
On the open rocky ridges before the summit, the panorama appears — on a clear day you can see:
- To the south: Limassol and the sea
- To the north: Morfou (Turkish territory), and on exceptionally clear days, the coast of Turkey (90 km)
- To the west: Paphos and the Akamas peninsula
- To the east: Nicosia in the valley
The summit — what’s there
At the summit there is:
- A white dome of a military radar (Cypriot army and NATO reserve forces) — fenced area
- A small cross near the fence — a traditional photographic spot
- A viewpoint with a shelter — benches, information board about the panorama
- In summer: sometimes a vendor with a car offering cold drinks (unofficially)
There are no restaurants or facilities at the summit.
Temperature and weather in summer
July–August: the summit of Olympus is 15 to 22°C during the day, nights can drop to 10°C. The wind is almost always present. Compared to the coast (35–40°C) — it’s paradise.
You should have in your backpack:
- A light windbreaker (wind on the ridge)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (height = stronger UV)
- 1.5 l of water per person (no sources on the route)
- Sturdy shoes — rocky approach near the summit
Fog: From November to March the summit may be covered in fog or snow. In summer, occasional afternoon thunderstorms (July–August) — return before 2:00 pm if the sky is not clear.
In winter season: skiing
Olympus is the only ski resort in Cyprus. The CySki resort operates from around mid-December to early March (depending on snow — not every year is certain). At the summit and on the slopes: 4 lifts, several slopes. Details in the article "Skiing in Cyprus — Mount Olympus in winter".
Connection with Artemis Trail
The Artemis trail (7 km around the summit, without going to the very top) starts from Troodos Square and creates a beautiful alternative for those who prefer a panorama without a military radar. You can combine both: Artemis + ascent to the summit = a full day in the Troodos mountains.
Hotels and apartments in Troodos Village and Platres are ready to welcome trekkers — search on CyprusBooker with the filters "Troodos" and "Platres". Prices off-season from 45 EUR/night.