Paphos Forest

Paphos Forest covers approximately 60,000 hectares of the western Troodos Mountain range in Cyprus. Managed by the Department of Forests, it is the largest continuous state woodland on the island. The reserve features steep volcanic ridges, river valleys, and dense stands of Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia) alongside the endemic golden oak (Quercus alnifolia). Elevations range from sea level along the northwestern coast up to 1,362 meters at Tripylos Peak.

The forest serves as the primary sanctuary for the Cyprus mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion), a rare wild sheep endemic to the island that recovered from near-extinction through conservation programs centered at the Stavros tis Psokas forestry station. High elevations keep the interior noticeably cooler than coastal Paphos and Limassol. The forest contains no towns or commercial settlements, functioning as protected public land crossed by forestry tracks, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

By Plane

Paphos International Airport (IATA: PFO) is the closest airport, 65 km southwest (1 hour 15 minutes by car via the B7 and E704). The airport receives scheduled and seasonal flights from across Europe on airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and British Airways. Larnaca International Airport (IATA: LCA) is 145 km southeast (2 hours 15 minutes by car via the A1 and A6 motorways), offering wider long-haul connections.

By Train

No train service. Cyprus has had no operational railway network since the closure of the Cyprus Government Railway in 1951.

By Bus

No public buses run into the forest interior or to Stavros tis Psokas. Regional operator OSYPA runs limited routes to peripheral gateway villages from Paphos Karavela Bus Station:

• Route 637: Paphos (Karavela) to Panagia on the southern forest boundary (4 daily departures Monday–Friday, 2 on Saturday; 60 minutes; €1.50 / $1.65 single).
• Route 640: Polis Chrysochous to Lysos on the northwestern forest edge (3–4 daily departures Monday–Saturday; 35 minutes; €1.50 / $1.65 single).

From Panagia or Lysos, travelers must hire a private taxi or drive, as no onward public transit exists.

By Car

Driving is the only practical way to enter the forest.

• From Polis Chrysochous (northwest): Take the E704 road through Steni and Lysos up to Stavros tis Psokas (32 km, 45 minutes). The road is paved but narrow with sharp curves.
• From Paphos (southwest): Take the B7 north toward Polis, turn onto the E704 at Skoulli, or take the E703 via Tsada and Kannaviou to Panagia (40 km, 45 minutes), then continue on the forestry road toward Stavros tis Psokas (22 km, 40 minutes).
• From Kykkos Monastery (east): Take the paved E912 westward toward Cedar Valley (18 km, 30 minutes) or continue down the mountain road to Stavros tis Psokas (26 km, 45 minutes).

A standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient for paved routes to Stavros tis Psokas and Cedar Valley, while high-clearance 4WD vehicles are required for dirt forestry tracks.

• By Car / 4WD: A vehicle is necessary to travel between separated locations such as Cedar Valley, Stavros tis Psokas, and the Venetian bridges. Fill your fuel tank before entering, as no petrol stations exist inside the forest boundary.
• By Bicycle: Mountain biking and gravel riding are permitted on all designated forestry roads. Cyclists must carry their own tools, spare tubes, and water, as there are no roadside services.
• On Foot: Marked trails maintained by the Department of Forests connect key valleys and mountain ridges. Trail maps are posted at the Stavros tis Psokas forestry station.

• Cedar Valley (Koilada ton Kedron): A high-altitude valley containing tens of thousands of endemic Cyprus Cedars (Cedrus brevifolia), a species distinct for its short needles and horizontal branches. Accessible via an unpaved road off the E912. Free.

• Stavros tis Psokas Forestry Station: The administrative base of the forest at 900 meters elevation. Includes a fenced enclosure where visitors can see Cyprus mouflon, a 19th-century forestry station, a small wooden chapel, and trailheads. Free.

• Tzelefos Bridge (Gefiri tou Tzelefou): Built in the 15th–16th century under Venetian rule, this single-span stone bridge crosses the Diarizos River at 440 meters elevation along the historic camel trade route. Free.

• Elia Bridge (Gefiri tis Elias): A medieval stone bridge spanning the Foiniotis stream near Kaminaria, featuring crosses carved into the bedrock on either side of the arch. Free.

• Roudia Bridge (Gefiri tou Roudia): A secluded Venetian stone bridge spanning the Xeros River gorge near the abandoned village of Vretsia. Accessible by hiking trail or high-clearance vehicle track. Free.

• Tripylos Peak: A 1,362-meter peak overlooking Cedar Valley with a forestry fire lookout tower that provides panoramic views across Morphou Bay, the Akamas Peninsula, and the Troodos range. Free.

• Agia Picnic Site: A shaded rest area along the road between Stavros tis Psokas and Panagia, set under plane trees and pines with natural fresh spring taps. Free.

• Hike the Horteri Trail: A 5-km circular loop starting 1 km south of Stavros tis Psokas at Platanouthkia. The trail climbs to 1,050 meters through golden oak and pine woods, taking 2 to 2.5 hours.

• Trek the Venetian Bridges Linear Trail: A 17-km walking route linking Tzelefos, Elia, and Roudia bridges through river valleys, which can also be completed in a shorter 3.2-km section between Tzelefos and Elia.

• Climb to Tripylos Summit: A 2.5-km uphill trail (part of the European E4 path) starting from the Cedar Valley picnic area and leading to the summit fire lookout.

• Observe Mouflon at Stavros tis Psokas: Watch the wild sheep during feeding times in the early morning or late afternoon at the Department of Forests enclosure.

• Cycle the Forestry Road Network: Ride unpaved gravel routes linking Lysos, Stavros tis Psokas, and Kykkos.

• Picnic at Forest Rest Sites: Use designated public picnic tables, wood stoves, and freshwater taps at Stavros tis Psokas and Agia.

Dining within the forest is limited to one station café; full meals require driving to perimeter villages.

• Stavros tis Psokas Café (Stavros tis Psokas Station): Basic forestry café serving Cypriot coffee, toasted sandwiches, souvlaki skewers, and cold refreshments. Budget (€5–€15 / $5.50–$16.50).
• Paradisos Hills Restaurant (Lysos, 20 km northwest): Mountain dining room specializing in slow-cooked kleftiko lamb, Cypriot meze spreads, and local trout. Mid-range (€15–€30 / $16.50–$33).
• To Steki tou Andrea (Pano Panagia, 22 km south): Traditional village taverna serving sheftalia, pork chops, afelia pork in red wine, and seasonal vegetable dishes. Budget to mid-range (€12–€22 / $13–$24).
• Vouni Panayia Winery Restaurant (Panagia, 23 km south): Winery restaurant offering regional Cypriot tasting dishes paired with estate wines. Mid-range (€20–€38 / $22–$42).
• Koilada Tavern (Kannaviou, 26 km southwest): Roadside tavern near the Kannaviou reservoir serving grilled meats, village sausages, and wild greens. Budget (€10–€18 / $11–$20).

• Mountain Springs: Potable natural spring water fountains are located at the Stavros tis Psokas and Agia picnic sites for refilling bottles at no charge.
• Village Kafenia: Traditional coffee shops in Lysos and Panagia serve Cyprus coffee brewed in a briki (€1.50 / $1.65), herbal teas, and iced frappés.
• Winery Tasting Rooms: Cellar doors in Panagia offer tastings of Maratheftiko, Spourtiko, and Xynisteri wines (€5–€12 / $5.50–$13 per tasting flight).

Accommodation inside the forest boundary is managed exclusively by the Cyprus Department of Forests.

• Budget:
  • Stavros tis Psokas Campsite (Stavros tis Psokas): Basic campground with cold showers, flush toilets, and barbecue pits. Pitch fee €2 ($2.20) per day for 1–2 person tents, €3 ($3.30) for larger tents, €5 ($5.50) for campervans.
  • Stavros tis Psokas Guest House (Stavros tis Psokas): Government lodge with 6 en-suite rooms inside the station. €14 ($15.50) per person per night, plus optional €7 ($7.70) winter heating fee. Guests must bring their own bed linen and towels; advance booking required via the Forestry Department (+357 99640374).
• Mid-range:
  • Paradisos Hills Hotel (Lysos, 20 km northwest): Stone hotel on the forest perimeter with balcony views, outdoor swimming pool, and restaurant. Rates €75–€115 ($83–$127) per night with breakfast.
  • Palatakia Village Houses (Panagia / Kato Drys area): Restored traditional stone suites featuring wood-beamed ceilings and kitchenettes. Rates €80–€125 ($88–$138) per night.
• Upscale:
  • Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort (Miliou, 28 km west): Restored monastery resort offering mineral sulfur baths, full spa treatments, fine dining, and gardens. Rates €160–€260 ($176–$286) per night.
  • Casale Panayiotis (Kalopanayiotis, 35 km northeast): Luxury retreat of restored stone houses across a mountain valley, featuring a thermal spa and fine-dining restaurants. Rates €180–€290 ($198–$319) per night.

There are no shops, grocery stores, or commercial retail outlets within Paphos Forest.

• Village Honey and Mountain Herbs: Peripheral villages such as Lysos, Panagia, and Steni sell local thyme honey, dried oregano, sage, and carob syrup from small family workshops.
• Local Wine: Wineries in Panagia (including Vouni Panayia Winery and Kolios Winery in Statos-Agios Fotios) sell regional wines made from indigenous grape varieties such as Xynisteri, Promara, and Maratheftiko (€8–€25 / $9–$28 per bottle).
• Food Supplies: Buy all groceries, trail snacks, and bottled water in Polis Chrysochous or Paphos before driving into the forest.

• Kykkos Monastery (25 km east): The wealthiest monastery in Cyprus, founded in the 11th century, featuring gilded mosaics, an ecclesiastical museum, and the mountain tomb of Archbishop Makarios III on Throni peak.
• Polis Chrysochous & Latchi Harbor (32 km northwest): Coastal gateway town on Chrysochou Bay, known for seafood tavernas along the marina and boat trips to the Blue Lagoon.
• Akamas Peninsula National Park (45 km northwest): Protected coastal wilderness featuring the Aphrodite and Adonis walking trails, Avakas Gorge, and the green turtle nesting beach at Lara Bay.
• Panagia & Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery (22 km south): Mountain wine village featuring 12th-century monastic courtyards, religious icon collections, and high-altitude vineyards.
• Mount Olympus & Troodos Square (45 km east): The highest point in Cyprus at 1,952 meters, offering high-altitude trails, winter ski slopes, and the Troodos Geopark Visitor Centre.