Cedar Valley
The Cedar Valley is one of the many natural attractions of Cyprus and it is located in the southern slopes of Paphos forest, west of Troodos mountains, between the villages Lysos to the west, Panagia Paphos to the south, Tsakistra to the east and Pano Pyrgos Tillyria and Pomos to the north.
Besides the locals not many know about this rare and beautiful ecosystem of Cyprus with 130000 cedars (Cedrus brevifolia) that are related to the cedars of Lebanon, with the upright trunks and their broad foliage found only in Cyprus. Hidden deep in the Paphos forest and close to the mountain’s peak Tripylos, at an altitude of over 1000 meters, the Cedar Valley is home to the Cyprus endemic subspecies in a tranquil setting where the mountain’s views and aromas overwhelm every visitor. These tall trees are protected by state institutions and the whole area is included in the European network, Natura 2000.
The wild, almost primitive Cedar Valley covers an area of 2910 acres of forest with ancient cedars along small rivers and streams. With any signs of civilization miles away, this mysterious landscape changes according to the weather (for example at Christmas when the ancient trees bear fruit they look like decorated for Christmas), and the geological substratum of the area consists mainly of diabase rocks of the Troodos ophiolite complex.
The Cedar Valley contains several natural habitats, which are home to 36 different species of flora and fauna (such as the mouflon). Within the limits of the forest of Tripylos there is also Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia). The wider region is perfect for the adventurous explorer as there are plenty of footpaths to explore as well as the remnants of three, well hidden in the forest, Venetian bridges: Skarfou bridge, Tzelefou bridge and Routhkia bridge.
Being an oasis of relaxation and tranquility, the Cedar Valley is an ideal getaway for those who love nature and walking. There, hikers under the watchful eye of the cedars and the winged fauna of the region can go uphill a dirt road about 2.5 km following the river that descends from the top Tripylos. Although it is quite a demanding course, when approaching the fire guardhouse of the region, the traveler can enjoy the magical panoramic views of Akamas to the bay of Morphou forgetting any fatigue.
The road to the mountainous region of Cedar Valley starts on the road that connects Panagia Paphou to Kikkou Monastery and Stavros Psokas, on the crossroad that connects the provinces of Paphos and Nicossia.