5 Best Sights in Troodos Mountains, Cyprus

One of the prettiest villages in Cyprus, Omodos sits on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains. It's an ancient wine-making town centered around a historic Byzantine monastery, Timios Stavros. As you wander the narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed villas (and plenty of tourist shops), be sure to stop into one of the many wine-tasting stalls for a sample or two of wines made from Cypriot grapes like Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red); some shops still display old-fashioned grape presses and other wine-making paraphernalia.

Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, or Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof—so named for its steep, pitched roof, built for protection against the weather—is an 11th-century Byzantine church and UNESCO World Heritage Site containing stunning frescoes. The frescoes were painted between the 11th and 17th centuries and depict such iconic scenes as the Crucifixion and the Nativity. You'll need a car to reach the church, which is located in the Troodos Mountain region.

One of the best preserved painted churches in Cyprus, Asinou Church (also known as Panagia Forviotissa) was built in the early 12th century; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 3 km (2 miles) south of Nikitari village. The church's brightly colored frescoes—which cover the entire inside of the structure—date from the 12th to the 17th centuries. If there isn't a church caretaker around to let you in, you'll need to stop by Nikitari village to ask for the priest to escort you; he can usually be found at the local kafeneio (coffeehouse).

At the Kykkos Monastery, founded in 1100, the prized icon of the Virgin is reputed to have been painted by St. Luke; you can view the icon enclosed in a shrine, and the museum also includes other icons, wood carvings, and embroidery. The monastery has been repeatedly destroyed by fire, and the current structure dates from 1831.

In winter, skiers take over Platres, which is in the foothills of Mt. Olympus. Warmer months attract hikers who enjoy the many forest walks in a spectacular wildlife setting. The area is popular summer attraction with over 10,000 people flocking to the village to enjoy the beautiful greenery, the Kalidonia and Millomeris waterfalls, nature trails, restaurants, and hotels.