To experience another dimension of Cyprus, head inland to the Troodos Mountains, home of our very own Mount Olympus. At 1,951 metres, it is the highest point on the island. The lower slopes of the Troodos alternate between terraced vineyards and the Phoenician juniper maquis found in abundance near the coast, sprinkled in places with pink rock rose and wild lavender. Bright green pine trees and tall cedars dominate in the higher elevations. This is a region of cool air, abundant nature trails such as the Persephone Trail and Atalanta Trail, and villages of red-tiled roofs where the pace is refreshingly relaxed.

The best way to explore the Troodos area is by renting a car. Roads are excellent, signs are in English as well as Greek (as everywhere else) and the panoramas are awe-inspiring. A good starting point is the Pitsylia area, with numerous villages where you can sample local wines, honey and cheeses.

The largest hill resort is higher up, Platres, immortalized in George Seferis’ poem according to which the “nightingales of Platres” sing all night long. The upper portion of the town, Pano Platres, exudes an Alpine feel with its small hotels, cafes and bakeries. In the wintertime, Platres is a good starting point for skiing excursions to Mount Olympus. The Troodos is also home to ten painted Byzantine churches, all on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.