Cycling in Cyprus is unknown to many. It is partly Greek, partly Turkish The island in the Mediterranean Sea is mainly known for sun holidays, but cycling holidays and Cyprus are not yet common. That is a shame, because Cyprus is a beautiful spring and autumn destination with a number of extremely challenging climbs. Not for the faint of heart, to put it that way. The fact that the highest and longest climb on Cyprus (on the Greek part) is called Olympos is fitting for the Olympic Games theme, which are currently being held in Beijing. Would you like to join us? Because after this you will immediately want to cycle in Cyprus!
Basecamp Paphos
For several reasons, Paphos is a perfect base camp for exploring the island. The town is located on the coast, which is nice after a long day on horseback. Additionally, Paphos airport is conveniently close. The only drawback is that you always have to fly through a stopover from the Netherlands (noticeably often via England). You can also drive along the coast or into the mountains from Paphos. An alternative to a recovery ride, that is really nice! Our route to the top of Olympos also starts in Paphos.
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Long up
We choose a beautiful route up to the top of Olympos. Although the summit is below 2000 meters, this is a mind-blowing climb. Why? You’re at sea level in Paphos and you’re going up in a two-stage rocket. The result? In a monster 150-kilometer ride you cover 3300 meters of elevation gain.
Calm start
You start the route first along the beautiful coast towards the southeast. After ten kilometers, you turn left off the road and into the hills. Here it is wonderfully quiet and you have time to look around, take photos. Richting Nata has a small hill at first, but after 27 kilometers you drive up against a wall. Almost from nowhere the road here speeds up with 11 to even 15%(!) kilometers per hour. The climb is almost six kilometers long and has an average of almost 10%. Unprecedented. You could stop briefly in Kelokedera at the local cafe. You probably won’t fully absorb the wall paintings, such as the Donkey Bus Stop.
Pilgrimage along monasteries
Greece is definitely a religious country. This is clearly visible in the many monasteries in the country. You won’t be able to avoid it in Cyprus either. On this route you will pass, among other places, the monastery of Panagia Salamiotissa, Just outside Salamiou. Just further on lies the monastery of Agios Georgios Koumanon. For the latter, you do have to deviate from the route. First, let’s go down to the base of the real climb.
To the top
Once between the trees, you’ll come across the Tzelefos Bridge. This is also where the climb begins. You’re 50 kilometers into the ride here and you have a climb of over 28 kilometers ahead of you. In that climb, you’ll cover 1580 meters of elevation gain. That’s not a bad thing. You’re averaging 5.5% meters per ascent, but don’t let that fool you. Because the climb is very irregular. Several sections have long stretches above 10%, only to then level out and descend slightly. And then up again. This really isn’t a walk in the park.
Through the forest
So you drive the first kilometers through the forest. Use those kilometers to get into it properly because after six kilometers the first hard stretch awaits. It’s then a grueling kilometer, before you descend smoothly. A nice stopover is the café Kaminaria. But maybe it’s better to just continue to the top. At Lemithou you’ll also face another challenging stretch. After Lemithou you’ll also come across a beautiful section with hairpin bends. Slowly you now climb above 1000 meters and the forest landscape also changes.
Prodremos: still 10 kilometers
Near the village of Prodemos you will come across a real roundabout. Would we have been here in the old days too? Dutch as kings of the roundabout. But it also shows that there are many different variants for riding this climb. If you haven’t stopped before, you could also choose a coffee stop here. You are now 70 kilometers away and you have earned yourself a well-deserved ‘bakkie’. Greek coffee is also good and a little sweetness on the side will give you enough power for the last kilometers. There is a restaurant and cafe at the roundabout, but there are also a few places further along where you can have a drink and something to eat.
All the way up
The final stretch of the climb is really painful. You have another stretch of over a kilometer here that tops 10%. After climbing for over 20 kilometers, you have to be alert to get through this. The reward is amazing, because you get one of the more beautiful views here. You also have a beautiful vantage point just below the summit. First you have to climb to the top and then turn around to drive to the small balcony that has been built there.
Downstairs
Before the descent, we take a different route down. Then you drive through the popular Troodos. We whiz down here through the forests in a beautiful way. If you still can’t turn, this is a great training area. Just be careful, because the road can suddenly be bad at times, but otherwise: whizz along! Cycling in Cyprus is great.
We drive down via Platres and if you want to make a beautiful tour of it, you can stop here at the various winemakers you encounter. Nothing wrong with a nice, strong red Greek wine. Stop by Lambouri or Antoniades. Further along the road down, you’ll find beautiful vineyards. After Mandria, we head towards Agios Nikolaos. This is the point where you break the 100 kilometers mark on this route. It’s also one of the towns that refers to the Old Nicolaas. This stretch between Mandria and Agios Niokolaos is a bit up and down. From Agios it’s a nice swim down towards the coast, but watch out!
Trachypedoula
Even after 115 kilometers, after a beautiful section of curves, you suddenly have to get back in shape and head towards the hamlet of Trachypedoula. This section is really steep. With sections at 10%, this is a painful section. Once you get through this section, it’s a lovely descent back towards Choletria and then on to the coast. The advantage here is the open landscape and the good visibility of all the roads. This allows you to commit to these curves and really go downhill. That makes it very cool to ride this route. Don’t forget to take your time for that. A stop at the ruins of Foinikas near the Asprokremmos reservoir is also highly recommended.
After 150 kilometers, we head back to our starting point. It’s a treat here, with beautiful roads, culture, and delicious food. There’s nothing to complain about. Cycling in Cyprus is challenging, but also fantastic at the same time. The possibilities are endless, and in that sense, this is a so-called ‘hidden gem’! Check out our route below.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.