Cycling in Cyprus is unknown to many. The partly Greek, in part Turkish island in the Mediterranean is best known for sun holidays, but cycling holidays and Cyprus are not yet commonplace. This is a shame because Cyprus is a beautiful spring and autumn destination with some hugely challenging climbs. Not for the faint hearted so to speak. That the highest and longest climb in Cyprus (on the Greek part) is called Olympos, we thought was fitting in the Olypmic Games theme, which is being held in Beijing at the time of writing. Are you reading with us? Because after this, you will want to cycle in Cyprus right away!
Basecamp Paphos
For several reasons, Paphos is a perfect basecamp to explore the island. The town is on the coast, which is nice after a long day in the saddle. In addition, Paphos airport is nice and close. Only downside is that you always have to fly from the Netherlands with a stopover (remarkably often via England). Also, from Paphos you can ride along the coast as well as into the mountains. An alternative to a recovery ride, which is extra nice though! We also start in Paphos for our route to the top of Olympos.
Long up
We choose a stunning route up to the summit of Olympos. Despite the summit being below 2,000 metres, this is an insane climb. Why? You are at sea level near Paphos and you go up in a two-stage rocket. Result. In a monster ride of 150 kilometres, you pack 3,300 altimeters.
Quiet start
You first start the route along the beautiful coast towards the southeast. After ten kilometres, you turn left off the road and into the hills. Here it is nice and quiet and you have some time to look around, take photos. RIchting Nata you first have a small hill, but after 27 kilometres you drive into a wall. Almost out of nowhere, the road pops here at 11 to even 15%(!). The climb is almost six kilometres long and averages almost 10%. Unprecedented. You might want to stop at the local cafe in Kelokedera. You probably won't fully take in the murals o.a. the Donkey Bus Stop.
Pilgrimage along monasteries
Greece is definitely a religious country. This is clearly visible in the country's many monasteries. In Cyprus, too, you can't escape them. On this route, you will pass the monastery of Panagia Salamiotissa, just outside Salamiou. A little further on is also the monastery of Agios Georgios Koumanon. For the latter, you do have to deviate from the route. First just the descent to foot of the real climb.
To the top
Once among the trees, you will encounter the Tzelefos bridge. This is also where the start of the climb lies. You are here at 50 kilometres into the ride and you have a climb of over 28 kilometres ahead of you. In it, you will bridge 1580 altitude metres. That's really no mean feat. You ride up an average of 5.5%, but don't be fooled. Because the climb is very irregular. Several sections have long stretches above 10%, only to even out and descend a bit. And then up again. This is really no mean feat.
Through the forest
So you ride the first kilometres through the forest. use those kilometres to get into it properly because after six kilometres the first tough stretch awaits. It is then a kilometre long toil, before leveling off. A nice stopover is the café Kaminaria. But it might be better to just continue to the top. At Lemithou, another challenging stretch awaits you. After Lemithou, you also enter a stunning stretch of hairpin turns. Slowly you now ride above 1000 metres altitude and the forest landscape changes too.
Prodremos: 10 kilometres to go
Near the village of Prodremos, you come across a real roundabout. So would we have been here in the old days? Dutch as kings of the roundabout. But it also shows that there are thus many different variants to ride this climb. If you haven't stopped before, you could opt for a coffee stop here too. You are now 70 kilometres on the road and you have earned a 'bakkie'. Greek coffee is also good and a nice bit of sweetness with it will give you enough power for the final kilometres. There is a restaurant cafe at the roundabout but also a few places further on where you can have a drink and something to eat.
All the way up
The last part of the climb is still really painful. You have another stretch of over a kilometre here that ticks above 10%. After over 20 kilometres of climbing, you have to be awake to get through this. The reward is insane as you get one of the nicer views here. You also have a great viewpoint just below the summit here. Get to the top first, though, and then turn around to drive to the small balcony that has been built there.
Down
For the descent, we take a different route down. Then drive through the popular Troodos. We meander beautifully down through the forests here. If you can't ride corners yet, this is a nice training area. Be careful though, because sometimes the road can suddenly be bad, but otherwise: zoof! Cycling in Cyprus is great.
Via Platres, we drive down and if you want to make a wonderful tour of it, you can stop here at the various wineries you come across. Nothing wrong with a nice hearty red Greek wine. Stop briefly at Lambouri or Antoniades. You'll also find beautiful vineyards further down the road. After Mandria, we dive towards Agios Nikolaos. This is the point where you break the 100-kilometre mark on this route. It is also one of the towns that refers to the Old Nicholas. This stretch between Mandria and Agios Niokolaos is a bit up and down. From Agios it is in a nice dive down towards the coast, but watch out!
Trachypedoula
Just after 115 kilometres, after a beautiful section of bends, you have to get back on your legs towards the hamlet of Trachypedoula. It goes up punishingly here, mind you. With sections at 10%, this is a painful stretch. Once through this section, it's back down again towards Choletria and then on to the coast. The advantage here is the open landscape and good visibility of all roads. This allows you to commit nicely to these curves and really whiz downhill. That makes it very cool to ride this route. So take your time with it. We also recommend an extra stop at the ruins of Foinikas near the Asprokremmos reservoir.
After 150 kilometres, we turn back to our starting point. It is enjoyment here, with beautiful roads, culture, delicacies. Nothing to complain about. Cycling in Cyprus is challenging, but fantastic at the same time. The possibilities are endless and in that respect, this is what we call a hidden gem! Check out our route below.
