As January unfolds and the year takes its first steps, the desire for short escapes and exploration becomes even stronger. Whether you choose the mountains with their bare landscapes and crisp air, or the plains and quiet winter coastal routes, one thing is certain: the beauty of Cyprus never disappoints.

The Valley of the Cedars – Limassol and Paphos Forest

The impressive Valley of the Cedars is located at the crossroads of Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos. The setting is enchanting and has long been known as a place of isolation, tranquillity, and striking natural scenery that feels revitalising.

Whether your interest lies in photography or in moments of inner calm and balance, the Valley of the Cedars offers exactly what one might be seeking.

The area is crossed by the provincial road connecting the village of Panagia with Kykkos Monastery. This mountainous valley is nestled within the Paphos Forest and is characterised by the thousands of trees that surround it.

At Stavros tis Psokas, an adjoining mountainous area, lies the habitat of the rare and shy mouflon, an endemic species of wild sheep found exclusively in Cyprus.

The remains of three old Venetian bridges are also points of interest, inviting visitors to pause during their walk through the wider area.

Millomeris Waterfall – Platres

Millomeris is a waterfall hidden deep within the mountains, surrounded by an area of high humidity. It is said that the name “Millomeris” derives from the Cypriot dialect word “millos”, meaning wet, combined with the word “meros” (place).

The water flows from the Kryos River and the waterfall is considered the highest in Cyprus, with water cascading from a height of 15 metres.

In the past, Millomeris was relatively unknown due to the difficult access to its location. Following infrastructure works and the opening of a dirt road, it has gradually become more accessible and is now emerging as an additional attraction in Platres.

Visitors can reach the base of the waterfall by car via a dirt road that begins approximately 1 km after Psilo Dendro, along the main Platres–Limassol road.

The route passes through dense vegetation. The first half runs parallel to the Kryos River, while the final section opens up to a clearing offering magnificent views towards the south.

There is also a nature trail approximately 1.5 kilometres long, which takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail starts between the Platres church and the village centre.

The Cave of the Forty Saints – Xylofagou

The Cave of the Forty Saints is located in Xylofagou, an area known for its impressive caves. Among the most captivating are the Englezous Cave and the Cave of the Forty Saints.

The latter takes its name from the Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, associated with the frozen lake of Sebaste.

The cave lies along the Liopetri–Xylofagou River and is a natural cave situated on the southern side of the river. According to tradition, crystal-clear water once flowed from the cave throughout the year.

The Abandoned Village of Vikla

Vikla is a community located in the Limassol District, which has been abandoned for several decades. It borders Vasa Kellakiou to the north, Sanida to the south, Klonari to the west, and Akapnou to the north.

In 1946, the village had 43 inhabitants, while census records from 1992 onwards show no permanent residents.

By the mid-1980s, Vikla had been abandoned by its last inhabitants. What remains today are ruins of houses and the church of Agios Ioannis the Merciful.

The village was once built on the slope of a small hill overlooking a large plain to the south of the valley, where residents cultivated vineyards and olive trees. At the top of this hill, the villagers built a monastery dedicated to Agios Ioannis the Merciful centuries ago.

Today, visitors encounter only the main church building, preserved in excellent condition. The surrounding plain, once full of life and providing self-sufficiency to the village, has taken on a completely different form, bearing little resemblance to its past.

Monastery of Panagia tou Sinti – Paphos

The Monastery of Panagia tou Sinti is located in the Paphos District, southeast of the village of Pentalia. Reaching the chapel during winter can be challenging, as weather conditions and water levels often pose obstacles. The ideal time to visit is now, and the view is well worth the effort.

The monastery is accessible via dirt roads from the neighbouring villages of Salamiou, Pentalia, Agia Marina, Kelokedara, and Nata, turning the journey into a small adventure.

The chapel is built on the western bank of the Xeropotamos stream, at its confluence with the Sinti tributary, from which the monastery takes its name. Its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape—in terms of scale, materials, and colours—is striking. As a whole, the area constitutes a unique and valuable cultural landscape for Cyprus.

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