Atalanti Nature Trail (Loop) — Attraction in Troodos

The Atalanti Nature Trail is the second most popular trail of Troodos mountaintop, and the longest one (14km). It is a circular trail which runs almost in parallel with the famous Artemis Trail, going around the Hionistra mountaintop, but at a lower altitude (at around 1800 metres). It starts just behind the post office at the Troodos square. It's easy to find, there are signposts leading to it around the square. The trail up to the 4km mark bares significant resemblance to the Artemis trail in terms of the physical layout and environment, as well as the corresponding views: a beautiful but not thick forest of black pines and junipers, sitting on top of the famous Troodos ophiolite crust. Cedar trees are also widespread (these have been planted in the last decades and they seem to have adjusted well to the environment). There are many information posts about the trail's rocks and flora at regular intervals. You can also enjoy grand views towards the southern part of Cyprus from this trail section. At the 3km mark there is a small picturesque fountain with drinking water, built by the Forest Department in 1981. This is the last chance to refill with water (if you remain in the trail) until the end, so act accordingly. At the 4-5 km mark, there are a number of interesting sights to enjoy. First, the hiker encounters the remains of the old Hadjipavlou chromium mine. This was active from 1950-1954, and 1500 tons of chromium were excavated. A few hundred meters after the mine, one of the oldest juniper trees in Cyprus stands tall. It is estimated to be 800 years old, although some other sources indicate it as 600 years old. Whatever the case, it is very impressive! One of the differences between the Artemis and Atalanti trails is that the latter provides much more diversity in terms of flora, being slightly lower in altitude. In early autumn, one can enjoy the beautiful Troodos autumn crocus, as well as an abundance of wild apple and wild rose trees in full maturity. The section between the 5 and 10km mark is very beautiful but uneventful in terms of significant sights. As in the Artemis trail, the western section gives you the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Prodromos, Lemithou and Kykkos Monastery (in the background). Just before the 10km mark, after walking through the thick black pine forest of the north Troodos side, you encounter the main Prodromos - Troodos paved road. You have two options: for the less fit, you can follow the paved road and return to the Troodos square earlier, or have a drink at the Jubilee Hotel just before the square. The last 4 km of the trail do not provide any exciting visual entertainment anyway. For those of you who are doing the trail for fitness purposes, the last 4km is a very good opportunity to test and enhance your endurance. Cross the road, walk the opposite dirt road for 200m (it is signed), and turn right at the corresponding signpost. The trail zig-zags down to the small valley , and carries on to the other side. From there on, it continues upwards until it reaches a forest road that you follow to the left (north-eastwards, it is not signposted). You carry on walking in the road (walking is mostly on boulder surface) until the last km. The final 'struggle' takes you up to the hill on a parking lot directly opposite the post office. Cross the road and you finished. Marvelous! Trail times: official timing is 4-5hs, but this is walking too gently and with lots of stops. I've done it in 2:50 and I think it can be done even quicker by a...

If you're a hiker or a birder, this is a must do. The parking is plentiful if it is early in the day or off season but otherwise it is a touristy spot so it will get busy on weekends and high season. It's about 14km so if you're rushing it can be done in under 3 hours but if you stop to photograph the panoramic views and identify wildlife it will be closer to 5 hours. There is a lot of wildlife and flora to observe, including endangered mouflon, many unique bird species, including the newly endemic Coal Tit, and plants and trees that are found only at altitude in Cyprus. Along the way, there are information placards regarding the importance of this protected area. The footing can be rough, so I'd recommend sturdy footwear but overall the trail is well marked with relatively little altitude gain. Shade is not abundant in the middle of the day so early and late in the day will be most enjoyable and will increase your chances to observe wildlife. Bring food and water as the small tourist trap shops will not be open if you get there early in the morning. Please protect this place. Pick up after yourself and perhaps others as this is one of the most pristine and endangered places on the island. Don't be a disappointment to us all and hold each other...

Me and my husband completed this trail on 2 June 2019. The 14km took us 3 hrs 15mins and this included 2 little breaks. We are gym goers and consider ourselves to be fit but we did this at a normal walking pace.

The trail is very close to the carpark so it was really easy to find. The majority of the trail is quite rocky so you do really need decent walking shoes to help grip and keep your balance. The fantastic thing about the trail are the markers showing distance completed emgm 1km, 7km etc. and the benches dotted along the trail. We had breaks at the 7km marker and 11km marker.

Positives:

Fantastic views Points of interested along route e.g. the 800 year old tree, abandoned mine, labels about plants and trees Lizards and birds along the route Distance markers and generally very well sign posted The fresh smell of pine trees

Tips:

Good walking shoes and socks Need to be steady in your feet, it's quite rocky At least 1 ltr bottle of water Sun lotion (not much shade along the route) Antihistamines if you need them (lots of pollen)

Would recommend as long as...