Omodos Village and Platy Valley Walking Tour from Ayia Napa Protaras

This tour is available Monday to Friday (not at weekends), all year round, excluding public holidays.

The start time is around 09.00am

Including travel time to/from the walk location, this activity will take around 9 hours.

We drive to the expansive Paphos Forest for the walk. Usually we start walking from the downstream end of Platy Valley. The length that we do will depend on your preference.

Platy Valley is a serene place in Cyprus, characterised by a stream that has water all year round. We walk on a dirt road next to the stream on a linear route, returning on the same road. There is a plethora of local plant species, dominated by plane and alder trees. One can also see pines, bracken, storax, maple, even figs. In early autumn Cyclamen bloom here. As we walk maybe we will be fortunate to spot crabs walking on the road. If we are very lucky we may spot mouflon. Unfortunately we are likely to also meet a few cars using this road.

Depending on arrangements we either walk to or go by car to Kelephos' medieval Venetian bridge, which according to tradition is built on a camel trail.

The local stream has water throughout the year. The setting is beautiful, with higher water flow during the rainy season and with more greenery in summer when the alders have their leaves and the bracken are full of life.

The second part of the tour is the stone built and popular village of Omodos.

Omodos village is one of the largest villages of this region. For years it has been well-known for its vineyards and wine and is still today known for its prime produce. Omodos developed around the ancient monastery of the Holy Cross (connected to St. Helen’s Passage to Cyprus) and is a popular destination for visitors.

The rather busy Omodos village is found in a prime wine-producing area of Cyprus. The village offers an excellent example of Cyprus rural architecture and a collection of attractions (eg traditional man-powered grape press). At its centre, one finds the historic monastery of the Holy Cross (dating back to the second century AD. According to tradition it was visited by St Helen in the third century AD; she left a piece of the rope used in Christ's Crucifixion there - sadly the monastery doesn't operate anymore).

Omodos is also home to many artisans and as you wander it's narrow lanes you will find tiny stores and galleries.

You can choose to either meet the guide at the tour start point or he can pick you up in his private car from your hotel/apartment in the Ayia Napa, Protaras or Larnaca areas. Pick up is also available from Limassol and Nicosia at a location arranged in advance.

Please note that if choosing pick up, this is in the guide's own private vehicle which holds private insurance. It is not a public service vehicle or taxi.

Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Please book at least 7 days in advance.

For last minute bookings we will try to accommodate you.

We ask that you give us a second choice of date as the guide can only take 1 booking per day.

This tour is subject to good weather conditions. In bad weather your tour may be rescheduled.

A guided private walking trip of around 9 hours duration in the Platy Valley and Omodos Village.

Services of a professional eco-tourism guide

Food & drinks (It is possible to purchase both in Omodos village)

Transportation (The guide does offer participants a free ride from their hotel to the tour start point. This is not a taxi service and the vehicle holds a private car insurance)

Not suitable for wheelchairs or the less able or anyone with heart of back problems.

Not recommended for participants with serious medical conditions, for people with walking difficulty or uneasiness with walking close to steep slopes.

Suitable for ages 13+ with moderate physical fitness who can walk around 10km over varied terrain.

This tour is subject to good weather conditions. In bad weather your tour may be rescheduled.

Itinerary of this excursion is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions or reasons beyond our control.

All indicated times are approximate and subject to change.

Maximum of 4 people per booking. Please contact us to enquire about larger groups.

The schedule of the walk is flexible to spend more time/less time at points of interest along the way as required. You can discuss preferences with the guide on the day of the tour.

As a rule, unless other arrangements are agreed beforehand, the trip is guided by Phivos, either in the English or the Greek language. Phivos also speaks good German, good Spanish, elementary French and elementary Mandarin.

Water (Could be purchased at Omodos village).

Good shoes (with grip) for walking are necessary

Sun protection, especially during warm seasons.