Sea-to-Sky Cyprus
From the sparkling blues of the Mediterranean to the blue skies above the forests of the Troodos mountains, a trail to challenge you physically and fill your mind with magic.
The Sea-to-Sky Cyprus trail route links some of the best hiking trails in Cyprus, some sections of the E4 trail, iconic peaks, traditional villages and orchards. The Sea-to-Sky 135km is the original race route starting at Alaminos Beach, but there is an option to start your journey with a 25km coastal section to create the Sea-to-Sky 100 Miler.
A summary of the main sections of the trail follows below. For a detailed description of the route, download the adjoining Word file, and contact us if you would like the GPX track and the KML with many route details included.
The Coastal 25km
Add an atmospheric coastal 25km to create a 100 mile (160km) journey by starting on the beach in front of the airport at Meneou. Depending on the season and the tides, it is possible to walk on the beach or on coastal tracks almost all the way to Alaminos Beach. The route passes by Faros Beach, the Kitesurfing Beaches at Softiades, and some rustic beach bars and restaurants
Sea-to-Sky 135km
1. Start to Lefkara Dam (30km, +714m)
The first 30km are mostly on jeep track as you head inland from Alaminos beach. After 10km you reach the quaint village of Agios Theodoros before going further inland to the alpine-like surroundings of Lefkara Dam via Dipotamos Dam.
2. Lefkara Dam to Kionia Picnic Site (20km, +1,303m)
The first section is a gradual climb along a winding jeep track, with spectacular views of Lefkara Dam below. You then descend into a cool valley and pass through the ancient settlement of Kypravasa and past a welcome water fountain at Vrisi tou Petri.The last 6km up to the Kionia Picnic site is a steep climb on a single track trail with magnificent views of the coast in the distance.
3. Kionia to Palaichori (30km, +1,163m)
The trail leaves the Kionia picnic area and follows the ridge of the mountain, then passes the historic Machairas monastery before heading through the small traditional villages of Lazanias, Fikardou and Gourri. Finally, the beautiful Apis trail takes you into the bigger village of Palaichori.
4. Palaichori to Adventure Mountain Park, Kyperounda (30km, +1,556m)
This is where the real climbing begins, with two major peaks -- Papoutsa and Madari -- to be negotiated. Papoutsa is done first, soon after leaving Palaichori, then the trail winds through the enchanting village of Agios Ioannis and onto the major village of Agros. After Agros you climb to up to Madari Peak on some of the most beautiful trails in Cyprus before descending to the oasis of Adventure Mountain Park. Papoutsa can be challenging in bad weather, so check the weather before tackling this section.
5. Adventure Mountain Park to the finish (25km, +1,122m)
The first 7km of this section is relatively easy-going, and mostly downhill towards the shaded Platania picnic site. From there the route heads steeply up on the E4 trail to Troodos where it finally flattens out and briefly joins the road to Troodos, which has a welcoming fresh water fountain. You then leave the road for the last push on the Atalante and Artemis trails up to Mount Olympus (Olympus). From there it is just 3km down to the end of the Sea-to-Sky trail at the Jubilee Hotel.
Meneou Beach to Alaminos Beach
Alaminos Beach to Lefkara Dam
Lefkara Dam to Kionia Picnic Site
Kionia Picnic Site to Palaichori Village
Palaichori Village to Adventure Mountain Park
Adventure Mountain Park to Troodos Finish
