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Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail: A Paphos Forest Hike

Discover the rugged beauty of Cyprus on the Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail, a challenging hike through Paphos Forest with stunning views and historical sites.

4.5

The Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience nestled within the Paphos Forest. This 10.8km linear trail, categorized as difficult, offers stunning views and a diverse landscape. Hikers traverse dense forests, cross two streams, and encounter varied terrain, making it a memorable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Starting near Pedoulas, the trail leads to the historic Saint Vasiliki chapel, showcasing hagiographies of great archaeological value. The trail's difficulty stems from its continuous descent followed by a steep ascent, requiring a good level of fitness. Despite the challenge, the panoramic views and serene environment make it a must-visit for those seeking an immersive natural experience in Cyprus. Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes and carry enough water, especially during the warmer months, to fully enjoy this beautiful trail.

A brief summary to Μονοπάτι Ξυσταρούδα - Αγίασμα - Βασιλική (Xystarouda -ayiasma- vasili trail)

  • E912, CY
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support due to the uneven and rocky terrain.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during summer, as the trail can be strenuous and dehydrating.
  • Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and allow ample time to complete the hike.
  • Consider hiking poles for added stability on steep inclines and declines.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, and avoid hiking during heavy rain or strong winds.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Pedoulas, follow the E912 road towards Kykkos Monastery. After approximately 13km, you'll find the Xystarouda picnic area on your left. The trailhead is directly opposite the picnic area. Parking is available at the picnic site. Be aware that the road can be narrow and winding in places.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Pedoulas to the Xystarouda picnic area will cost approximately €20-€30. Ensure the driver knows the location of the Xystarouda picnic site on the E912 road towards Kykkos Monastery, about 13km from Pedoulas. Confirm the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Μονοπάτι Ξυσταρούδα - Αγίασμα - Βασιλική (Xystarouda -ayiasma- vasili trail)

The Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail presents a unique opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the Paphos Forest in Cyprus. This demanding 10.8-kilometer linear trail is a haven for experienced hikers seeking a challenging yet fulfilling adventure. Located approximately 13 kilometers from Pedoulas, along the road to Kykkos Monastery (E912), the trail immerses visitors in a diverse landscape characterized by dense vegetation, flowing streams, and panoramic vistas. The trail begins opposite the Xystarouda picnic area, a convenient starting point for those arriving by car. As hikers embark on their journey, they are immediately enveloped by the lush greenery of the Paphos Forest. The path winds its way through a dense canopy of trees, creating a cool and shaded environment, particularly welcome during the warmer months. The trail's difficulty lies in its varied terrain, featuring a significant descent for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, followed by a challenging ascent for around 45 minutes. This continuous change in elevation demands a good level of fitness and stamina. One of the highlights of the Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail is its crossing of two streams: "Arkatzi tis Skasmenis" and "Arkatzi tou Pyrkou." These streams add to the trail's scenic appeal, with their crystal-clear waters flowing over moss-covered rocks. The presence of water also contributes to the area's rich biodiversity, supporting a variety of plant and animal life. Picturesque wooden bridges span the streams, providing hikers with safe and convenient passage. As hikers ascend to higher elevations, they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. These viewpoints offer stunning vistas of the Troodos Mountains, the Paphos Forest, and the distant coastline. The trail eventually leads to the Saint Vasiliki chapel, a site of historical and religious significance. The chapel houses hagiographies of great archaeological value, providing a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can continue their journey along a paved road towards the Kykkos Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Cyprus. While the Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail is a linear route, hikers have the option of making it a circular one by returning via the main road from Kykkos to Pedoulas. This adds an extra 6.1 kilometers to the hike and increases the total hiking time by approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. However, this option allows hikers to experience a different perspective of the landscape and enjoy the scenic drive back to their starting point. For those seeking a shorter and less strenuous hike, there are several other trails in the vicinity of the Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail. These include the Gnafki Nature Trail, the Exploration Trail, the Mountain Trail, the Kattourkia Nature Trail, and the Ariadne Nature Trail. These trails offer a variety of landscapes and difficulty levels, catering to hikers of all abilities. The Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts seeking a challenging and rewarding experience in Cyprus. Its diverse landscape, stunning views, and historical significance make it a truly unforgettable adventure. However, hikers should be prepared for the trail's demanding terrain and ensure they have the necessary fitness level and equipment. With proper preparation, the Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail promises an immersive and enriching experience in the heart of the Paphos Forest. To fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the Xystarouda - Agiasma - Vasiliki Trail, it is essential to follow some basic rules of conduct. These include keeping the area clean by collecting all rubbish and disposing of it properly, avoiding unnecessary noise to respect the peace and quiet of other visitors, refraining from cutting plants or damaging the environment, parking cars in designated parking lots, and using water with caution. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors can help preserve the natural beauty of the trail for future generations to enjoy. The trail is located in both the Paphos Forest and the Nicosia District, approximately 13 km outside Pedoulas towards Kykkos Monastery. The trail crosses two streams, creating a dense forest with lush vegetation. The highest altitude is 900 meters, and the trail is considered difficult due to its continuous downhill and uphill sections. The starting points are Xystarouda picnic area and Saint Vasiliki church. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and crosses streams with wooden bridges, creating a magical landscape. The trail is strenuous, with a downhill walk for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, followed by an uphill walk for about 45 minutes. It is a linear trail, requiring hikers to return via the same route. Hikers can start from either the Xystarouda picnic area or the church of Saint Vasiliki. The trail is beautiful and comparable in difficulty and beauty to the Madari trail.

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