Pano Platres: A Tranquil Mountain Retreat

Pano Platres, often called simply Platres, is a picturesque village perched at 1200 meters in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, approximately 39 kilometers from Limassol. The village is divided into Pano Platres (Upper Platres) and Kato Platres (Lower Platres), with Pano Platres being the more developed tourist destination. Historically, Pano Platres is an old village, dating back to the Lusignan and Venetian eras (1192-1571 AD). In the early 20th century, it transformed into a sought-after summer resort, attracting visitors with its cool mountain climate and natural beauty. Celebrities, including King Farouk of Egypt and Nobel Prize-winning poet Giorgos Seferis, frequented the village. Seferis immortalized Platres in his poem "Helena," with the verse, "the nightingales will not let you sleep in Platres". Today, Pano Platres offers a diverse range of activities. Nature lovers can explore hiking trails, including the Caledonia and Millomeris Waterfall Trails, leading to stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic views. The village is also a culinary destination, with tavernas and restaurants serving authentic Cypriot cuisine.