Troodos, Marathasa & Solea · Limassol district
Platres Πλάτρες
The classic hill resort of kings and poets, with waterfalls and forest trails
Platres has been Cyprus’s main hill resort since British times: old hotels, a river, the Caledonia waterfall trail and cool air when the coast is baking.
Why visit Platres
- Caledonia, one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus, on a forest trail
- Historic hotels where the brandy sour was invented
- Lavender Festival in July and a Chocolate Festival in October
Troodos, Marathasa & Solea, Limassol district
1100 metres
Limassol, about 28 km as the crow flies
June to September to escape the heat; winter for nearby snow.
Brandy sour, Mountain trout, Local wine from Kato Platres
A few buses a day
About the village Platres
Platres lies on the southern slopes of Troodos at 1,100 metres, about 5 km from Troodos Square. Unusually for Cyprus it straddles a year-round stream, which keeps it green. It became a hill station after 1878, when the British built hotels, bars and shady walks here.
King Farouk of Egypt and the poet Giorgos Seferis stayed in Platres, which is why it is called the village of kings and poets. The brandy sour is said to have been created for Farouk at the Forest Park Hotel, where Daphne du Maurier wrote much of Rebecca.
Platres in pictures
Things to do in Platres
Caledonia waterfall trail
A shaded riverside trail to one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus, starting near the village.
Cultural Centre
Old photos of Platres and an exhibition on Giorgos Seferis.
Chocolate workshop and rope park
Two family-friendly stops in the village.
Trooditissa monastery
The mountain monastery on the road above Platres.
Festivals and events in Platres
- July
Lavender Festival
Early July (5 July in 2026)
Music, lavender workshops, a market and an open-air spa in the village square.
- October
Chocolate Festival
Early October (3–4 October in 2026)
Two days of chocolate workshops, music and dancing.
Festival dates move from year to year. Confirm with the community council or Visit Cyprus before you travel.
Getting to Platres
A few buses a day
On a typical weekday (Monday, 12 October 2026) about 13 bus trips in both directions stop within 800 m of the village, on these lines:
- Limassol Buses (EMEL): lines 60P, 62B, 62E, 62H, 64
Rural services are often timed for school and work, so check the return times before you set off.
Check the bus from your hotelDirections to Platres (opens Google Maps in a new tab)Car, taxi or tour
Village roads are narrow and winding, but a hire car or taxi lets you combine several villages in a day. Day tours to the Troodos and wine villages leave from the main resorts.
Day trips that visit Platres
No car? These tours stop in Platres, with pickup from the coast. Booking links are affiliate links; details.
From Limassol cruise port · 5.5 hours
Shore excursion: Troodos villages & wine
Omodos, Platres, Lambouri winery and Lania, back before your ship sails
€557 per minivan of up to 6 (minibus for up to 19 costs more)
Villages near Platres
Foini2 km away · Pottery, loukoumi and the Chantara waterfall in the pine forest
Koilani5 km away · Grape feasts, glitzista pastries and one of the island’s biggest plane trees
Omodos7 km away · A grand cobbled square, the Holy Cross monastery and wineries on every lane
Vouni7 km away · A stone wine village of museums, old fountains and quiet lanesKeep exploring
Platres: questions
Why visit Platres?
Caledonia, one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus, on a forest trail. Historic hotels where the brandy sour was invented. Lavender Festival in July and a Chocolate Festival in October.
What is there to do in Platres?
Caledonia waterfall trail: A shaded riverside trail to one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus, starting near the village. Cultural Centre: Old photos of Platres and an exhibition on Giorgos Seferis. Chocolate workshop and rope park: Two family-friendly stops in the village. Trooditissa monastery: The mountain monastery on the road above Platres.
When is the festival in Platres?
Lavender Festival: Early July (5 July in 2026). Chocolate Festival: Early October (3–4 October in 2026).
Can you get to Platres by bus?
Yes, but only a few buses a day on weekdays: Limassol Buses (EMEL) 60P, 62B, 62E, 62H, 64. Check the timetable before you travel.
Sources
Information checked on 2026-10-10. Bus lines come from the official Motion GTFS timetables. Opening hours and festival dates change, so confirm before you go.
Visit Cyprus: Platres village ↗Wikipedia: Platres ↗Cyprus Mail: Platres Lavender Festival ↗