Troodos mountains · Troodos National Forest Park
Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfall trail
Follow the year-round Kryos Potamos stream through dense forest to the Kalidonia waterfall. Short, but steep, rocky and with stream crossings.
3 km one way
1½ hours one way (official estimate)
Linear
Start 1,571 m · highest 1,571 m · end 1,238 m
Top end on the old Troodos–Platres road, below the Presidential Summer Residence; or the bottom end at Psilo Dentro near Pano Platres.
The opposite end of the trail.
No drinking water point is listed. Stream water is not a drinking source.
Troodos National Forest Park, Limassol district
About the trail
Kalidonia is one of the best-known walks in Cyprus. Starting in dense forest, the path follows the Kryos Potamos (Cold River), which flows all year, and passes the Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfall before finishing at Psilo Dentro above Pano Platres.
It is only 3 km, but it carries the hardest official grade: the path is steep, rocky and crosses the stream several times. Most walkers start at the top and walk downhill. Because the trail is linear, either arrange a pickup at the other end or plan to walk back uphill.
What you’ll see
Highlights
- Kalidonia waterfall
- Kryos Potamos, a stream that flows all year
- Dense forest and lush streamside vegetation
- Psilo Dentro (Tall Tree) at the lower end
Plants
- Golden oak
- Troodos sage
- Purple rock-cress
- Urse mint
- Aphrodite’s spurge
Wildlife
- Fox, hare and hedgehog
- Bonelli’s eagle, Eurasian jay, wood pigeon and partridge
- Endemic Cyprus warbler and Cyprus wheatear
- Cyprus viper and the endemic Cyprus snake
Plan and pack
When to go
Official advice recommends March to October. After heavy rain the stream crossings can be harder; in winter, snow and ice are possible near the top.
Tips for this trail
- Wear shoes with good grip: stones near the stream can be wet and slippery.
- Walking downhill from the top end is the usual direction.
- Combine with the Psilo Dentro – Pouziaris trail (9 km, grade 3) only if you are an experienced hiker.
Pick the right grade
Grades come from the official trail map: 1 star is easy, 2 is moderate, 3 is difficult (steep, rocky or long). Choose a route that matches the least experienced person in your group.
Carry water and sun protection
Most fountains on the trails are not drinking water. Take plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; summer temperatures can exceed 40°C on the coast.
Wear proper shoes
Trails are rocky, with steep slopes and stream crossings in places. Walking shoes or boots with good grip make a big difference.
Plan the return first
Rural buses can be infrequent and phone signal patchy. Know your last departure or fix a pickup time before you start, especially on linear trails.
Connects with
- Psilo Dentro – Pouziaris trail (9 km, grade 3)
Getting to the trailhead
Bus
EMEL route 64 runs between Limassol and Troodos via Saittas. The top end is on the old Troodos–Platres road, around 2 km from Troodos Square, and no bus stop at either trail end has been verified. Check the current timetable for your travel date and plan around the return departure before you start walking.
Check a bus journeyChoose the matching place in the planner; no stop has been pre-selected.Taxi
Agree the fare, the drop-off point and a pickup at the other end of the trail (Psilo Dentro if you start at the top) before leaving. Mobile coverage can be patchy in the forest, so fix a pickup time rather than relying on calling from the trail.
Rental car
Check mountain road and weather conditions before setting out. The directions link uses the official start coordinates where available; it is not a verified parking spot, so follow local signage. With one car, you will need to walk back to it, which means the steep climb in the other direction.
More trails in Troodos mountains
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Questions about the Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfall trail
How long is the Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfall trail?
3 km one way, linear. The official walking estimate is 1½ hours one way. Add time for breaks, photos and getting to and from the trailhead.
How difficult is the Kalidonia (Caledonia) waterfall trail?
It is graded 3 of 3 (difficult) on the official Cyprus nature trails map. Altitude ranges from 1,238 m to 1,571 m.
Is the Caledonia waterfall trail difficult?
It is short but officially graded 3 of 3 (difficult) because it is steep, rocky and crosses the stream. Good footwear and some hiking experience are recommended.
Do I have to walk back?
It is a linear trail, so either arrange transport at the other end or walk back the same way. Walking back up from Psilo Dentro is the harder direction.
Sources and checked date
Trail facts checked 2026-10-09 against the sources below. Trails can close temporarily for maintenance or fire risk; check current notices and the weather for your date.
Visit Cyprus: Kalidonia trail ↗Visit Cyprus: 2026 nature trails map (PDF) ↗Visit Cyprus: hiking in Cyprus ↗