Troodos mountains · Troodos National Forest Park
Persephone trail
A short, easy forest walk from Troodos Square to the Makria Kontarka viewpoint, with big views south and south-west.
3 km one way (6 km return)
1 hour one way (official estimate)
Linear
Start 1,733 m · highest 1,733 m · end 1,654 m
About 150 m south of Troodos Square, towards the police station.
Makria Kontarka viewpoint; return the same way.
No drinking water point is listed on the trail. Carry water for the return walk.
Troodos National Forest Park, Limassol district
About the trail
Persephone is the easiest way to get a real forest walk from Troodos Square. The first two kilometres pass through dense black pine forest before the path opens out at Makria Kontarka, a viewpoint looking south and south-west.
The trail is linear, so you walk back the same way. The return is gently uphill, since the viewpoint sits about 80 m lower than the start.
Note on the figures: Older brochures gave 3 km or 5 km; the current trail page and the 2026 map list 3 km.
What you’ll see
Highlights
- Makria Kontarka viewpoint at the end of the trail
- Dense black pine forest for the first 2 km
- Picnic sites nearby at Kampos tou Livadiou, Armyrolivado and Livadi tou Pasia
Plants
- Black pine
- Golden oak
- Cyprus skullcap
- Troodos catmint
- Troodos sage
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
Summer at this altitude is far cooler than the coast, which makes the high Troodos trails popular from late spring to autumn. Official advice still asks for care on long walks in June–August heat. In winter, snow and ice can cover the path; only walk then with suitable equipment and after checking conditions.
Tips for this trail
- A good first Troodos walk or family outing: about two hours there and back.
- Visit the Environmental Information Centre at Troodos Square before or after.
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.
Getting to the trailhead
Bus
EMEL route 64 runs between Limassol and Troodos via Saittas. The trailhead is a short walk from Troodos Square. 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 Troodos Square 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.
More trails in Troodos mountains
Keep exploring
Questions about the Persephone trail
How long is the Persephone trail?
3 km one way (6 km return), linear. The official walking estimate is 1 hour one way. Add time for breaks, photos and getting to and from the trailhead.
How difficult is the Persephone trail?
It is graded 1 of 3 (easy) on the official Cyprus nature trails map. Altitude ranges from 1,654 m to 1,733 m.
How long does the Persephone trail take there and back?
The official estimate is one hour for the 3 km one way. Allow about two to two and a half hours for the return walk with a stop at the viewpoint.
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: Persephone trail ↗Visit Cyprus: 2026 nature trails map (PDF) ↗EMEL: route 64 Limassol – Saittas – Troodos ↗