The Discovery Trail

This is a long circular route, 12 km long (6 hours). It is a route with a high degree of difficulty, suitable only for hikers in excellent physical condition. The start and finish is at the intersection of the main roads 200m south of the Xylogefyro area (meaning wooden bridge), where there is a small plateau, an ideal spot to leave your vehicle. The first leg of the route is a 4.1 km trail descending from Xylogefyro to the Platy valley. It is one of the most beautiful trails in Cyprus, especially in the autumn when it is full of mushrooms and wildflowers. The dense pinewood forest, the abundant springs and streams, the fragrances and quietness of the forest and the gentle path will enchant you. A recently cleared leg of the old trail will take you from the ruins of the old Kourion settlement next to the river bed to the main road in the Xystaroudas area, where you can take a rest stop. From here, follow the trail north, a beautiful section which descends towards Pyrgi. If you have time, it’s worth continuing to the sacred spring of the Holy Virgin of Kykkos, an old and venerable place of pilgrimage for the local people. From here, turn back along the path for about 700 metres, and leave the main trail, following signs for route No 5 towards the north-east, where you will come out at Kavalos, and from there return down the last section of route 5 (in common with route 4), descending to Xylogefyro.