Pano Platres: Discover Nature and Village History

Pano Platres reveals its distinctive character through a variety of natural and cultural features: the Kalidonia Waterfall and the Krios Potamos shape the hiking landscape, while fountains, a bridge and residential houses offer insights into the village’s history. There is also an adventure park, lavender workshops and other visitor attractions. When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth first considering which of these aspects you want to shape your stay.

Waterfall, River and Viewpoints

The Kalidonia Waterfall in Platres is considered one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus. The Kalidonia Nature Trail passes by it and runs along sections of the Krios Potamos, which flows year-round; the trail ends in Pano Platres. Along Platres’s hiking trails, hikers can stop at viewpoints selected by the Forestry Department. Many offer panoramic views, especially towards the Krios Potamos and Platres. This brings together two different perspectives: the river as part of the trail and views of the river and village from selected stopping points.

Another natural landmark is the Old Oak of Platres. It is about 200 years old, has a diameter of 4.89 metres and is approximately 20 metres tall. While the nature trail links the waterfall and sections of the river, the oak can be appreciated as a single, measured natural feature.

Village History at Fountains, Bridges and Houses

The Fountain of Roxanne Koundouranis is made of marble, was built in 1936 and is located on Kaledonias Street, directly opposite the Valley of Graces. Its year of construction and precise location make it a clearly situated point of village history. The preserved old Milias Bridge also tells of an earlier function: it lies in the forest below Platres and once served as a crossing over the Krios Potamos.

The residential houses commissioned in Platres by ambassadors and wealthy families from various countries represent an international architectural history. The different styles include Commonwealth, German, Maltese, Alpine, Danish and Monte Carlo styles. This range gives architecture a distinct place alongside the village’s nature trails and attractions.

The Platres Cultural Centre has an exhibition of old photographs of the village and the Greek poet Giorgos Seferis. If you are planning a visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance. The monument to heroes Andreas Paraskevas and Stelios Mavros is also one of Platres’s attractions.

Activities and Special Reasons to Visit

The Sparti Adventure Park is located in the pine forest of Platres. Activities include climbing ropes, zip lines, suspension bridges, archery, towers and nets. Its active appeal is quite different from a stay focused on the Kalidonia Nature Trail and viewpoints. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on hiking, activities in the park or village history.

Lavender workshops are held every weekend at the Lavender Thematic Center in Platres. You must reserve by phone or message to take part; check current availability with the center as well. Another visitor attraction is the trout farm next to the Psilodentro Centre.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Omodos, Apsiou, Ayios Yeoryios, Pissouri, Limassol, Pentakomo, Trimiklini, Monagri.

For the main travel overview: Limassol.