CALEDONIA WATERFALLS

Located in the Troodos National Park, at an altitude of 1,330 m, these waterfalls (Καταρράκτης Καληδονιών/Katarraktis Kalidonion, Caledonian Waterfalls) are among the highest in Cyprus. The River Kryos falls here from a height of 12-13 m through a superb forest of alders and plane trees. The name comes from Scottish naturalists who discovered the area in 1878, and for whom this enchanting setting was reminiscent of "Caledonia", the name the Romans gave to Scotland. Access is via the pleasant Caledonia Trail (Καληδόνια Μονοπάτι/Kalidonia Monopati, Caledonia Nature Trail). This one starts from the Psilo Dendro/Ψηλό Δεντρό ("big tree") restaurant, which is located by the main road, 1.5 km north of the center of Platres via Olympou Street, at 1,220 m above sea level. We then follow the Kryos River under trees for 1.5 km (about 20 minutes' walk) to reach the waterfalls. The trail continues northwards for 2 km to reach the Troodos recreation area at 1,750 m altitude. The whole way is well-marked. And although the ascent is quite demanding on the second section to the leisure base, it is done in the shade of the forest. Towards the end, where the path joins the old road, you pass the summer residence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus. This complex was built in 1879 for the British governor of the island. It is known that the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who stayed in Cyprus from 1878 to 1880, took part in the building work as foreman.