
13 km walk Stavrovouni peak - Panagia Stazousa church
This is a somewhat composite walk in the sense that we could divide it into two quite different parts of an equal length. The first part is amost circular it is found mainly in the south side of Stavrouvouni peak, its length is 5.5 km and has total ascents and descents of about 400 meters each. It is a highly recommended walk from Larnaca, with panoramic vistas as its highlight. The second part is linear, with significantly smaller ascents and descents, to the east of Stavrovouni peak. The walker is rewarded at the end with the sight of Panagia Stazousa church, now an annex to Stavrovouni monastery. As it was built as a catholic church, the architectural style of the church is in sharp contrast to Byzantine rythms that characterise the vast majority of Greek Orthodox churches in Cyprus. It is a reminded of the centuries when the island was under catholic rule, first by the Francs for three centuries and subsequently by the Venetians for almost a century.
The vegetation in the area is dominated by schrubs like rockrose, while at the same time there is a significant number of (planted) pines and olives. This walk is recommended for the whole year (especially from Larnaca as it is so close), except for the hot summer months.
During hot summer, instead we recommend travellers to do the short 5.5 km circular version that ascends Stavrovouni peak, and enjoy the view of the south coast from an elevation of nearly 700 meters, at just ten kilometers from the coast west of Larnaca. Besides self-guided trips we also provide customised guided walking trips in the area (you are welcomed to discuss your trip with us via email , whatsapp chat, or phone).