top of page

7 km linear Walk between Stavros Tou Ayiasmati church & Panagia Tou Araka church

The walking route combines a visit to two important sites of Cyprus rich cultural heritage, with a medium difficulty 7.5 km long linear trail. Stavros Tou Ayiasmati and Panagia Tou Araka are two of the ten painted churches of Troodos that have been together declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and both have important frescos of the first half of the second millenium. 
The route passes by almond orchards, vineyards, and forested area mainly with pine trees and the endemic golden oak. There are steep ascents and descents which can make the exercise quite tiring. At various places walkers need to be careful as the narrow walking trail passes by steep slopes. There are glorious views towards Morphou plain and the western Pentadactylos and Mesaoria plain, up to Kionia peak in the east, the villages of Alona and Platanistasa, the village of Lagoudera in the north (west) and Madari peak.
One may see rock formations known as Tishia tis Madaris (literally “walls of Madari"), as well as Xyliatos manmade lake and further away, Vizakia manmade lake. Rock rose dominates and in March walkers may see orchids in blossom. The last part of the trail traverses the village of Lagoudera before it reaches Panayia tou Araka church.

In February usually, one can see many almond trees in bloom.

For another excellent, longer and more strenuous walking route in the area we highly recommend 12 km Madari circular trail.

Cyprus Walks Etc offers customisable guided walking trips to the walking trail connecting these two Unesco World Heritage Troodos painted churches. . We also offer self-guided walking trips, from Troodos, that mainly include GPS information about the routes and relevant transportation. The route is excellent year round, especially for its vistas, the particular rock formations, the variety in its vegetation. The cultural component of the walk is also quite high in the form of the two painted churches and traditional houses at the village of Lagoudera. We advise for early start during July and August. You are welcomed to book with us. 

Book a Guided walking trip between Stavros tou Agiasmati & Panagia tou Araka with us 

Book a Self-Guided walking trip between Stavros tou Agiasmati & Panagia tou Araka with us 

bottom of page