Head to Platres for a fun day out
Now that the weather is getting cooler, the time is perfect for an escape to the village of Platres in Troodos. The village is surrounded by lush trees, and has a few nature paths that run through it.
In Platres you will enjoy nature through the waterfalls of Caledonia and Milomeri, as well as the nature trails that start from the waterfalls.
The excursion immediately acquires a sweet taste, when you visit the two chocolate shops of the village. The most famous is The Chocolate Shop (+357 99 766446), where you will find chocolate delicacies to try and buy, as well as watch workshops on how they are made, and will even prepare your own bar. At Sophisticakes and Chocoholics (+357 99 151867) you will taste various flavours of chocolates with pine nuts, walnut, almond, coffee, orange and more.
If you want to have an adventurous time, you should definitely visit Sparti Rope Park (+357 99 100040) in Pano Platres. It is a park with more than 140 activities and 11 zip lines. After the activities, you will surely be looking for food. You will find oven-baked, meze and grill items in the village’s restaurants.
Anoi (+357 25 422900), Mimis Restaurant (+357 25 421449), Village Tavern (+357 99 663772) and Skylight Restaurant (+357 25 422244) offer you the best.
You will go to Psilo Dentro (+357 25 813131) for its famous trout and if you still prefer something to a burger or pizza, go to the snack bar Orosimo (+357 99 756796) in the village square. At the tavern Caledonia Rotis (+357 25 421019) the homemade apple pie steals the show. In the afternoon you will go to Cafe Antonis (+357 99 804292) to have your coffee with delicious donuts, if you are lucky. At the cafe Pegasus (+357 25 421744) you will enjoy spoon sweets and delicious waffles and crepes. Walk around the store to shop for herbs and organic products.
For an overnight stay in Platres, there are many options. The most famous hotel is the Forest Park Hotel (+357 25 421751), which has hosted great celebrities. Also, wonderful stay offers at New Helvetia (+357 25 421348), Edelweiss Hotel (+357 25 421335) in the heart of Platres, Semiramis (+357 99 756796) in the woods, but also the Spring Hotel (+357 25 421330). Last but not least, the fully refurbished Kallithea Hotel du Chocolat (+357 25 422241) with the Chocolate Museum.
Worth a visit
Of great interest are the Roxani Koudounari fountain, a marble monument with the backdrop of the local mountain stone on Caledonia Street, as well as the Victorian sinks of an old settlement near the Church of Panayia Faneromeni.
*Main photo: Friends of Platres
