Overview
The challenging Solea Valley cycling route cuts through the Troodos area and offers stunning views of the mountains and the blossoming valley below. A difficult route, but well-worth it.
The 165 km route takes cyclists through picturesque villages that are home to the stunning painted churches of Troodos, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
The tour follows the same route as the Nicosia–Adelfoi–Asinou until it reaches the Kapouras picnic site, where it takes the alternative route towards Asinou and Ayios Theodoros. At Ayios Theodoros, the route crosses the main Nicosia–Troodos road to reach Kato Flasou, where it begins to climb southwards, along the Karkotis riverbank and through the villages of Evrychou, Tembria, Kaliana, Galata and Kakopetria.
Keeping on the Kakopetria–Prodromos road, the route starts to climb towards the Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis Monastery until it reaches a turn to the right that leads to the area of Stavroulia. This part of the road is unpaved and descends in a northerly direction to the Linou–Pedoulas road, offering breathtaking views of Solea Valley and Morphou Bay to the east.
The Pedoulas–Linou road crosses the main Nicosia–Troodos road and then heads in a north-easterly direction to the village of Koutrafas, situated on the banks of the Elia River. The road then climbs towards the villages of Nikitari and Vyzakia, where it follows the same route back to Lefkosia via Orounta, Kato Moni, Meniko and Palaiometocho, ending at the Ayios Mamas grade-separated junction.
An alternative route to the Koutrafas–Nikitari option is to return to Nicosia on the main Nicosia–Troodos road.
ROUTE DETAILS
Start Point: Ayios Mamas grade separated junction
End Point: Ayios Mamas grade separated junction
Total Distance: 165km
Difficulty Rating: A difficult route climbing steadily at a 2% gradient on average, and maximum 5%. Requires a mountain bike with at least 21 speeds.
Road Conditions: A variety of surfaces.
