The Salonica View alternative tourism office organizes a one-day excursion and hike on the Nature Trail of Xyliatos Fence and a visit to the Virgin of Araka.
A few words about our trip:
Our excursion will start from Nicosia, specifically from the Cyprus Handicrafts Center. Together with the experienced leader-companion of our office, we will start our adventure on the nature trail of Frakti Xyliatos. The route is circular for about 4 km and goes around the dam. The forest that surrounds the path is called "Brothers''. On our route, we will have the opportunity to see the pine trees and the wild vegetation that hugs the quiet waters of the dam creating the perfect landscape. After our beautiful hike, we will visit the church of Holy Mary of Araka located in the mountainous area of Pitsilia, between the villages of Lagoudera and Saradi. Then we will have lunch at the "Pretty" tavern in Kato Moni. So after replenishing the calories, we burned, now full of energy and beautiful images from our refreshing hike, we will return to Nicosia.
Hiking Features:
Altitude of the highest point: 590 m.
Length: 4 kilometers
Time: 1.30 hours
Difficulty level: 1 - Easy
Points of interest:
A few words about Xyliatos Dam:
It is one of the most famous attractions of Xyliatos village. It is located in the southwest of Nicosia. Its capacity is 1,420,000 cubic meters of water. The height of the dam is 42 meters, its length is 155 meters, its volume is 240,00 cubic meters and its surface is 96 square meters. It was built in the early 80s. The purpose of its construction was to irrigate arable land for vegetables, olives, citrus, and fruit trees. Many visit the village just to enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding landscape.
A few words about the Church of Panagia of Arakas:
The church is located in the mountainous region of Pitsilia, between the villages of Lagoudera and Saradi. It was built in the Middle Byzantine period, around the 12th century but declined in the 18th century. Today, the two-story monastic building on the north side of the church is preserved, which is used as the priest's residence. The name Arakos may come from the pea plant or from the word yerakas, the hawk. The church belongs to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A few words about the village of Saradi:
It is a mountainous village in Cyprus in the province of Nicosia. It is a village that is built on the border with the province of Limassol, north of Madari. It is a village with steep mountainsides and valleys. It is a very picturesque village in the pine trees of the Adelphi forest, built at an altitude of about 1060 meters.
Participation fee:
Package 1: €20/person by bus (without food - buffet)
Package 2: €/person by bus (with food - buffet)
The price includes:
- Escort and organization
- Experienced mountain guides
- Transportation by bus
- First aid box
- VHF Wireless
CAUTION!!! Payment of the full amount is made to the bank accounts below within 4 days of your booking. Otherwise, the booking is canceled.
• BANK OF CYPRUS: CY95 0020 0195 0000 3570 3249 2261 or through the quick pay bank of Cyprus service at 99251074 (Payee: Andreas Tsangaris)
• HELLENIC BANK LTD: CY44 0050 0347 0003 4710 F293 4801 (Payee: Andreas Tsangaris)
You must have with you:
- Second shirt, socks, one small towel (change)
- Snack
- Water
- Backpack
- Waterproof (required)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Tissues
- Trekking Pole (optional)
- Camera (optional)
Note 1. When you click to make a reservation, state in the message the package you want, e.g. package 1 or package 2.
Note 2. In case of cancellation of the event due to bad weather conditions, the excursion is moved to another date. Participants unable to participate on that date will be refunded. However, if again the weather conditions do not allow the event to take place, the event is permanently canceled and everyone is refunded. In case of cancellation by the participants, 7 days or less before the date of the event, the money is not returned.
Note 3. Photographic material is shared on our page and social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you also accept the sharing of photos. Otherwise, please let us know.
Note 4. For the best functioning of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the attendants.
