The Salonica View team organizes a unique one-day hike on the beautiful trail Holy Mary tou Araka - Stavros tou Agiasmati.
A few words about our hike:
Our route will start from the Cypriot Handicrafts Center in Nicosia, heading towards the Medieval Monastery of Holy Mary of Araka. Our hike starts at the monastery, known for its history and beauty, and ends 8 kilometers east at the also Medieval Monastery of the Cross of Agiasmati. The trail is an impressive route that combines natural beauty and history. Throughout the hike, we will enjoy magnificent landscapes and the tranquility of nature, with views of Kionia to the east, the plain of Morphou and Pentadaktylos to the north, Olympus to the west and Madari to the south. The route passes through trachea pine forest, vineyards and traditional villages, offering a unique opportunity to observe the rich flora and fauna of the area. At the Cross of Agiasmati, we will make a rest stop enjoying the unique atmosphere of the monastery and the surrounding area, before returning back via the same route.
Hiking Features:
Starting point: the Monastery of Holy Mary of Arakas
Total Length: 14km (7km and 7km return)
Total Time: 6 hours
Time to the Cross of Agiasmati: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty level: 3 (mainly due to its length)
***The trail requires good physical condition.
Points of Interest:
The Holy Mary of Arakas – Cross of Agiasmati Trail is an impressive route that starts from the Medieval Monastery of Holy Mary of Arakas (1192 AD) and ends at the Monastery of the Cross of Agiasmati (1494 AD). Both churches have excellent frescoes and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The route crosses areas with Scots pine forest, vineyards, almond groves and old stone buildings. Throughout the hike, visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes such as Kionia in the east, the plain of Morphou and Pentadaktylos in the north, Troodos in the west and Madari in the south.
The trail is also connected to the Lagoudera or Agros – Madari trail. At the entrance of the church of Holy Mary of Arakas, you will meet a 700-year-old century-old oak tree, which adds even more historical value to the area. It is noteworthy that the path is part of the European Path E4, offering a unique opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to explore Cypriot nature and cultural heritage.
Cost of participation (per person):
20 euros/person
*** Payment will be made on the bus (Ignore the automatic payment message you will receive).
The price includes:
- Escort and organization
- Trainers specializing in outdoor activities
- Transfer by bus from Nicosia and return
- First aid kit
- Hiking
You must have with you:
- Good sneakers or hiking boots (if you have them)
- Hiking pants or leggings
- Second shirt, socks, one small towel (change)
- Snack and Water
- Backpack
- Waterproof jacket (required)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Tissues
- Trekking pole (optional)
- Camera (optional)
Note 1. When you click to book, state in the message where you will take the bus from.
Note 2. For the best functioning of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the attendants.
Note 3. 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 4. 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, as you inform us.
