Travel guide to the top of Mount Olympus in Cyprus

Mount Olympus is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.952m (6,404ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Nicosia and Limassol, in Cyprus. At the very top there are two military bases: English and Cypriot.

Can you drive to Mount Olympus Cyprus?

Set high in the Troodos Mountains, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called F935. It’s a stunning sweeping road to the highest point in Cyprus. Starting at Troodos, the road is 3.6 km (2.23 miles) long.

Are you allowed to drive Mount Olympus?

Tucked away in Troodos National Forest Park, the very summit, also known as Olympos, Olymbos or Chionistra, is out of bounds, being crowned by a British and a Cypriot long range radar station. Access to these bases is closed and filming is prohibited. The road doesn’t arrive to the antenna, only to a military check point, some meters below the peak.

Is the road to Mount Olympus defiant?

The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a 12% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Access to the peak is typically open all year round, but winter weather may cause restrictions and closures due to dangerous weather conditions. There are several ski lifts near its top. To visit the peak, morning may be better as clouds can build up during the day and may well be lower than you, but they do not form every day. If you go biking, you need to take care where you rest: there are eight species of snakes in Cyprus, three of which are venomous but only one it's dangerous to men: the Vipera lebetina or Blunt Nosed Viper. In case of a snakebite by this viper, medical attention should be sought immediately. All snakes are most active during the summer.
Pic: Dennis Bos