Kannoures – Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis Trail
A long descent through virgin forest along the Karkotis river to a UNESCO frescoed chapel.
Beginning near the source of the Karkotis (Chromium) river just below Troodos square, this linear trail drops through some of the most unspoiled forest in the Solea valley. It passes an old, long-closed chromium mine before reaching the 11th-century church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its remarkable Byzantine frescoes. It can be extended a further 3 km into Kakopetria village.
What you’ll see
- UNESCO-listed Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis and its frescoes
- Virgin forest along the Karkotis river valley
- Historic abandoned chromium mine
- Golden oak, wild rosemary and endemic flora
- Option to finish in the stone village of Kakopetria
The walk
Set off from the roadside near the Karkotis source, 1 km before Troodos square, and follow the trail as it winds downhill through cool, dense forest beside the running water. The path is a steady descent, at times relatively steep underfoot, passing the relics of the old mine amid golden oak and wild rosemary. Near the end the celebrated barn-roofed church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis appears among the trees, well worth a pause, before you finish at the trail’s end or continue the extra 3 km down into Kakopetria.
Getting there
The trailhead is on the Karvounas–Troodos road about 1 km before Troodos square; park on the verge and arrange a return from the Kakopetria end. Get directions →
Good to know before you go
It is a one-way, largely downhill route, so plan transport back; the long descent tires the knees and the far end is far below the start.