On the Troodos Mountains, in Greek Cyprus, you'll find villages, monasteries, ski resorts, wineries and health resorts set amid striking scenery. The churches in many of the towns contain frescoes or icons, some of which are 800 years old. Local priests often give impromptu tours. Perhaps the most important church in Cyprus is in the Kykko Monastery, 8 mi/15 km west of Pedhoulas. The monastery boasts fabulous icons, including some said to have been painted by St. Luke himself. Other significant churches and monasteries include the Church of Assinou near Nikitari (frescoes), the Monastery of Stavros (the monks hold a wine festival every August and a religious feast on 14 September) and the three churches in Galata (frescoes and murals). Some monasteries allow guests to stay overnight.
Resorts (some including spas) are found in Platres, the principal mountain resort town, as well as in Agros, Galata, Kakopetria, Kalopanayiotis, Troodos, Prodromos and Perapedhi. Limited skiing is possible January-March. There are three lifts on Mount Olympus, operated by the local ski club (the club accepts tourists as temporary members). There are also numerous nature trails, and it's possible to stay in a government rest house near the Stavros tis Psokas Forest Station (book in advance by writing the Forestry Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Nicosia, Republic of Cyprus). The village of Palaekhori is known for its culinary skills: The town's loukanika (pork sausage) and chiromeri (smoked ham) are famous throughout Cyprus. 30 mi/50 km southwest of Nicosia.
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