Cycling in the Troodos mountains, Cyprus

Planet

Cycling is the ultimate low-carbon transport and so this cycling vacation means you can explore the beautiful Marathasa valley of Cyprus and beyond with negligible impact on the environment!

In addition, Casale Panayiotis accommodation consists entirely of carefully renovated old village homes, scattered around the village, in order to preserve the cultural heritage of the area. Each room or suite maintains its own identity with restored original features and architecture.

Bottled water has been removed in all rooms. Instead guests receive a complimentary refillable water-bottle on arrival during the summer months, which can be filled with the natural, sweet mountain spring water piped directly to all rooms. Disposable room amenities have been replaced by sanitised, re-fillable toiletries in all rooms. Plastic straws are no longer used in the restaurants and all take-away boxes are fully recyclable and bio-degradable.

There are designated pet-friendly rooms where a percentage of the pet-stay fee is donated to the village cat-neutering programme and a local rescue home for stray dogs and cats.

As Casale Panayiotis is situated on the eastern edge of the Paphos forest and within the Troodos Geopark, guests are encouraged to explore the forests responsibly, adhering to the hiker’s code of conduct. A specially commissioned 1:25,000 map of the Marathasa area details recommended walking and cycling routes, designated picnic areas and provides information about the local wildlife.

People

Casale Panayiotis is a family-owned business whose purpose is to contribute to the economic revival of the mountain communities and to restore their way of life. Local people are employed wherever possible, and produce is sourced from local suppliers, supporting existing cottage industries and local agriculture. For example, rather than bake their own bread, Casale Panayiotis partners with the baker in the neighbouring village who supplies breads fresh each morning; in turn providing his business with a steady source of income. All honey is supplied directly by local beekeepers who have hives throughout the valley. Seasonal fruit and vegetables come from their own orchards, just 10 minutes down the valley, and are open for guests to visit.

Casale Panayiotis has developed a range of partnerships with local villagers to offer authentic experiences to guests and learn about the mountain way of life. All are delivered by people actively engaged in these trades and are not “show” attractions. They include beekeeping and honey-making; soutzoukos-making (a local delicacy made from grapes and nuts); halloumi-making; a visit to working orchards; a local walking tour taking in the 11th century UNESCO-listed St John Lampadistis monastery, a preserved water-mill, the natural sulphur springs and the historic Venetian bridge; and a forest safari adventure to enjoy the forest and spot the beautiful, protected wild mouflon (a species of wild sheep and the national animal of Cyprus). Suggested itineraries to visit places of historic and cultural interest further afield can also be provided.