The Pafos Forest, a vast wooded area along the western slope of the Troodos Mountains, lies about 40 kilometres northeast of the town of Pafos. The area holds a variety of interesting attractions that can be visited on a day trip by car. Pass through Cedar Valley and marvel at the canopy of Cedrus brevifolia, a variety of cedar found only in this region of Cyprus; the branches of these trees spread in broad horizontal layers. Further into the forest, you will find the Stavros tis Psokas forestry station next to a river by the same name. The station sits at the head of hiking trails and hosts a shaded picnic area; the building, a former monastery, shelters a restaurant and other facilities. Nearby is a fenced-in sanctuary for Cyprus mouflons, a diminutive wild sheep unique to Cyprus. The male sheep sport distinctive curved horns. On the perimeter of the forest sit several villages. In Fyti, visit a museum devoted to the region’s weaving tradition: Observe colourful Fythkiotika fabrics being woven on a loom with methods dating to the Middle Ages. In the vicinity of Panagia, stop at the eighteenth-century Chrysorogiatissa Monastery for a tour of its icon collection. Just one kilometre down the road is the Kolios Winery, where you can sample premium wines made from local grape varieties. The roads wend their way through the woods, so be sure to pack a map or navigation aid. On request, guest services can organise a picnic basket for your woodland journey.
