12 Anemoi - Selladi tou Stavrou trail: Exploring an amazing hike

Description

Deep within the Paphos forest, the 12 Anemoi – Selladi tou Stavrou trail appears, which offers a perfect blend of serenity and adventure. It starts at the “12 Anemoi” junction, which is the meeting point for roads heading to Kykkos, Pano Panagia, and Stavros tis Psokas. The trail begins with a gentle hike that follows an easy path carved into the mountainside, running parallel to the main road. As you reach certain mountain peaks along this stretch, the forest clears to reveal stunning, distant views of Morfou Bay.

As you transition into the second half, the path dives into the forest’s more secluded and isolated pockets, trading the easy route for a sense of true wilderness. It’s an incredible trek that leads you right toward the heart of the forest, finishing at the scenic Selladi tou Stavrou just a few kilometers shy of the main station.

The trail is a linear route covering 5.34 km each way, totaling 10.68 km for the full out-and-back journey. With a total elevation gain and loss of 442 meters, it is officially categorized as moderate. While the first 3 km are relatively easy going, the remaining section adds more demand on your boots as the terrain becomes more rugged. For those seeking a greater challenge, this trail can easily be linked with theSelladi tou Stavrou to Stavros tis Psokas trail or the hike the Moutti tou Stavrou trail.

Viewpoints

I will split the trail into 3 sections:

The first section of the hike runs alongside the mountain road, winding through the forest with a steady rhythm of uphill and downhill stretches. Walking beneath the shade of towering pine trees, you’re treated to a refreshing mountain breeze and occasional clearings in the canopy. On a clear day, these gaps act as natural windows, framing spectacular, far-reaching views that stretch across to the Morfou Bay and even the Polis coastline.

The second section is marked by an E4 trail sign, signaling your departure from the easy part of the trail and your descent into the deep, untouched wilderness of the Paphos forest. As you leave civilization behind, the trail opens up to reveal magnificent vistas of the rugged Paphos mountain range and the distant sparkle of the Polis coastline. This portion of the trek eventually leads to a wide clearing, a junction of several forest roads, where one specific path branches off toward the Chorteri trail.

The final stretch begins at the forest crossroad and follows a truly remarkable, hidden path. To find the entrance, follow the road with the green vehicle barrier (which is typically open) and look for the turn-off on your right after about 19 steps. This section is defined by its rich, lush vegetation and towering pines, with the trail occasionally opening up to reveal views of Morfou Bay. The highlight is the dense greenery where trees and bushes lean in to form a natural arc over the path, creating a magical, tunnel-like experience that makes this the most interesting part of the journey.

Starting points

The trail connects two distinct locations: it begins at the “12 Anemoi” junction and ends at “Selladi tou Stavrou.” Since both of these spots are accessible by car, you have the flexibility to arrange having a car on each end. Doing the hike as a one-way trek is a great way to lower the difficulty while still soaking in all the scenery without the 10.8 km return commitment. For further details on the GPS locations check the nature trail information table section.

Personal comments

This trail is a hidden treasure of the Paphos forest. The first 3 km are a breeze, following the mountain’s edge parallel to the road; while it’s very easy, you’ll still encounter the occasional car passing by. However, the experience shifts once you dive into the second part, leaving the roads behind for the quiet of the deep forest. The final section is where the magic really happens. It feels completely isolated and secluded, surrounded by dense greenery and those breathtaking panoramic views of both the Polis coastline and Morfou Bay.

Most people drive through the “12 Anemoi” junction toward Selladi tou Stavrou without ever realizing this trail exists right under their noses. Connecting these two “dots” on foot reveals the endless hiking combinations hidden within the Paphos forest. I totally recommend it for anyone looking to see a different side of the island.

12 Anemoi – Selladi tou Stavrou trail information table

Description
Starting points	12 Anemoi or 35.01127, 32.66746 (link)
Ending point	Selladi tou Stavrou or 35.03302, 32.63503 (link)
Distance	5.34 km (10.68 km out-and-back)
Difficulty (1 – easy, 2 – moderate, 3 – difficult)	Moderate
Trail type	Linear
ETA finish time	2 hours (4 hours out-and-back)
Elevation Gain/Loss	161/281 metres (one way)
Maximum Altitude	1267 metres