Chorteri trail: A refreshing hike in the heart of Cyprus

by Savvas Michail March 7, 2026

Description

Located just a few hundred meters from the historic Stavros tis Psokas forest station, the administrative heart of the Paphos Forest, the Chorteri trail serves as a gateway to the region’s most untamed and pristine landscapes. This secluded path is tailor-made for those seeking deep serenity and blissful scenery, far removed from the bustle of typical tourist routes. Because of its remote mountain location, visitors are guaranteed a quiet, solitary experience where the only distraction is the spectacular, 360-degree views of the surrounding ridges.

Spanning a total distance of 4.8 km, this circular route offers a balanced challenge with an elevation gain of 311 meters, firmly placing it in the moderate difficulty category. Hikers can expect to complete the loop in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it an ideal excursion for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without an all-day commitment. As a central hub for outdoor enthusiasts, Stavros tis Psokas serves as a springboard for courageous and adventure-thirsty hikers; for those eager to extend their journey, five additional interconnected trails await nearby, offering endless opportunities to delve deeper into the forest’s rugged beauty.

Viewpoints

The Chorteri nature trail is located in the heart of Paphos forest offering magnificent views of the untamed and secluded dense forest. As you ascend toward the peak of Chorteri at 1290 meters, the landscape opens up into an amazing panoramic views of the entire forest and the nearby mountainous region. Along the way, hikers encounter strategically placed benches and specific viewpoints that overlook the deep Stavros Valley and the historic Stavros tis Psokas forest station nestled below.

While the route is primarily enveloped in refreshing shade, it features distinct natural openings that act like windows, allowing hikers to admire the unfolding mountainous landscape. These breaks in the dense canopy reveal the dramatic ridges and deep ravines of the Paphos Forest, offering a sense of scale and depth that contrasts beautifully with the tree-lined path. As the trail winds through the rugged terrain, these rhythmic glimpses of the Paphos forest foothills provide a constant, changing perspective on the vastness of the Cypriot wilderness.

Note that nearby is Stavros tis Psokas, where you can visit it for a refreshing soda or tea depending on the weather and also visit the Cypriot Mouflons located in a protected enclosed area.

Starting points

The trailhead is located in the road from Kykkos to Stavros tis Psokas forest station and to be exact a few hundred meters before Stavros tis Psokas. The parking is limited but you can find side spaces in the road in certain spots in the road nearby. The exact GPS location is provided in the nature trail information table further below.

Personal comments

The trail is definitely worth it! It is a short one but very beautiful and isolated, away from the noise of the city offering impressive views and relaxation!

While the trail’s remote location might make a 4.8 km journey seem brief, the surrounding region functions as a premier hiking hub that rewards the effort of the drive. The Stavros tis Psokas area is rich with a variety of interconnected paths, allowing you to selectively combine routes and tailor a full day of exploration. By linking several trails together, you can transform your visit into a comprehensive immersive experience through the most secluded and diverse landscapes the Paphos Forest has to offer.

Chorteri Trail information table

Description
Starting points	35.02462, 32.63498 (link)
Ending point	–
Distance	4.83 km
Difficulty (1 – easy, 2 – moderate, 3 – difficult)	2
Trail type	Circular
ETA finish time	2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss	311 metres
Maximum Altitude	1227 metres