Description
The Kakojefalos natural trail is a hiking destination often neglected by the Cypriot hiking community but totally appreciated by the mountain cyclists and trail runners. The trail is strenuous with steep sections but doable and also very beautiful. The Machairas forest will amaze you and the Kakojefalos viewpoint at the end will definitely leave you speechless.
The Kakojefalos natural trail is a short but challenging route, since it is 6.5 km continuous uphill one way with a total elevation gain of 610 meters. The total distance is 13 km out and back and it is categorized as difficult. The element of the weather increases the difficulty of the trail significantly, since when returning back you will have to go down the steep terrain with the rain making it very slippery. The hike duration is estimated to ~4 hours.
Table of Contents
Viewpoints
The trail begins with a gravel road for about ~1 km, where a sign appears on your right side to enter the actual trail. The trail is a continuous uphill and the hiker will be able to admire the beautiful Machairas forest but also enjoy the view of Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol on certain points. Half way through the uphill route, you will come across to a forestry department shelter, where you can sign on that you visited it (there is a book inside the shelter).
At the end of the trail you will reach the locality “Kakojefalos” where a mini kiosk will welcome you to enjoy the stunning view. To reach the locality “Kakojefalos”, when you reach the asphalt road, turn left and follow the asphalt road for about ~1 km towards the Kionia picnic area. Then you will see on your left side a sign for the Kakojefalos view point.
Starting points
The trail begins a few meters away from the Mantra tou Kampiou picnic area, which can be also found in online maps. The exact location is provided in the Kakojefalos natural trail information table. The trail ends up on an asphalt road, a couple of kilometers away from Kionia picnic area. However there is no parking there, hence I do not recommend it as an alternative trail head point.
Personal comments
The trail begins with a gravel road for about 1 km and while it ends on an asphalt road, you will have to walk on the asphalt road for about ~1 km more to reach the Kakojefalos viewpoint. The trail is absolutely stunning and challenging. It is a continuous ascent with some steep sections. It is totally worth visiting but note that this trail is not beginner friendly.
My recommendation is to choose a cloudy day, since it has steep uphill sections but mind that if it rains it will definitely increase the difficulty. Don’t underestimate it but don’t fear it either. Machairas forest is very beautiful and the trail offers incredible views.
Take also in mind that the trail is used by cyclists and trail runners as well so always be on alert.
Kakojefalos natural trail information table
| Description | |
| Starting points | Mantra tou Kampiou (link) |
| Ending point | – |
| Distance | 13 km (out and back) |
| Difficulty (1 – easy, 2 – moderate, 3 – difficult) | 3 |
| Trail type | Linear |
| ETA finish time | 4 hours |
| Elevation Gain/Loss | 610 metres |
| Maximum Altitude | 1234 metres |
Elevation Stats
GPS map
Gallery
5 nearby trails
- Mandra tou Kampiou trail
- Kionia to Prophet Elias trail
- Pavliades – Dyo Mouttes Natural Trail
- Kionia – Drys natural trail
- Agios Onoufrios natural trail
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