Description
The Selladi tou Stavrou – Stavros trail is a hidden gem for hikers fueled by an adventurous and exploring spirit. Deeply embedded in the heart of the Paphos Forest, the journey begins at the Selladi tou Stavrou locality. The Selladi tou Stavrou is a central hub shared with the Moutti tou Stavrou trail. This location serves as a versatile trailhead where hikers can combine multiple paths for a long trek or enjoy shorter escapes depending on their schedule. Surrounded by a lush canopy of pine and endemic cedar trees, the area balances a sense of profound solitude with the excitement of discovery. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, the dense forest and calm atmosphere make this trail an accessible and rejuvenating experience for all skill levels.
The trail itself consists of a continuous downhill path that leads directly to Stavros tis Psokas. Although it is a relatively short route, covering just 1.6 km one way or 3.2 km as a roundtrip, it features a notable descent with a total elevation loss of 223 meters. Both ends of the trail are easily accessible, offering the flexibility to hike it in either direction. With an estimated 1 hour duration for the full out-and-back journey, it is an ideal choice for those seeking a quick but invigorating mountain experience.
Table of Contents
Viewpoints
As you venture deep into the heart of the Paphos Forest, the trail winds through a lush, green world sheltered by the shade of tall pine trees. The journey offers a striking balance of sensory experiences: one moment you are immersed in thick vegetation where mossy patches and vibrant greenery make the forest feel like a magical setting from a fairytale, and the next, the path opens up like a “window in nature”. These clearings reveal panoramic views of the surrounding massive mountains, making you feel as though you are standing at the very center of an endless, ancient landscape.
Upon reaching Stavros tis Psokas, you can unwind at the local kiosk with a refreshing drink or visit the nearby fenced enclosure to catch a rare glimpse of the Cypriot mouflon, an endemic wild sheep that calls this forest home.
Starting points
The trailhead is located at Selladi tou Stavrou, and since both ends of this linear trail are accessible by road, hikers have great flexibility in how they choose to explore it. While it can be enjoyed as a short, standalone walk, more experienced hikers can combine it with the 12 Anemoi – Selladi tou Stavrou trail. This combination creates a challenging and rewarding 14 km out-and-back journey through the most rugged parts of the forest. The exact GPS location is provided in the nature trail information table further below.
Personal comments
In my personal opinion, this trail is short but absolutely stunning and totally recommended! If you are seeking a quick hike that allows you to enjoy the Paphos Forest to the fullest, this is a must-try. For those looking to increase the challenge, you can easily scale up the difficulty by combining it with the Moutti tou Stavrou trail or the more demanding 12 Anemoi – Selladi tou Stavrou route.
Selladi tou Stavrou – Stavros nature trail information table
| Description | |
| Starting points | Selladi tou Stavrou or 35.03305, 32.63498 (link) |
| Ending point | Stavros tis Psokas station or 35.02438, 32.63111 (link) |
| Distance | 1.6 km (3.2 km out-and-back) |
| Difficulty (1 – easy, 2 – moderate, 3 – difficult) | Easy |
| Trail type | Linear |
| ETA finish time | 30 minutes (1 hour out-and-back) |
| Elevation Gain/Loss | 15m /223 metres (one way – downhill part) |
| Maximum Altitude | 1040 metres |
Elevation Stats
GPS map
Gallery
5 nearby trails
- Chorteri trail
- Moutti tou Stavrou nature trail
- Moutti tou Stavrou- Livadi trail
- 12 Anemoi – Selladi tou Stavrou trail
- Selladi Tou Staxtou To Trypilos Trail
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