Description
The Xystarouda natural trail is a demanding and strenuous hiking trail but also a generous one since it provides the walker a view of an infinite beauty. It crosses two streams, thus the vegetation and the forest is very dense. The trail is 10.5 km long and is categorised as difficult. The highest altitude is 900 meters.
The difficulty of the trail lies in the fact that it has almost 1 hr and 15 minutes of a downhill walk and the rest 45 minutes it changes to uphill. This is a linear trail, thus you need to return back. The trail is located in Paphos forest but also in Nicosia district and specifically around 13 km outside Pedoulas towards Kykkos Monastery.
Viewpoints
At the peaks of the mountains it has several viewpoints where the hiker can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. While going down to the valley, the natural trail crosses two streams called “Arkatzi tis Skasmenis” and “Arkatzi tou Pyrkou”. The running water from the streams provides a green scenery worth walking. The algae on the rocks, the streams, the picturesque wooden bridges and the dense forest shape an impressive and magical landscape, that even the most demanding person cannot be left untouched.
Starting points
You have the option to start the trail from the below locations:
- Xystarouda picnic area
- Saint Vasiliki church
In order to go to Xystarouda – Agiasma – Vasiliki trail, follow the road from Pedoulas to Kykkos Monastery (road E912). When you reach 13 km away from Pedoulas village center, you will see the Xystarouda picnic area on your left hand. The starting point of the hike is found exactly opposite the picnic area.
Personal comments
This is truly a beautiful trail. I can put it on the same level (difficulty and beauty) with the Madari trail. It is indeed a strenuous hike since you go downhill for ~3.5 km and then you go up for the rest ~2.3km. And then you repeat it to go back since this is a linear trail. If you want to do the route only once then you have the option to take a car to the church of Saint Vasiliki as pointed in the GPS map below and start from Xystarouda picnic area. Or do it vice versa.
Natural Trail Information
| Description | |
| Starting points | 34.97932, 32.77982 (link) |
| Ending point | 34.99396, 32.75577 (link) |
| Distance | ~10.5 km |
| Difficulty (1 – easy, 2 – moderate, 3 – difficult) | 3 |
| Trail type | Linear |
| ETA finish time | ~4:00 hours |
| Elevation Gain/Loss | ~649/642 meters |
| Altiltude | 927 meters |
GPS map
Gallery
Xystarouda – Agiasma – Vasiliki Natural Trail 
Wooden bridge in Xystarouda trail 
Mushrooms found in Xystarouda trail 
Incredible view from Xystarouda trail 
Autumn vibes in Xystarouda trail 
Xystarouda – Agiasma – Vasiliki Natural Trail 
Old kiln producing tar in Xystarouda trail 
Beautiful scenery in Xystarouda trail 
Xystarouda – Agiasma – Vasiliki Natural Trail 
Fallen tree at Xystarouda trail 
Rocks with algae in Xystarouda trail
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