The Xeros Trail
Golden Brown
This vegetation is lovely to look at, but is a fire hazard, waiting to go up in flames. One easy way of starting a fire out here is to throw your cigarette butt out of the car window as you are driving through the countryside. I have seen people do this on multiple occasions this summer, and it is really, really thoughtless. If you are reading this, and in the habit of flicking your butt out the car window, please stop. KEEP CYPRUS TIDY!
This Way
Anyway, we have reached another Xeros crossing, which was washed out earlier in the year. This time, we are sticking to the right of the bridge, as a new track has emerged.
Road Repair
We reported before how this bit of the track had been completely washed out. There is now a new track. Cypriots are very good at keeping these tracks running. Its just a shame the same level of enthusiasm hasn't been applied to the B7 repairs between Giolou and Stroumpi. The temporary chicane put in place some months ago is still there, while the older road gradually crumbles away...
Owl Home
This old mill featured in the Xeros River Ruins blog linked at the foot of the page. On top of that structure is a big hole, where an owl lives. It made me jump when I was exploring up there.
Old Swimming Hole
Earlier in the year this stretch of water is a lot deeper, and a great place for a picnic and a cooling dip.
Page 2 of 6
Related Blogs:
The Xeros River in Winter
The Asprokremmos Reservoir is beginning to fill up! At the last count, it was close to 40% full. But where is all the water coming from? The Xeros River is normally close to dry, but now it has become a raging torrent. So let's take a look...
The Xeros River Flows!
The River Xeros flows into the Asprokremmos Reservoir, and when that is full, it flows right out again. So where does it go once it leaves? We decided to find out...
Xeros River Ruins
It looks like the sun is here to stay now, and Cyprus is quickly turning brown. The Asprokremmos is no longer overflowing, and soon, the rivers will no doubt start to run dry again. Before that happens we decided to go for a drive up Xeros Valley, and explore some ruins by the river. If you fancy a paddle, don't wait too long...
Roudia Bridge
Now that we have covered the route from Vretsia to Kelefos, let's return to the subject of Venetian Bridges. This time, we will feature Roudia Bridge. For years this eluded us, as we drove past it without realising it was there. With the help of the previous blog, you should now be able to locate it and know where to park the car. So let's take a look at the bridge itself...
From Ayios Ioannis To Vretsia
As the Xeros Valley gives way to Paphos Forest, two old Turkish Cypriot Villages stand on either sides of its slopes. We took the long-neglected road from Ayios Ioannis to Vretsia, and discovered not only beautiful countryside, but another abandoned village, and several ancient mills along the way.
Paphos Forest Mine
Tucked away in the western slopes of Paphos Forest, lies an old mine. You won't ever have seen it unless you went looking for it, and even if you go looking for it you may not find it.Related Pages
MapThe Xeros Trail
We've taken a short break from our look at Cyprus beaches, and are going to share a scenic - and somewhat off-piste - route from Paphos to Polemi. Sometimes when we are coming back from a visit to the Green Point we can get a bit distracted. So come and say hello to the Xeros Valley, Roudia Bridge and a bit of Paphos Forest. There no better way to social distance.
Video ClipThe Xeros River in Winter
The Xeros River is normally a sea of dried up pebbles, but the winter rains have brought it alive...
Good Pages To Visit
FB PagePaphos Life on Facebook
Like us on Facebook and stay notified of new blog posts.
FB PageOur Facebook Chat Group
Paphos Chat has been created for people who like our site and want to chat using Facebook. You can also easily upload photos of any size here. A lot of people are members of the Facebook chat group and the main forum. It's entirely up to you.
ListBlog Locations
Planning a day out? Then use our map of blog locations as a handy guide. Some of the places we visit our closer to each other than you might think, so take a look and start planning your next adventure...
eBookCyprus Road Trip 01: the Kathikas - Panagia Loop
Let me take you on a journey around the region of Paphos, Cyprus. Starting at Paphos itself, we travel to Akoursos, then Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Simou. We continue past Lasa and Kannaviou, before taking in the delights of Panagia. Getting a bit more adventurous, we visit the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Fotios, before passing through Choulou, Letymbou and Polemi, and rejoining the main Paphos - Polis road.
The route is suitable for all types of vehicle, and requires no off-roading. The guide contains about 130 photographs including shots of all the road signs you need to pay attention to, as well as some of the highlights you may experience along the way.
There are also several maps which will help you keep your bearings.
You can do this journey in a day, or you can break it up into chunks. You can also do it in reverse, to get some completely different views. It is entirely up to you.
