The 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.
In The Beginning
Ok, so we are not going to show pictures of the entire route from Paphos. We have covered some of it in previous blogs. Today's journey starts half way up the river. We've driven through Nata, turned left before the big bridge, and followed the road up the Xeros Valley until it crosses the Xeros River further up. They've done a good job of repairing that, by the way. Then we have followed the signs for the Donkey Sanctuary, and continued past that up the river. This shot is looking back towards Nata.
The Forest Awaits
This is the route we are going. It's fine here, but very bumpy in places, and should only be attempted in a good 4x4. On the left of the picture you can see Sinti Monastery.
Hidden Well
This monastery is actually accessible by road. You can get to it from the direction of Pentalia. It is a very peaceful place and well worth a visit.
Virtual Tour
A couple of years ago we made this little virtual tour of the place. There is also a blog which is linked at the foot of the page. Look how green it was then!
Follow The Frog
I hadn't intended making a blog on this journey, and only had my phone camera with me. Fortunately Alex had her DSLR.
Alex likes her frogs. They taunt her in Polemi (the frogs, not the neighbours) by croaking just enough for her to get her camera out, then shut up as soon as she appears. Consequently when we are out and about, if she sees a frog, she has to snap it.
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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.
