From Vretsia to Kelefos Bridge
This is another Road-Trip blog. Paphos Forest contains many treasures, and two of it's finest are the Venetian Bridges Roudia and Kelefos. Of the two, the latter is easy to locate. However, Roudia eluded us for some time, as it is easy to miss, being buried in woodland. So we have put together this guide, showing the route we took from our starting point of the abandoned village of Vretsia, through the forest to Kelefos and beyond. The aim of this blog is not to provide a de-facto route through the forest. After all, tracks get closed, and new tracks get opened every year. No, we mainly want to show you what you can expect to find should you decide to venture into the forest. We will do other blogs on the bridges themselves; today is all about the journey...
The Map
We began our journey from Vretsia. Well actually, we began it from Polemi, but the blog will start from Vretsia. If you want help getting to Vretsia then look at this map.
Note that from Vretsia we are going north first of all, to get to Roudia Bridge. You can get there by going south, but the route is a LOT more arduous.
Vretsia in Summer
Approaching Vretsia in the summer, it is a lot less green than in spring time. You can just make out the old mosque in the picture. Head for that.
Now before we go any further, we would like to remind people of the following. Always, when exploring in Cyprus, make sure you bring plenty of water with you. Also, a decent map and a GPS would help. Secondly, check your car insurance covers you for such journeys. And finally, bear in mind that this blog details our experiences. If you decide to visit Paphos Forest, you are responsible for your own actions.
Follow the Sign to Pera Vasa
At first glance your route is well sign-posted.
Go Right
...however, you soon have to pick one of these two routes. The more obvious road goes to the left, but you need to take the right hand route.
Once you have done that, stay on the main route. If you come to a junction that we haven't mentioned, just stick to the route with the most tyre tracks. That will be the main route, in our experience. You should avoid driving down any route that has little or no tyre tracks, if at all possible. Also, don't drive down any route you wouldn't feel comfortable reversing back up again if you had to.
Another Sign
When you get to this sign, turn right following the Pera Vasa route. If you go left you will end up in Pano Panagia. This is a nice enough route, however it is not what we are here for today.