Named after the protégée of the Goddess Artemis Atalanta, this beautiful 14km trail circles Mount Olympus and is set at lower altitude than Artemis Trail while passing through Troodos Juniper and black pines and enjoying the beautiful scenery and views of Limassol, Paphos and Nicosia villages.
When hiking through the trail you have the opportunity to find all the interesting information on the mountain range of trees, shrubs and plants. Atalante trail is not very difficult to hike through with not many tricky slopes but you should be careful as at certain point you will find projecting stones sticking out.
At 3km from Troodos square, which is the starting point, you will see a spring with potable water and benches to catch a breath before continuing. At 9km, when the route gets you to the main Troodos-Prodromos road, cross it and walk on the Chromium Mine houses forest track for about 200m towards Saint Nicholas of the Roof church. Follow the wooden sign pointing to parallel direction ofo the main road which will lead you back at the starting point. The trail is a NATURA 2000 area.
When you get back at Troodos Square, you can enjoy your coffee, shop in any of the shops there, eat, and if you want, spend the night at a hotel. Near the Square is the Environmental Information Centre, open daily to the public.
Best practices for walkers:
- Stay on the signposted paths on the nature trails so as to reduce the risk of treading on small plants and saplings.
- Avoid smoking and eating when walking on the nature trails.
- Don’t make unnecessary noise. Respect the peace and quiet of others and enjoy the sounds of nature.
- Place your rubbish in the available waste bins or, better still, take it with you.
- Make use of the special camping areas with facilities for visitors.
- Don’t cut the branches of trees or shrubs; don’t cut or uproot plants; don’t carve tree bark.
- It is forbidden to ride motorcycles or bicycles on the nature trails.
- The lighting of fires in any area of the forest, even on roads and in squares, is strictly forbidden. Fires are allowed ONLY in specific areas for barbecues.
- Call the Department of Forests on 1407 (Freephone, 24 hours a day) if you see fire or smoke.
- Remember that we are all guests in the forest. Respect the wildlife of the forest and enjoy the pleasure it offers in a responsible manner.
| Length | 14km – circular |
| Duration | 5 hours |
| Degree of Difficulty | 2 |
| Highest – Lowest Altitude | 1820m – 1720m |
| General Description | Some changes of gradient (uphill/downhill) |
| Starting Point | Troodos Square |
Photos By: Antonis Constantinides
Info: Troodos Geopark