Madari Circular Trail

The Madari Circular Trail is one of the most spectacular high-altitude hikes in Cyprus, following the central ridge of the Troodos Mountains through some of the island's most exposed and panoramic terrain. Starting near the village of Kyperounta, this 12-kilometer circuit climbs steeply through alpine forest to the Madari fire lookout (1,613 m) perched atop Adelfoi peak, then descends through dense pine and juniper woodland before returning along forest trails. This is a classic mountain traverse with significant elevation gain, commanding ridge views, and the rare privilege of reaching an active fire-lookout station. The entire walk takes four to five hours and rewards strong hikers with 360-degree panoramas that stretch across central Cyprus.

The opening ascent to the ridge is the most exposed and challenging section. Starting from Doxa Soi o Theos (meaning "praise be to God"), the path climbs relentlessly through cleared woodland, breaking free onto the ridge line where the landscape opens dramatically. Once on the crest, the ridge walk becomes the emotional heart of the hike—4 kilometers of high-altitude wandering with views dropping steeply on either side into forested valleys. At the summit, the Madari fire lookout stands as a functional sentinel, offering a picnic shelter and a 360-degree sweep that encompasses the entire central massif, the Kyrenia range to the north, and on clear days, the Turkish coast beyond.

Leaving Adelfi peak, the trail descends through one of Cyprus's most beautiful old-growth forests—centuries-old junipers and dense Calabrian pines create a cathedral-like canopy that provides blessed shade on warmer days. The descent passes through Selladi tou Karamanli and continues to Moutti tis Choras, where the forest gradually opens as you return to lower elevations. This downhill section is long and can be steep underfoot, but the woodland setting and the knowledge that you have summited one of Cyprus's highest peaks makes the effort feel worthwhile.