Prodromos Dam - Stavroulia (long)

The Prodromos Dam – Stavroulia Trail (long) is a linear descent-focused route in the Troodos mountains that rewards walkers with a sustained, rewarding downhill experience. Starting near the Prodromos Dam—the highest reservoir in Cyprus, nestled at over 1,300 metres in the alpine Troodos uplands—the trail descends gradually through quiet mountain corridors toward the village of Stavroulia, shedding nearly 380 metres of elevation along its 5.65-kilometre length. The setting is unmistakably high-mountain: cooler air, dense forest cover, and a strong sense of progression through the landscape as you move steadily downward. This is an excellent choice if you want a substantial Troodos walk with a clear sense of purpose, where the descent itself becomes the hike's main feature.

The route follows a linear path with minimal backtracking, making it ideal for hikers who prefer a one-way downhill experience or who plan to arrange transport at the Stavroulia end. The landscape shifts gradually as you descend—beginning in the cooler, forested slopes near the dam and opening into wider, airier sections as you approach the lower elevations. Unlike many Troodos loops, this trail offers a more narrative arc: a purposeful journey from one distinct point to another, rather than a circuit returning to the start.

This is a trail best suited to hikers who are comfortable with sustained downhill walking and who appreciate the quiet, less-travelled character of the upper Troodos highlands. It pairs well with a broader exploration of the Prodromos area, and the descent makes it especially rewarding on warmer days when the shaded, higher elevations offer a welcome refuge.