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Platres Village
Today the village is well known as Platres, without the prefix “Pano” (Upper) preceding it, in contrast to the neighbouring village Tornarides as is referred to “Kato Platres” (Lower). It’s a misperception that Platres is a quite new village founded during the recent years. Platres is a very old village and is mentioned among the 119 villages of the Limassol district that existed during the Lusignan (Frank Rule, 1192-1489 AD) and the Venetian Era (1489-1571 AD).
There are three versions regarding the etymology of Platres village naming:
1. That Platra -in plural Platres -took its name from the word “platra” (pratria) which means the one that weaves and sells sheets used by the farmers.
2. There are written reports of Platres being a feud during the Frank Rule and has had that name ever since. In the French language there is the word “platre-s”, which in Greek translates to “white”, “plaster’, and other words. There’s information that during the Frank Rule, on the South side of Troodos and above modern-day Platres, there was a Frank Monastery, its monks dressed in white and called by the name of “Platrai”.
3. The village took its name from the word “platsa”, which then became “Platra” and then “Platres” (in plural). Population.
The village has had great fluctuations of population. In 1881 the village had 100 inhabitants, in 1901 the population increased to 154, in 1931 to 396, in 1946 to 502, in 1960 it decreased to 413, and in 1982 it increased to 442. Today Platres has 250 permanent inhabitants. During summer time and especially during August, that number rises up to 10,000.
Most of the inhabitants of the village are occupied in the tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs); a few are occupied with fruit cultivation and some others in services that have their establishments in the village.
Location
Platres can be found in the district of Limassol and is 25 kilometres north-west of city of Limassol. It’s also 45 kilometres south-west of the capital Nicosia and 5 kilometres from Troodos square.
Altitude
The village is built amphitheatrically with a variation in low and high altitude in certain parts of the village. An average altitude of Platres is around1200 meters.
Climate
The altitude and location of the Village are ideal. Platres climate is perfect. During summer time the climate is dry, with little or no humidity with the temperatures well below average of those on other areas on the island.
Rainfall
Rainfall in Platres is one of the highest in Cyprus and the proof is dense forest and lush vegetation surrounding the village.
Temperature
The temperature all the year round and is ideal. During summer time the climate is dry, with little or no humidity with the temperatures well below average of those on other areas on the island.
Police Station
Traditional Buildings
Traditional Buildings
Police Station
Platres Police Station building. Built by the British and situated near Platres village square.
Platres Hospital (Rural Health Center)
Originally the building was used as a Gymnasium, now it serves on a Rural Health Centre for the Troodos area. It is located south of Platres near Faneromeni Church.
Traditional Buildings
Police Station
Platres Police Station building. Built by the British and situated near Platres village square.
Platres Hospital (Rural Health Center)
Originally the building was used as a Gymnasium, now it serves on a Rural Health Centre for the Troodos area. It is located south of Platres near Faneromeni Church.
Community Council Offices Platres
The offices of the Platres Community Council are housed in an old two-storey building in front of the “Giorgos Seferis Hall”. There a re shops on the ground floor and on the 1st floor are the offices of the Council.
The old building of the Electricity Authority
The offices of the Electricity Authority are located next to the community council building. Built out of local stone around 1930 the building in currently in a very good condition and is used on the local offices of the Electricity Authority.
Police Station
Police Station
Platres Police Station building. Built by the British and situated near Platres village square.
Platres Hospital (Rural Health Center)
Originally the building was used as a Gymnasium, now it serves on a Rural Health Centre for the Troodos area. It is located south of Platres near Faneromeni Church.
Traditional Buildings
Police Station
Platres Police Station building. Built by the British and situated near Platres village square.
Platres Hospital (Rural Health Center)
Originally the building was used as a Gymnasium, now it serves on a Rural Health Centre for the Troodos area. It is located south of Platres near Faneromeni Church.
Community Council Offices Platres
The offices of the Platres Community Council are housed in an old two-storey building in front of the “Giorgos Seferis Hall”. There a re shops on the ground floor and on the 1st floor are the offices of the Council.
The old building of the Electricity Authority
The offices of the Electricity Authority are located next to the community council building. Built out of local stone around 1930 the building in currently in a very good condition and is used on the local offices of the Electricity Authority.
Traditional Buildings
Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)
Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church
The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.
Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church
The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.
Later on, the church was demolished and a new, bigger, more majestic church was built at the same place funded by Mr. Frixos I. Demetriou.
The inauguration of the new church occurred in 1973. It is an architecturally and aesthetically beautiful Church, a jewel and a monument of the community and it’s worth seeing by the visitors of Platres.
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)
Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)
Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.
The chapel is dedicated to Panayia Iamatiki (the One that heals) but the name that prevailed is chapel of Panayia Samatziotissa since is build within the region Samatzia close to Forest Park Hotel.
A liturgy takes place at the chapel twice a year, on the Tuesday of Easter Week and on the 31st of August.
Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church
The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.
Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church
The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.
Later on, the church was demolished and a new, bigger, more majestic church was built at the same place funded by Mr. Frixos I. Demetriou.
The inauguration of the new church occurred in 1973. It is an architecturally and aesthetically beautiful Church, a jewel and a monument of the community and it’s worth seeing by the visitors of Platres.
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)
Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)
Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.
The chapel is dedicated to Panayia Iamatiki (the One that heals) but the name that prevailed is chapel of Panayia Samatziotissa since is build within the region Samatzia close to Forest Park Hotel.
A liturgy takes place at the chapel twice a year, on the Tuesday of Easter Week and on the 31st of August.
Giorgos Seferis Hall
Giorgos Seferis Hall
“Giorgos Seferis Hall” is housed in the traditional building of the old Municipal Market beside the offices of the Community Council. It is built out of local stone and kept in good condition. Today the building has been renovated and converted into multi-purpose hall, the “Giorgos Seferis Hall”.
All old Municipal Market spaces are now covered. The building has central air conditioning system, and is equipped with modern audiovisual facilities. The high standard and space flexibility of the “Giorgos Seferis Hall” can host all kinds of events such as exhibitions conferences, seminars, concerts and audio-visual projections.
The lobby welcomes the visitor in a modern, bright space. It can act as a lobby and provide coffee breaks, cocktails, at conferences or even can be used as an exhibition space.
Kalidonia Waterfall
Kalidonia Waterfall
Kalidonia Waterfall was named by the Scots when visiting the area of Platres, around 1878 and are located two kilometres north of Platres. The Scottish ware amazed by the beauty and the resemblance of the waterfall with their home land. (Scotland used to be called Kalidonia in ancient times).
Kalidonia Waterfalls are among the highest natural waterfalls we have in Cyprus. The water of the waterfall falls vertically from a height of 12m. The visitor may visit the area using the roadway towards the waterfall or following nature trail on foot leading to it near Psilodentro.
Millomeris Waterfall
Millomeris Waterfall
Millomeris waterfall is located in the south-eastern region of Platres one kilometer away from the starting point of the nature trail that leads to the Waterfall.
Water falls from a height of 15 meters and Millomeris is among the highest natural Waterfalls of the island. Millomeris was not well known until the recent years, since its location was not accessible. Among the works carried out from the community council (roadways and nature trail) Millomeris Waterfalls attracts many visitors and tourists with its natural beauty.
The fountain of Roxanne Koudounaris
The fountain of Roxanne Koudounaris
It is a beautiful monument, with very nice architecture, built with marble and local stone. Constructed in 1936 and located in Caledonia Street opposite of the Valley of Hariton.
Platres Heroes Monuments
Platres Heroes Monuments
Andreas Paraskevas and Stelios Mavros
Andreas Paraskevas was the son of Nicos and Kikis Paraskeva, who had a daughter as well, Maro Paraskeva-Stokkou.
He was born in Platres and graduated from Omodos high school. He served his military service and was preparing to move abroad to continue his studies. Andreas though couldn’t fulfil his dream since he lost his life on July 22 during the Turkish Invasion in 1974.
With the Turkish invasion in July 1974 Andreas as a patriot, he immediately joined the Armed Forces to serve his country. He fought heroically with other Greek Cypriots at the area of Central Prison, in Nicosia. He fought heroically, but the the enemy bullets took his life at the age of twenty one.
The Platres Community, built a statue on his honour, which located at the Municipal parking square of the village.
Nature Trails
Nature Trails
Kalidonia Nature Trail
Starting point: About 700m from the road between Troodos and Platres near the President’s summer residence. Also accessible via a forest road which begins at the tourist road 2 kms from the Square.
oints of interest: The trail follows a course along Kryos Potamos river, which never runs dry. It passes the Kalidonia Falls and ends at Psilo Dendro, in Pano Platres.
Psilo Dendro – Pouziaris Nature Trail
Starting point: The junction of the Platres – Mesa Potamos forest road and the Moniatis – Platres – Troodos road near Psilo Dendro. Three different routes start from the above point. The first route is circular. It passes through dense thickets of Pine to Pouziaris peak, from there to Kaminouthkia stream, then to Vryses and back to the starting point at Psilo Dendro. Length: 8 kms Time: 3 hours The second route is an uphill walk towards Pouziaris and ends at a point of the Troodos Square – Makria Kontarka (Persephone) Trail (I) via which one can go to Troodos Square (II). Length: (I) 7 kms Time: (I) 3 hours Length: (II) 9.5 kms Time: (II) 4 hours The third route initially follows the same course as the previous route, up towards Pouziaris, but then takes a secondary forest road to Kryos Potamos at the starting point of the Kalidonia trail. Length: (I) Psilo Dendro – Kryos Potamos 5 kms Time: (I) 2 hours Length: (II) Psilo Dendro – Kryos Potamos – Kalidonia Falls – Psilo Dendro 8 kms Time: (II) 3 hours.
Point of interest: For the first kilometer it passes through dense pine thickets (Pinus brutia) changing to black pine (Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana), after 3 km. Panoramic views.
In many cases, there are signposts in place, to indicate the starting point of the trail, as well as flora and geology features along the route.
Although walking in Cyprus can be enjoyed throughout the year, the recommended seasons are during late Autumn (November) and spring, when the Cyprus rural and forest areas are at full bloom.
Take Me There
Troodos Cycling Routes
Troodos Cycling Routes
Enjoy the natural beauty of Cyprus through the cycling Routes of Troodos. At an altitude of one thousand meters above the sea, in ideal weather conditions, through a cycling routes network of 57 kilometers in length which the height difference does not exceed the 400 meters, the cyclist can cross cyclically throughout the Troodos mountain range.
Stelios Mavros Park
Stelios Mavros Park
Stelios Mavros was a supporter of Archbishop Makarios III and also a defender of democracy. Murdered in an ambush on K. Platres – Phini road in January 1974, during the civil war.
Stelios Mavros from Platres was married to Helen (Athanatou), and had a daughter, Maro Mavrou – Koukkouli.
Stelios was a Baker and had his own bakery.
During the liberation struggle, he became a member of EOKA, and belonged to the group of fighters that made the plan to blow up the helicopter of the British Governor Charting, during his visit to Platres. He was imprisoned by the English for two years, on the 23/01/1957 “for the assistance in terrorism.”
The Platres Community, honouring the memory of Stelios Mavrou build a statue of him and renamed the park where the statue is placed in his honour.
Krios River
Krios-River
Krios River comes from (Chionistra) Mount Olympus, towards south and crossing east of Platres. Through its root a green valley is formed with a unique flora, fauna and waterfalls. The water flow is continuous, with variations depending on weather conditions.
The river is a lifeline for the community of Platres and other communities of the area, as it passes through them, and runs towards to the delta of Kouris River, the greatest dam in Cyprus.
Flora and Fauna
Flora and Fauna
The forest area of Platres consists of pine trees and shrubs, such as golden oak, androuklia,cistus and spatzia. In the streams one can find maple trees, sklidros, aradafnousa, merina, reeds, sklinitzia and konizos. Other trees include oak, kavatza, and shrubs such as pernies, trimithies and soumatzies. Towering the village are perennial plane trees as well as oak trees. In fact there is an oak tree there that is over 200 years old. A well-known and popular flower that grows in the Troodos and Platres area, is the safran.
During the 1950s the skies and forests of Troodos had eagles and vultures. Today however, these creatures have disappeared. The dominant bird nowadays, is the nightingale. So small yet so melodic, it is a proud bird that can not live in slavery. It comes in the spring and leaves at the beginning of autumn living amongst the rivers, the streams and fields. Usually they always return to the same areas where they build their nests, lay their eggs and take care of the baby nightingales.
Their chirping can be heard by day but mostly they do it by night beginning from the midst of April and ending in the midst of June with the peak being in the month of May always depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
The nightingales have roots deep in the hearts of the Greeks and they are glorified with songs,poems, stories and myths, most famous being the poem by the Greek Nobel Prize-winning poet, Giorgos Seferis, “the nightingales won’t let you sleep in Platres” which made them famous worldwidealong with Platres.
Take Me There
Psilodentro Area
Psilodentro Area
It is one of the most famous and beautiful areas of Platres. Located in the north part of Village next to Krios river at high altitude and is famous for its special, cool refreshing climate.
At Pslilodentro area there is a restaurant and cafe as well as a trout fishery, an attraction for local and tourist’s visitors of Platres.
Ayia Irini Area
Ayia Irini Area
Located in the northeast of the village on the road leading from Mesa potamos to Psilodentro Area. From the rock of Ayia Irini hills you can see Platres village and enjoy the outstanding natural beauty.
Athletic Sports Center
Athletic Sports Center
Surrounded by the green hills at an altitude of 1050m, Platres Athletic Sports Center is located in the heart of the Troodos Mountains. The village of Platres is famous for its unique beauty, charm and ideal weather conditions in Cyprus as well as around the Globe inspiring and attracting personalities from all over the world.
Today, following the new era, Platres has created a super modern Athletic Sports Center targeting professional athletes, with state of the art Facilities, Equipment and Pitches providing them with ultimate conditions for practice and sports in general.
This modern sports center has a football Pitch, mini football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball, as well as fitness and Spa facilities. It also has spacious locker rooms and a welcoming café.
Milia Bridge
Milia Bridge
MIlia Bridge is one of the old surviving landmarks that still stand intact. It’s situated just below the village inside the forest. It provided a crossing point over Krios Potamos.
Picnic & Camping Sites
Picnic & Camping Sites
If you’re an outdoor lover, then you probably like camping. It’s the best way to experience the great outdoors. In the area there is one camping site (Troodos camping) and seven picnic sites:
1. (Kampos tou Livadiou picnic site)
2. ( Pashia Livadi A & B picnic sites)
3. ( Almyrolivado A, B, C & D picnic sites)
Chocolate Workshop
Chocolate Workshop
Rated as one of the top ten ‘must visit’ places in the Cyprus Mountains by the Scandinavian Tourist Organisation (SNB) and out of the top one hundred ‘hot spots’ OF THE WORLD, Cyprus Chocolates are rated at number tenby the international airport magazine ‘Aireus’
A visit to the Platres Chocolate Workshop truly is an unforgettable experience, whether you are just tasting the free chocolate dip or taking part in one of the fun-filled chocolate making lessons – or even just purchasing the unique Cyprus Chocolates – chocolates so delicious they are enjoyed by many Heads of State including the Queen of England and her family.
The best Restaurants in the Village of Platres
The Village Restaurant (Tavern)
| TIME 12:00 am – 16:00 pm |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 99 663772 |
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John’s Restaurant
| TIME 12:00 am – 00:00 pm |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 25 421840 |
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Skylight
| TIME 09:00 am – 23:00 pm |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 25422244 |
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Kaledonia Rotis Taverna
The Coffee Shop and Roof Terrace provide an additional venue with a breathtaking view across Cyprus towards the Salt Lake at Akrotiri. While away the afternoon with a coffee, an ice cream or delicious dessert.The Wine Cellar offers a vast selection of local produce with an opportunity to sample many of the tastes of traditional Cyprus.
Don’t forget to taste our refreshing juices of our own production (e.g. orange, pomegranate, etc).
| TIME 12:00 am – 17:00 pm |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 25 421019 |
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