A marble fountain dating from 1936 stands directly opposite the Valley of Graces on Kaledonias Street—and is just one facet of Pano Platres. A waterfall, a nature trail along Krios Potamos, an old oak with notable dimensions and a variety of house styles offer other tangible points of interest. Leisure activities are also part of the picture; planning for the lavender workshops includes making a reservation.
Nature and Trails Around Platres
The Caledonia Waterfall in Platres is considered one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus. The Kalidonia Nature Trail passes the Kalidonia Waterfall and runs alongside Krios Potamos for sections of the route; the river flows year-round. The trail ends in Pano Platres. The waterfall, the river and the destination are therefore the defining features of this route.
The viewpoints also offer a distinctive perspective on the landscape. Along Platres’ hiking trails, walkers can stop at locations selected by the Forestry Department. Many of these spots offer panoramic views, especially towards Krios Potamos and Platres. The Old Oak of Platres is another tangible link to nature, notable for its dimensions: it is estimated to be about 200 years old, measures 4.89 metres in diameter and stands approximately 20 metres tall. Thus, Platres brings together different natural attractions: a waterfall, a river along the nature trail, wide-ranging views and a single large tree.
Architecture and Places of Remembrance
The Fountain of Roxanne Koundouranis is one of the sights in Platres. Made of marble, it was built in 1936 and is located on Kaledonias Street, directly opposite the Valley of Graces. Its material, year of construction and precise location make it a tangible example of local history.
The houses in Platres offer a different architectural thread. Ambassadors and wealthy families from various countries built homes in a range of styles, including Commonwealth, German, Maltese, Alpine, Danish and Monte Carlo styles. Rather than following a single style, the houses reflect several different architectural influences.
The preserved old Milias Bridge is in the forest below Platres. It once served as a crossing over Krios Potamos, linking the structure’s history to a specific function. Another place of remembrance is the monument to heroes Andreas Paraskevas and Stelios Mavros. Platres Cultural Centre also has an exhibition of old photographs of the village and the Greek poet Giorgos Seferis. The monument and photographs offer different ways to connect with the past: remembrance of named heroes and a photographic look back at the village and the poet.
Leisure Activities and Practical Planning
Sparti Adventure Park is located in the pine forest of Platres. Its attractions include climbing ropes, zip lines, suspension bridges, archery, towers and nets. The park lists more than 270 activities for visitors of all ages. Its range of listed activities spans everything from climbing and rope features to archery.
A trout farm next to the Psilodentro Centre is another visitor attraction in Platres. Lavender workshops are scheduled for every weekend at the Lavender Thematic Center. Participation must be booked by phone or message; contact the center directly in advance to check current availability. The activities differ primarily in their focus: the adventure park brings together various activities, the trout farm is a visitor attraction, and the workshop takes place on weekends and requires a reservation.
When looking for a hotel in Pano Platres, you could start by considering which aspect of the area matters most for your trip: nature trails and viewpoints, architecture and village history, or the leisure activities mentioned above. What makes Platres distinctive is the variety of these themes—from the river along the nature trail to the different architectural styles of its houses.
Discover more destinations: Germasogeia, Moniatis, Treis Elies, Trimiklini, Asgata, Apsiou, Episkopi, Saittas
For the broader travel overview: Limassol.
