Φοινί Περιεκτική - Foini Comprehensive (Χαντάρα/Τροοδίτισσα/Γεφύρι Πισκόπου) (Chantara/Trooditissa/Piskopou Bridge)

The proposed trail, although not considerably long, provides a very rich experience of all the sights one can visit around the wonderful Foini Village. The entire trail is on forest road (with just a small part of it on paved road). The difficulty level is set to moderate (for beginners); however, it can be ranked as 'easy' for experienced hikers.

Foini is a picturesque medieval Cypriot village, situated in the foothills of the main Troodos mountain-range. It used to be one of the four most important centres of the craft of pottery in Cyprus. Today, it is still a very lively village, mostly known for the famous Chantara Waterfalls, which are created from the' Foiniotis' tribunary of the Diarizos river. The water comes straight down from Chionistra, the highest peak on the island.

The first part of the trail is actually the one that visits the Chantara waterfall. It is an official trail from the Department of Forests, which then continues up to the ancient Trooditissa Monastery. I will not describe this part in detail as it is a well-known and frequently visited trail. However, the trail proposes a small extension up to the cave where the Virgin Mary icon was found, as well as the remains of the monks who were living there. The Monastery was founded in the area close to the cave. The trail also visits the nearby pick-nick area, where you can have a first refill of water.

The trail continues downhill, following a series of forest roads. At the 10 kms mark it visits the modern church of St. George. While there are no other sights until you reach the main Foini paved road, there is an abundance of flora to be enjoyed, especially during the springtime. Apart from the classic Troodos' trees and shrubs (Pinus brutia, Golden Oak, Terebinthus, Arbutus, etc.), one can especially enjoy the blossoming cistus shrubs and sage variants, which both make the wild bees especially happy! On a clear day, you will also enjoy the fantastic views of the Foiniotis river valley and beyond (up to Akrotiri!).

Once you reach the bottom of the hill on the paved road, you will turn right, pass the small shrine on your left-hand side, and then turn left on the secondary paved road. This is a road which will lead you to the third major sight, after approximately 2.5 kms. The Piskopou Medieval Bridge is one of the less well-known and / or visited medieval bridges on the island. However, it is a very beautiful stone bridge. I always find amazing how it has managed to stay intact after so many centuries while being so thinly constructed at the top of its arch! Marvellous engineering.

The final 4.5 kms are perhaps the most challenging fitness-wise, as there is a gentle ascend towards the Foini Village. This is why I have chosen to add the visit to the medieval church of Agioi Anargiroi during this last part. It is a church which was recently destroyed by fire (1962), but it has been very beautifully restored. It used to be the main church of the same-named Monastery until 1850. Unfortunately you cannot enter the church. The small artificial spring outside the church can be used for a final refill in water.

The last part of the trail is on the paved road to Foini Village. The village has many things to offer after you finish your hike, including various restaurants where you can have lunch.

Overall an enjoyable endeavour, especially during spring-time. I hope that you will like it!