Vasilias Nikoklis Inn

If you are interested about cycling in Cyprus then Vasilias Nikoklis and the surround area is an ideal place.

We have recently created two bicycle routes. Special thanks to Nikki Kriaraki for the text and photos.

Windmill route

Beginning on asphalt from Vasilias Nikoklis Traditional Hotel, a small sign on the left side of the road indicates a right hand turn towards “Agia Marina”. Take this turn onto a rocky dirt road with a left turn at the branch occurring in less than 200 meters, the road leads up to the abandoned village of Souskia. Go through the village on the rocky-cobbled roads, turn right and then left in order to continue through to the other side at which the more than 2-meter-wide white gravel mountain track begins its ascent up these low mountains. Following this road for approximately 5 km, and passing by the narrower right-hand turning which leads only to a “viewpoint”, you will find a second small junction for a left hand turn which road makes a steep ascent towards the visible windmills and towards Agios Konstantinos, according to the sign. Here you much make a choice between continuing straight-on for the much easier route through the pomegranate farm and asphalt secondary highway or turning left for the technically and physically demanding (and sometimes dangerous) route via Agios Konstantinos.

Via the pomegranate farm, the gravel track is well-kept in most seasons, with some ascents and some descents, none of which are extreme, up to the asphalt highway. At the paved road, turn left and follow the road uphill and, thereafter, downhill until the extreme left hand turning for Mamonia after descending the majority of the mountain. This picturesque route is somewhat demanding due to the ascent and the road takes you through the windmill farm in Orites national park.

Via the Agios Konstantinos route, the dirt track ascends sharply with uneven and unstable areas of shifting rocky surfaces. After approximately the first 3/4 km, you can turn right to visit the tiny church of Agios Konstantinos and, thereafter turn upwards and right to continue to the gray-gravel windmill maintenance road. This loose gravel road connects at the end with the same secondary asphalt highway that those who take the “pomegranate farm” route travel. At the junction of the windmill maintenance road and the asphalt highway, turn left to descend at an exhilarating 8% grade until the sharp left turn towards Mamonia.

Both routes take the left turn on a country road towards quaint village of Mamonia and, after having passed through that village, turn left on the secondary highway towards the village of Nikokleia. Vasilias Nikoklis Traditional Hotel is to be found just one kilometer before the Nikokleia turning.

The off road variant of this route is approximately 60% off-road and 40% asphalt. We rate is 6/6 for the demanding and difficult off-road segments just before and during the windmill farm. This route affords the opportunity to enjoy cycling exactly at the highest points of the mountains with the immediacy and presence of the huge modern windmills and offers exceptional and impressive views of the surrounding area.

The asphalt variant of this route is challenging for cyclists and is about 35% off road and 65% asphalt. The views are equally impressive and beautiful and the route passes through the valley with windmills standing on peaks of both sides of the mountains. The total distance is approximately 28 km.

Wine route

Beginning from Vasilias Nikoklis Traditional Hotel, the asphalt route immediately has a steady uphill gradient. At the left turn towards Trachypedoulas, the road rises steeply at a steady 8-9% grade for the next two kilometers nearly until Trachypedoulas. The quaint village is a good spot for a short rest and to get empty bottles refilled with water if necessary. On the other side of this tiny village, at the junction for Troodos/Kelokedares, take the road down towards Kelokedares until the T-junction. At this junction, turn left to go towards Stavrokonnou.  This downhill segment is exhilaratingly steep and winding! After turning towards Stavrokonnou, the road continues through both that village and, thereafter, through Choletria, both being traditional Cyprus villages. The route provides an excellent view of the Diarizou Reservior, Pafos, the surrounding mountains and the sea. After Choletria, take the left turn towards Mamonia and the road will guide you past Nikokleia village (without actually entering it) and finally bring you right up to your starting point of Vasilias Nikoklis Traditional Hotel.

This route is entirely asphalt and suitable for typically road bikes as well as mountain bikes. We rate is at  4/6 for difficulty because of the uphill segments. The first half of the route is on a secondary highway which also leads towards Troodos and some, but not much, automobile traffic can be expected. There is less traffic on the second segment as this is a tertiary highway. Total distance approximately 36 km.

If you are looking for professional Guided mountain bike tours and quality mountain bike hire you can contact our local mountain bike company where you can organize any mountain bike excursion suits you best! Clik on MountainbikeCyprus to get further information.