The path of Panagia tou Araka - Stavros tou Agiasmati, has its starting point at the Medieval Monastery of Panagia tou Araka, from the point where the giant oak is found, and it has its end at 8 kilometres east, where another Medieval Monastery, Stavros tou Agiasmati is found.
It is a very difficult path at its most. Great care is needed especially because it is linear. This means that someone should be waiting for you at the end of the path, so that you will not have to walk back another even more difficult kilometres.
The person who will “dare” to walk along the whole path, should be appropriately prepared, physically and mentally.
Firstly you will pass through streets in the village of Lagoudera, and from there on, for a great distance, the high mountain peaks of Madari will keep you company. The path has a sinuous, uphill journey towards the “back” of Madari and at some turns you will have a view on the whole gulf of Morfou, and on many surrounding villages. At other turns, Olympos, the highest mountain peak of Troodos (at this time of year it is covered in snow), will animate your climb.
At 6 kilometres you will be on the peak of the “back” and from there until the end, two kilometres remain, that will be relatively easily covered, since the path is transformed into a downhill one.
This path, apart from the beneficial effect it will have on your body’s health, it will help you learn a lot regarding the agricultural produce of Pitsilia. It will take you through great areas of land with almond trees and at some points you will see hazelnut trees too. The vines will provide you with beautiful images with its characteristic green colour. The pine forest will not abandon you for a single moment after the first 3 kilometres, and the golden oaks, the gold green trees of Cyprus (Latzia) will give you sweet notes with the melodic birds that find shelter and protection in their dense branches, so as you do not feel alone in the wilderness of the forest.
We should remind you that in Cyprus, we never grub nor cut wildflowers. If you do so, and the eyes of the Department of Forests sees you, then a very important fine will wait for you, and the possibility of imprisonment, or even both punishments together are not excluded.
Enjoy your time at the journey and respect the forest that is hosting you.
