The 4th river in terms of length in Cyprus is Diarizos. From its two sources (where its name comes from), until its mouth, it covers a distance of 42 kilometres.
Its sources are found on the southeastern slopes of Kykkos, one next to the Milikouri village, and one on the slopes of Lemithou. These sources never stop giving their water, thus filling the riverbed all year round.
Diarizos has formed a huge valley. It is called the valley of Diarizos. It begins from the Venetian bride of “Tzielefou” and ends up at the beaches of Paphos. The valley, at its most is cultivable and planted with citrus trees.
Humans lived in this valley from ancient years and today there are 14 villages in total.
From its sources until the Venetian bride of Tzielefos, there is a narrow gorge with a width of 11 kilometres and dense plantation. The pine trees are probably the highest that exist in Cyprus. The sun hardly passes from the dense leafage of the trees. One road, a dirt road follows the river’s route during the whole journey.
A controlled and equipped picnic area offers its visitors the opportunity to prepare food. A little further, towards the river’s source, you will find the waterfall of Chantarra.
During the whole journey you will see dozens of sources spouting from vertical slopes of the gorge and joining the river.
The journey of 11 kilometres stops at the point where the two rivers that are formed by the two sources are connected to one. In a fewer than one kilometre south, the river will go under the Tzielefos bridge.
If you find yourselves in the area, walk along the river. The experience you will have will be unique. So for the transformation of the landscape by the river, as for he “sculptures” that are formed by the naked roots of the aquatic trees.
As the river continues south, it ends up in the Arminou dam. In reality this dam was built to be a temporary water reservoir since the water is guided through pipelines many kilometres further and it flows into the Kouris dam.
From there on the valley of Diarizos begins.
Upon travelling in the valley, you follow the river for more than 30 kilometres, which offers you fantastic views. The continuous changes of plantation, the old aqueduct along the length of the river, the abandoned settlements, quarries and high rocks with vertical slopes are offered for daring climbers.
Even though the journey is long, you will never get bored upon travelling in the valley that is irrigated by the river Diarizos for the past millions of years.
Watch the video of our visit:
