Our first stop is near Kakopetria at the Byzantine church Ágios Nikólaos tis Stégis (Church of Saint Nicholas of the Roof), a cross-domed church dating from the 11th century. It is one of ten Byzantine churches that, from the outside, have a barn-like appearance thanks to their steep roofs. All of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and reveal their true beauty only to those who step inside. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, and this rule is strictly enforced.

Just a few minutes further on, two more old churches stand in Galáta in the Solea Valley. One of them is Panagia tis Podythou, built in 1502. At the end of the Solea Valley, we head west and catch sight of the border fortifications to the occupied part of Cyprus running parallel to the road.

We pass through the Marathasa Valley back towards Troodos and drive up an adventurous mountain road to a more recent church above Pedoulás. The white cross is already visible from a distance.

Unfortunately, we do not find the church Archangelos Michail in Pedoulas, but we do discover the lovely village church.

Now we make a detour to the Kykkos Monastery (Panayia tou Kykko), 17 km away, and the Tomb of Makarios.

The richest monastery on the island is already visible from afar. The magnificent complex offers breathtaking impressions — admission is free and absolutely worthwhile. Two kilometres beyond the monastery, the road leads to the tomb of Makarios. On the summit of Mount Kykko, the first President of Cyprus and Archbishop Makarios III rests in peace. To this day, the Cypriot National Guard keeps a 24-hour watch at the tomb. Near the tomb, on the mountaintop at 1,318 m altitude, there are bushes to which visitors tie small pieces of paper symbolising wishes. When they fall off, the wishes are said to have come true...

We slowly begin our return journey and drive over the 1,951 m high Mount Olympos, past black pines and a ski lift, then continue via Troodos back to Limassol (Lemesos).