The orchids shown on this page are in flower end of june to beginning of july in the Troodos mountains in an altitude of about 1400 to 1800 m. At many sites where water is still available in summer, you can find strong stems of the exotically looking Epipactis veratrifolia, e.g. below the Caledonia waterfalls between Platres and Troodos. Above the former open-cast of Pano Amiandos you can find it along the road. The dainty Dactylorhiza iberica needs much water, too, and is e.g. also available near the Caledonia waterfalls.

The latest and rarest of the orchids shown on this page is Epipactis condensata, which has only few sites in the pine woods around Troodos village. A little bit earlier Epipactis troodii and Cephalanthera rubra are in flower there. Among thousands of Limodorum abortivum in the pine woods which are earlier in flower, there are rarely late ones, which are still in full flower by end of june. In the shadow of bushes you can probably find some Platanthera holmboei with last more or less good flowers. Some miles to the east there are sites of Epipactis microphylla, but this species is a month earlier in flower.

Worth seeing in the Troodos mountains are also ten byzantine churches, of which the outlook is determined by a big roof to protect from snow in winter, containing old frescoes from 11th to 15th century, and belonging to the UNESCO's world cultural heritage since 1985.

As an accommodation in the Troodos mountains Hotel Minerva in the upper parts of Pano Platres is highly recommended. The owner Yiannis Christofides is an excellent botanist for orchids and other plants of Cyprus, but also knows geology and nature of Cyprus generally. Tel. +357 25 421731, Fax +357 25 421075