For the operation of the scheme mountain resorts as well as hotels in Pyrgos Tillirias will be used, which will offer all-inclusive accommodation for the approved applicants in order to fully benefit from their summer holidays.

The Annual Holidays Subsidy Scheme will be valid from 5/7/2020 to 18/9/2020.

Mountain resorts and hotels in Pyrgos Tillirias used for the materialization of the scheme, will be benefited from the scheme as it will contribute to their survival, following a not-so-great lead-in spring.

The public can obtain the relevant application form and access to additional information about the scheme from the District Social Insurance Offices, the Citizen Service Centers (KEP) and on the Social Security Services website, www.mlsi.gov.cy/sid

The submission of the Applications must be made between 20/05/2020 and 05/06/2020.

Applicants must accompany their application form with all required certificates (attendance at school, service at the Cyprus National Guard, marriage certificates etc). Failure to do so will affect the number of dependents to be considered.

The amount approved by the Central Holiday Fund for 2020 is 900,000 euros.

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The “Secret Lake” as named by the locals, also known as “Diamond” or “Almyrolivado” Lake, is located right in the heart of Troodos forest and is one of the hardest yet rewarding experiences Cyprus has to offer.  

The surrounding morphology with the huge rocks hide this beautiful lake inside them until the first winter rainfalls where the lake “re-appears” just to charm its courageous visitors. The lake tends to evaporate during the summer months and then reforms during the winter rain.

As almost any rewarding experience, visiting the lake is not for the faint-hearted and can be quite tricky, especially if you are not prepared adequately, and can only be reached after a hiking trip. Keep in mind to wear warm clothes and comfy walking shoes as you will face rapid changes in the ground morphology and a hike through “virgin forest land”.

The starting point of the 2.5km trail is the main Kato Amiantos – Karvounas village road and follows an uphill route besides Loumada River where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Kyperounta and the old Amiantos Mine which is currently being restored.

Prepare yourselves for some breathtaking images of the wintery white scenery and wild beauty of the picturesque Diamond Lake.

Photos By: Antonis Constantinides

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When hiking through the trail you have the opportunity to find all the interesting information on the mountain range of trees, shrubs and plants. Atalante trail is not very difficult to hike through with not many tricky slopes but you should be careful as at certain point you will find projecting stones sticking out.

At 3km from Troodos square, which is the starting point, you will see a spring with potable water and benches to catch a breath before continuing. At 9km, when the route gets you to the main Troodos-Prodromos road, cross it and walk on the Chromium Mine houses forest track for about 200m towards Saint Nicholas of the Roof church. Follow the wooden sign pointing to parallel direction ofo the main road which will lead you back at the starting point. The trail is a NATURA 2000 area.

When you get back at Troodos Square, you can enjoy your coffee, shop in any of the shops there, eat, and if you want, spend the night at a hotel. Near the Square is the Environmental Information Centre, open daily to the public.

Best practices for walkers:

• Stay on the signposted paths on the nature trails so as to reduce the risk of treading on small plants and saplings.
• Avoid smoking and eating when walking on the nature trails.
• Don’t make unnecessary noise. Respect the peace and quiet of others and enjoy the sounds of nature.
• Place your rubbish in the available waste bins or, better still, take it with you.
• Make use of the special camping areas with facilities for visitors.
• Don’t cut the branches of trees or shrubs; don’t cut or uproot plants; don’t carve tree bark.
• It is forbidden to ride motorcycles or bicycles on the nature trails.
• The lighting of fires in any area of the forest, even on roads and in squares, is strictly forbidden. Fires are allowed ONLY in specific areas for barbecues.
• Call the Department of Forests on 1407 (Freephone, 24 hours a day) if you see fire or smoke.
• Remember that we are all guests in the forest. Respect the wildlife of the forest and enjoy the pleasure it offers in a responsible manner.

Photos By: Antonis Constantinides

Info: Troodos Geopark

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Walking through the trail, you will see lots of Natural pine-tree clusters and magical viewpoints of west Marathasa and Paphos Forest. The path ends slightly above the Mitsis School in the village of Lemithou.

At the village, you can visit the Church Panagia Iamatiki, Lemithou’s main church which was built in 1721 by the monk Christodoulos.
In the church there are several religious art treasures of the 17th century, including Holy Cross of Christ, Virgin Mary and John the Theologian placed in the old shrine. Also, in the church you can see the icon of Panagia of Agros, painted on goat skin and dated around 1600.

On the way back to Prodromos, you can take the asphalt road of Lemithou Promothos with a stop at Berengaria Hotel.

According to the myth, at the hotel lived a rich and loving couple. However, the woman died under uncleared conditions and her husband committed suicide from his despair, falling from the second floor of the hotel. It is better to visit the hotel during daylight to avoid possible scares as it is believed to be haunted?

As for food? Try the Berengaria Restaurant just minutes away from the homonym “haunted” hotel Berengaria. The dishes are all home-made and they use local products from the village. You should try the meat meze and the house specialties!

Last stop of the day the Prodromos Pic-Nic Area at the Prodromos Dam.  Take in the beautiful and peaceful scenery just before you head home!

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