THE MILLOMERIS WATERFALL
A SECLUDED SPOT
The Millomeris Waterfall in the Troodos Mountains is a secluded spot of natural beauty that is located southeast of the resort village of Pano Platres, within the Limassol district. This waterfall receives a minimal amount of sunlight, which makes for a lovely, cool retreat during the hot summer months. This also means that it retains its moisture, which in turn helps to maintain its constantly cool, moist environment. This is also reflected in its name, which is thought to derive from the words ‘Millos’ and ‘Meros’, which directly translates to ‘moist place’ in Greek.
TWENTY METRES HIGH
The Millomeris Waterfall is an impressive, picturesque natural waterfall that measures up to twenty metres in height. The tallest natural waterfall on the island is fed directly by the Kryos Potamos River, which translates to Cold River. This river, which is found higher up the mountain face, constantly supplies the waterfall with its source of water throughout the year. This allows for a constant flow of water that cascades into a small body of water a few metres wide at its base. Although this water has been known to rise and sometimes overflow during the winter months, this remains a rare occurrence.
SWIMMING IN THE POOL
The Millomeris Waterfall is a beautiful and popular spot for swimming in the summer. A number of swimmers claim that swimming in the pool is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Swimming in the pool is also a welcome cool reprieve from the summer heat. The purifying rush of rejuvenating water that constantly flows down the rock face helps to form a perfect backdrop for swimmers. The sound of the rushing water, coupled with the lush greenery, creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and unwind.
A SMALL WATERFALL
The waterfall was once neither accessible on foot nor by car, so it remained secluded for several years. This changed, however, when the road leading up to it was extended and the Millomeris hiking trail was created. The area is now a popular location for all types of visitors, including hikers, ramblers and nature enthusiasts.
DRIVING TO THE FALLS
The Millomeris Waterfall can be reached by car from the B8 road. The exit for the falls is the right turn after the Makedonias road from Pano Platres. This road proceeds down a hill to the end of the road. The Millomeris Waterfall sign at the end of this road directs people to the right. The right turn at the end of this road leads to a stop at a small picnic area with a small kiosk. Cars may be parked there, and there are concrete steps that lead to the waterfall. Bus 64 also services the area, but there is only one bus a day, and this leaves from Limassol at 9.20 am every morning. The return bus leaves at approximately 3.45 pm every afternoon and the journey takes just over an hour.
WALKING TO THE FALLS
The Millomeris hiking trail offers visitors a pleasant walk to the falls. The 1.2-kilometre route is relatively smooth, though it does have somewhat of a decline, as it follows a downhill path towards the waterfall. The sign-posted route can be found at the top of the hill by the entrance of the village of Platres. The start of the trail is just by the Panayias Faneromenis Church. The trail leads onto a sign-posted wooden walkway that leads up to a small wooden platform This platform forms an excellent viewpoint of the falls.
BUS 64
Limassol To Platres daily 9.20 am
Platres to Limassol daily 3.45 pm
KEY FACTS
- The Millomeris waterfall is located in the lush Troodos Mountains near the resort village of Pano Platres.
- This waterfall sits at approximately 1,050 metres above sea level.
- The Millomeris waterfall is the tallest natural waterfall in Cyprus.
- The waters of the Millomeris waterfall plunge up to 20 metres down a jagged rock cliff into a refreshing, shaded rock pool.
- The cold waters of the Kryos Potamos River directly feed the waterfall throughout the year.
- The canyon surrounding the falls remains exceptionally pristine due to its isolation.
- A family-friendly nature trail that stretches 2.5 kilometres one-way is the ideal way to reach the waterfall on foot.
- Pine trees, dense ivy, and damp mountain flora surround the waterfall.
SUGGESTED HIKE
Location: The village of Platres to the Millomeris Waterfall
Distance: 1.2 Kilometres
Time: 30 Minutes
Hike Difficulty: Level 3
Starting Point: Panayias Faneromenis Church
Ending point: Millomeris Waterfall
The trail is sign posted all the way to the falls and will take 30 minutes to traverse at a leisurely pace. The trail starts at an elevated position and follows a downhill path directly down the side of the mountain. The first part of the trail follows a parallel course with the ‘Krios River’. The trail leads through some rich vegetation and a number of indigenous plants and trees can be seen along the way. The second part of the trail leads to an open mountain space with a splendid view towards the south. The trail then leads onto a wooden walkway that leads directly to a small wooden platform by the falls.
