Route 4, Tseri-Analiontas-Kampia-Kapedes-Machairas Monastery and back
This is a hard route on good quality roads (except the part within Tseri) with some easy climbs mainly between Tseri and Analiontas, some moderate ones between Analiontas and Kapedes and many hard ones (with my standards) between Kapedes and Machairas Monastery. The roads in most of the route are very quiet. The route starts in Tseri and moves in a southern direction until we pass an army camp after which we turn right (south-west) towards the village of Analiontas. When we reach Analiontas, at the stop sign we go right (west) towards Kampia. When we get to Kampia, at the stop sign, we turn left (south) towards Kapedes. At the entrance of Kapedes there is a roundabout, where we take the 4th exit towards Machairas. From there onwards we just stay on the paved road ascending towards Machairas, passing from 'Mantra tou Kampiou' picnic site, Poullaros peak (~600m), Skordokephalos peak (~700m) and Saint Onoufrios, until we arrive at a crossroad where the monastery is clearly visible on our right (and clearly marked). One can make a right turn and go to the monastery (as i did) or continue towards Kionia peak (the peak straight ahead with the golf ball-looking radar site). The way back is exactly the same (but much easier). The length of the route is ~35 miles.
For more info (including a zoomable map) click:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/213941889
Me at Skordokephalos peak:
'Stavraetos tou Machaira' monument at the peak next to Machairas monastery:
Stavraetos refers to Grigoris Afxentiou, perhaps the most prominent Greek-Cypriot freedom fighter of EOKA, the organization which took on the fight (1955-59) against the British colonial troops occupying Cyprus at the time (1878-1960). Afxentiou's hiding place was in the area of the monastery; in fact this is where he was burnt alive at the age of 29 (3/3/1957), after many hours of fight, when his position was leaked by a traitor.
Machairas Monastery:
Kionia peak, as seen from the area of Machairas monastery: