Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
location is convenient for hikes to the Kelefos, Elies and Roudhias medieval bridges,
which were built during Venetian rule in an effort to streamline the camel-caravan route
near the village. The camels transported copper from Troödos to Polis and Pafos, where it
was traded. Unfortunately the original path is now all but lost.
The three bridges are connected by the European Long Distance Path E4 (
Click here
)
,
which is ideal for walking.
Closest to Treis Elies is
Elies Bridge
, just after the village of Kaminaria. Set in dense
forest, with an underground fresh stream, it was believed to be the easterly link of the
caravan route.
Kelefos Bridge
is the most elegant, with a strong single-pointed arch over a wide wa-
terway. It takes about two hours to hike from Elies to Kelefos, where you'll find an excel-
lent picnic spot. You can also reach Kelefos Bridge by car, following the signs towards
Agios Nikolaos.
The third,
Roudhias Bridge
, is impressive but far more remote. It's a long-distance
four-hour hike away, along the trail past the Pera Vassas forestry station and picnic
ground. The bridge can be difficult to find, so take a good map. If you choose to drive, the
direct road is a narrow track with limited access. There is also a river crossing that re-
quires a 4WD.
EUROPEAN LONG DISTANCE PATH E4
Treis Elies is a fantastic base from which to explore European Long Distance Path E4, a famous trail that starts at
Gibraltar and passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece and
Cyprus. The E4 is linked to Cyprus by air and sea, starting at Larnaka and Pafos airports, and covering the Troö-
dos Mountains. It continues on to the Akamas Peninsula and stretches across to the eastern regions of the Cypriot
areas of Famagusta.
You can download the mapped route via the
www.wandermap.net
website and the Cyprus Tourism Organisa-
tion (CTO) booklet
European Long Distance Path E4 & Other Cyprus Nature Trails
also gives an overview of
the Cypriot walks, stating lengths, degrees of difficulty, starting and ending locations, and points of interest. The
path is a rambler's delight, with detailed maps an essential. Conquering the Cypriot portion is a soul stirring start
to being part of the greater project, so lace up those hiking boots and stride out.
Omodos
Pop 600
