Exploring Millomeris, Platres & Omodos — A Personal Journey from Ithaki House
Sometimes, you don’t need to travel far to feel like a tourist. A camera in hand, good company, and a curious mind are more than enough — especially when you live on an island as full of beauty as Cyprus.
So, I decided to spend a day as a tourist in my own backyard. Together with my lovely guests from Ithaki House, we set off for a refreshing escape to the Troodos Mountains — to rediscover a few villages I hadn’t visited in years, and one place I had never seen before!
Millomeris Waterfall — My First Visit Ever 💦
Would you believe that, despite living in Cyprus my whole life, I had never been to Millomeris Waterfall?
The short walk to the falls was everything I didn’t know I was missing: pine trees whispering above, birdsong, the earthy scent of the forest… and then the sound of water crashing down the rocks. Hidden near Platres, Millomeris is one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus — and one of the most peaceful.
Standing there, with cool mist on my face, I couldn’t help but smile. How many other places like this are waiting quietly to be rediscovered?
Platres — Family Roots, Forgotten Glamour & Hopes for Revival ☕🌲
Before meeting my friends at Millomeris, I took a quick drive through Platres. Not many know this, but my grandfather (on my mother’s side) was born and raised here — though he never lived here as an adult.
He moved to Sudan for work, and on a short visit to Nicosia, he saw my grandmother in her yard, fell in love in the blink of an eye, married her, and together they returned to Sudan for about ten years before finally settling in Nicosia.
So, Platres is more than just a beautiful mountain village to me — it’s a place with family roots.
Platres itself has an extraordinary past. In the mid-20th century, it was the summer retreat of the elite. King Farouk of Egypt and Sudan stayed here in 1944 and 1946, and Princess Mary, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, visited in 1938. Back then, the cool climate, pine-scented air, and elegant hotels made it a magnet for royalty, artists, and poets.
But as I drove through today, I felt a little bittersweet. The charm is still there — but quieter now. Some hotels show their age, streets are calm, and the grandeur of its golden years has faded. Yet there’s hope on the horizon:
the Forest Park Hotel is undergoing a major renovation, the historic Pendeli Hotel has been refurbished, and Petit Palais has already been beautifully revived.
Can Platres regain its vintage soul while embracing the modern world? I truly hope so. Because there’s something irreplaceable here — the mix of mountain air, history, orchards, and that unmistakable Platres spirit.
Omodos — History, Laughter and Shared Meze!
From Platres, I headed to Omodos, where I hadn’t been since my school excursions — and that was quite a while ago!
We visited the Holy Cross Monastery, explored the EOKA hideaway, and wandered the cobbled streets lined with artisan shops selling lace, local sweets, and handmade crafts.
Lunch was a proper Cypriot meze at a taverna in the heart of the village — simple, flavourful, and endless, just as it should be.
The best part? I don’t speak German, and my friends don’t speak English — but it didn’t matter at all. Between smiles, gestures, sign language, and a little help from technology, we had a fantastic time. Proof that friendship and laughter don’t need translation!
Reflections — Rediscovering the Beauty Close to Home 🌿
That day reminded me how easy it is to overlook what’s close to us. You don’t have to travel far to feel inspired — sometimes, the most meaningful discoveries happen just a short drive away.
From the sound of the waterfall to the quiet streets of Platres and the laughter in Omodos, it was a day full of connection — to my roots, to my guests, and to the Cyprus I love so deeply.
I’m already looking forward to 2027, when my friends return to Ithaki House (they are regular guests that book and stay with us every two years!) to explore together another beautiful corner of my island.
Plan Your Own Day Trip from Ithaki House
If you’re staying at Ithaki House, this is just one of many beautiful day trips waiting for you. That’s the magic of our home: tucked in a peaceful spot, yet close to everything worth seeing — mountains, villages, beaches, nature trails, and local life. You can set out each morning for a different adventure and still return home in time to watch the sunset from the terrace.
Book your stay at Ithaki House and enjoy beautiful discoveries! We’re always here to help you plan your days and make the most of your stay. Our guest book is packed with tips, local secrets, and curated recommendations — and we’re excited to be adding our Troodos day-trip route soon: Millomeris Waterfall, Platres, and Omodos. It will be the perfect companion for discovering the very best of Cyprus, from mountains and villages to nature trails and local flavours.
