Kykkos Monastery - Panagia tou Kykkou
Kykkos Monastery - Panagia tou Kykkou
4.5
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
founded in the 12th century, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and contains many precious icons and relics.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,134 reviews
Excellent
724
Very good
290
Average
83
Poor
24
Terrible
13
JoDa10
York, UK58 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Kykkos is one of the islands most celebrated monasteries open to visitors. Set in the Troodos Mountains it’s only accessible by road, along a very winding and twisty road. From the base it will take you about an hour and there are no fuel stations so make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
Our journey was exciting and there’s lots of wildlife to see as well as stunning scenery. The monastery itself is set in a beautiful location but caters well for cars, with tourist shops and a cafe. The working monastery is well maintained and has some stunning buildings as well as a well planned museum. Entry to the museum is €5 but there is no fee to access the communal areas of the monastery including the gold chapel. Very easy to spend half a day there and enjoy the serenity.
The drive back is even more fun downhill! But you may become a bit car sick with all the twists and turns. Plenty of places to pull over and take photos of the scenery.
If you go through Panayia on your way home stop at Vouni Winery and load up with excellent inexpensive wine. Better still go for the wine tasting experience before you buy.
Our journey was exciting and there’s lots of wildlife to see as well as stunning scenery. The monastery itself is set in a beautiful location but caters well for cars, with tourist shops and a cafe. The working monastery is well maintained and has some stunning buildings as well as a well planned museum. Entry to the museum is €5 but there is no fee to access the communal areas of the monastery including the gold chapel. Very easy to spend half a day there and enjoy the serenity.
The drive back is even more fun downhill! But you may become a bit car sick with all the twists and turns. Plenty of places to pull over and take photos of the scenery.
If you go through Panayia on your way home stop at Vouni Winery and load up with excellent inexpensive wine. Better still go for the wine tasting experience before you buy.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingver_76
Riga, Latvia344 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We were really lucky because there are no people these times travelling around and we were not more than 5 in the church and monastery. You should read the history of this place and I can say only one thing - the icon is very “strong” when I have approached it I instantly felt tears, it is amazing. 2020 years people are praying to this holy mother. This is strong.
One thing to add - to get there is pretty tough- more then 50 km on serpentine road, it is a real challenge
One thing to add - to get there is pretty tough- more then 50 km on serpentine road, it is a real challenge
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harel R
Haifa, Israel292 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A must visit place but must have a car or get there in a tourists tour by bus. The road to get there is beautiful but dangerous as well,lots of zig-zags,crossing the forest up the hill.Signs are ok. We visited in winter but no snow around,still slippery road. No entrance fee, no free wi fi, some places no photos allowed. Religious site means moderate dressing. Clean, quiet,public toilets. Not all disabled accesses, there are stairs to 2nd floor. Maccarious statue not accessible because of the weather.Incredible wall paints, lots of gold everywhere, pictures of all saints, some bones of deads kept in gold boxes.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless44080706498
14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Decided to drive into the mountains and explore the more isolated roads. Saw signs for this monastery and went to it. Extremely peaceful place and very good for self reflection. I'm not a religious person but I appreciated the effort that must of gone into creating the original. There are a few little shops and restaurants which were welcomed as I needed refreshments before heading back down the mountain towards the coast.
Word of warning! The roads have alot of falling debris from the cliffs so confident drivers needed as it requires a decent amount of concentration and forward planning to negotiate them safely. Also the armco barriers are right on the edges of very steep high drops. Extremely rewarding driving tho.
Word of warning! The roads have alot of falling debris from the cliffs so confident drivers needed as it requires a decent amount of concentration and forward planning to negotiate them safely. Also the armco barriers are right on the edges of very steep high drops. Extremely rewarding driving tho.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcin 7-17
Gdynia, Poland7,148 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
The Kykkos Monastery is the most important place to visit in Cyprus ... The views and history are breathtaking and breathtaking. Three parking lots on site, you only pay a little to enter the museum. Possibility to buy souvenirs or food. The number and age of monuments in the museum and the number of The relics of the Saints in the Monastery have a really strong impact on consciousness. A great place and a great history.
Written November 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon-TaylorC
London, UK6 contributions
Jul 2021
What an amazing place! Very well worth the 2 hour drive from Larnaka. The chapel will take your breath away! It is also mind blowing to see all the very ornate mosaics all the way up to the top of the hill! Once you have seen the monastery and museum, it is definitely worth getting back in your car and driving the 1.5k up the rest of the hill to the peak - what amazing views! You will have to walk the last bit, but it is well worth it! We went with teen kids and ALL thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoy!
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea Konstantinidi
Limassol City, Cyprus30 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
Recently, I visited Kykkos Monastery solo.
When you go up to the mountain you will see Throni which is a must see.
Designed to create an atmosphere which is special, the building expresses a sense of joy and an appreciation of God's blessings.
I loved how impressive the views are from up there and how stunning & colorful the memorials are.
At the end of the trip it started raining which made the hole experience even more filled.
When you go up to the mountain you will see Throni which is a must see.
Designed to create an atmosphere which is special, the building expresses a sense of joy and an appreciation of God's blessings.
I loved how impressive the views are from up there and how stunning & colorful the memorials are.
At the end of the trip it started raining which made the hole experience even more filled.
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Formerly
Cirencester, UK248 contributions
Nov 2021
Utterly beautiful, Kykkos monastery was the highlight of our tour of ancient Cyprus churches and mountain monasteries.
While there be sure to set aside time for their world-class museum. Not normally a 'museum person' I spent well over an hour absorbed in the magnificence of the treasures gathered there. Hats off to Kykkos for the glorious way in which everything is presented and explained.
While at the monastery, allow time also to visit the "Throni" high above Kykkos itself. Well worth the effort; you're in for a delight.
While there be sure to set aside time for their world-class museum. Not normally a 'museum person' I spent well over an hour absorbed in the magnificence of the treasures gathered there. Hats off to Kykkos for the glorious way in which everything is presented and explained.
While at the monastery, allow time also to visit the "Throni" high above Kykkos itself. Well worth the effort; you're in for a delight.
Written November 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KingBillie
Suffolk, UK151 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We returned to Kykko primarily Ty get digital pictures to replace the old faded ones from 30 years ago.
I was surprised to be met with ,:No photo' signs everywhere you wanted to take a picture.
This was not the welcoming place I remembered. As for the museum it is now so poorly lit it is a struggle to see the beauty in the collection - just so disappointed.
Yes the artwork and mosaic pictures are lovely to see but sadly without the photographs to evidence it, it is difficult to share its beauty.
Icing on the cake,,,,? The road to the tomb of Makarios is closed Jan/Feb so we missed the best view of the island.
Long drive for nothing
I was surprised to be met with ,:No photo' signs everywhere you wanted to take a picture.
This was not the welcoming place I remembered. As for the museum it is now so poorly lit it is a struggle to see the beauty in the collection - just so disappointed.
Yes the artwork and mosaic pictures are lovely to see but sadly without the photographs to evidence it, it is difficult to share its beauty.
Icing on the cake,,,,? The road to the tomb of Makarios is closed Jan/Feb so we missed the best view of the island.
Long drive for nothing
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sweeton C
Canada102 contributions
Jan 2023
Well worth the drive up into the Trodos mountains. We took the route through the National Forest and the scenery was stunning. The Monastery itself is full of beautiful paintings and mosaics. The Museum has some ancient (Bronze Age) artifacts in remarkably good condition as well as Illuminated Manuscripts, painted Icons and opulent religious tools and vestments. The church has some rather creepy boxed relics but beautiful decorations.
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway39319160964
Heraklion, Greece
πως μπορω να παω στην μονη κυκκου με λεωφορειο απο λευκωσια
Written June 26, 2022
Πως μπορώ να πάω Απο Λάρνακας στην μόνη κύκλου
Written May 20, 2023
Sightseer44140364757
Athens, Greece
Πώς μπορώ να πάω στην Ιερά Μονη Κυκκου με λεωφορείο? Δεν υπάρχει δυνατότητα ενοικίασης αυτοκινήτου.
Written September 30, 2019
πιστεύω μονο με ιχ αυτοκίνητο ή από το Γιάννενα με ενοικίαση αυτοκινήτου Αξίζει να πάτε περίπου 1.30 ωρα από Γιάννενα .Μπορείτε να μείνετε στους Καλάβρυτα για ένα βράδυ που είναι κοντά
Written October 1, 2019
I will be in agia napa, limassol and larnaca. From which city is better to go to the monastery? And is it better to hire a car?
Written August 9, 2019
As Peter suggests.
However, despite its foundation being very ancient almost none of the building is older than the 18th or 19th Century (though built in the traditional style) since it was burnt down several times. It is a matter of taste, but for me the much older (and much smaller and less flashy) Byzantine churches and Monasteries further South and East in the Troodos Mountains (8 are UNESCO world heritage sites) are better. My favourite is the Monastery of St John Lambadistis. If you went from Limassol and hired a car you could visit one or two on the way.
Written August 9, 2019
Добрый день.
Можно ли добраться до Монастыря из Пафоса на рейсовых автобусах?
Спасибо за отклик.
Written March 3, 2019
Я ездила на автобусе экскурсионном, по-моему другие не ходят. Думаю можно взять машину, но имейте ввиду там серпантин, нужен опытный водитель.
Written March 3, 2019
Is there access for disabled, i.e. buggies, scooters, wheelchairs etc. into all or part of Monastery and the Throni?
Written October 5, 2018
Didn't see any lifts I'm afraid but I'm sure they would help where possible I believe there may be a back entrance to the lower levels but not 100% sure sorry.
Written October 24, 2018
Can you wear short trousers as long as they cover the knee.
If not will jeans be OK
Written October 2, 2018
People are asked to wear the appropriate clothing but people ignore this which is disrespectful, to say I were shorts is not an answer as a guide will and do inform you of appropriate clothing if you have not got these they will ask the holiday makers wer a purple cloak
Written October 4, 2018
hello Steve,
can you tell me how to "book" those tourist cells to overnight in the monastery ? Can you stay for dinner/breakfast as well ? I guess I can not sleep together with my husband ? I heard, when you stay overnight in a monastery, that you are obliged to go to the monastic service in the morning or evening, is that true ?
thanks for your answer
Katrien
Written February 4, 2018
So many questions! Anyhow there's a phone number you can find and call them. I know it was free for a night not sure if they still offer that. The monk that's answering the phone speaks English you can ask him what you need to know. I caned find the phone number for you. They don't really fond of me there anymore.
Written February 5, 2018
Πως μπορώ να φτάσω στο μοναστήρι? Υπάρχει κάποιο λεωφορείο? Πόσο κοστίζει να πας με Ταξι από Λάρνακα?
Written April 15, 2017
Νομίζω πως ο καλύτερος τρόπος είναι να ενοικιάσετε αυτοκίνητο. Αυτό έκανα εγώ, γιατί η απόσταση είναι μεγάλη.
Written April 16, 2017
hi am looking to go to cyprus and read your review could you please tell me in your honest view what are the roads like ,i am not a good passenger with heights and cliff top roads however,when i know i can prepare ,i would appreciate your honest view thanx
Written April 3, 2016
As long as you stick to the main roads, you should be fine. Roads are always wide enough for two cars to pass and there are low walls or crash barriers at the sides.
I am one of those people who, much to my husband's amusement, sit clinging to the door handle when negotiating mountain roads; a couple of holidays to Madeira have left me reaching for a paper bag to breathe into! However, the roads in Cyprus were better, wider.
We went in January when traffic was not busy.
I think if you sit on the opposite side to the edge of the road - there are some steep drops in places - and trust the driver, you should be fine.
It is certainly well worth it to see the monastery.
Written April 4, 2016
HI hope you dont mind me asking regarding your trip to the monastry up the mountains are the roads safe?
I am not a very good passenger and have a phobia of cliff top roads where you are on the edge please can you give me an honest view thanx
Written April 3, 2016
The trip that we took was in a jeep. The roads are uneven in parts and the mountain roads are as you would expect. However I did not feel unsafe at any time , we have been on far worse.
There are coach trips which go by a less scenic route--- maybe worth considering?
Written April 4, 2016
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