Caledonia Waterfall

The Caledonia trail follows the Kryos Potamos up from Psilo Dendro above Platres, crossing the stream repeatedly on stepping stones and small bridges under pine, alder and plane, and ends at a fall of about twelve metres dropping into a pool. It is one of the few genuinely shaded and consistently watered walks on the island, which is why it is busy. The name was given by Scottish visitors in the nineteenth century. Walking it downhill from the Troodos road end is the easier direction.

What you actually see

• The fall - a twelve-metre drop into a pool at the head of the trail.
• The stream crossings - repeated fords on stepping stones along the route.
• The shaded forest - pine, alder and plane along the water.
• The endemic plants - Troodos species along the banks, several found nowhere else.

When to go

March to June and September to November are the best, with the strongest flow in spring. By late summer the fall reduces considerably. Snow and ice make the trail difficult in winter.

Honest expectations

The rocks and crossings are slippery and trainers are not enough. Uphill from Platres is a steady two kilometres of climb. The fall is modest and disappointing to anyone expecting a large cascade.

Nearby

Pano Platres is below, and the Troodos mountains rise above.