Lefkosia – Asinou Cycling Route
This 83 kilometres excursion takes cyclists from the outskirts of Lefkosia (Nicosia) to the forest of Adelfoi and past the early Byzantine church of Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou). The route’s starting point is the junction on the outskirts of Lakatameia. The route heads west for about half a kilometre before reaching the Lakatameia bicycle path on the banks of the Pediaios River.
The bicycle path ends on Agios Georgios Street, where it turns right and west to reach the traffic lights on the Lefkosia – Palaichori road. Almost exactly opposite the traffic lights lies the road that leads to the village of Agioi Trimithias and onto Palaiometocho and Meniko. From Meniko the route follows a dirt road before reaching the paved road just outside the village of Kato Moni.
From there Mitsero quarry is visible to the southeast and the Troodos Mountains to the southwest. From Kato Moni, the route heads north on the Peristerona – Platanistasa road. It climbs for a short distance before turning right towards the village of Agia Marina. From Agia Marina it passes through the village of Agios Georgios, and past the Kapoura picnic site and the villages of Kannavia and Spilia.
There is a dirt road at the entrance of Spilia and to the right leading to Asinou and the area where the anti-colonial EOKA movement was most active. The dirt road travels north through the Adelfoi forest for 23 kilometres leading to the Byzantine church of Panagia Forviotissa in Asinou. (An alternative road for Asinou is the 9 kilometres forest road just after the Kapouras picnic site to the west).
Some 3 kilometres along a paved road after Asinou is the village of Nikitari. From there road signs lead back to Lefkosia through the villages of Vyzakia and Orounta. This part of the road is not paved. From Orounta the route turns north on to the Peristerona – Platanistasa road towards Kato Moni for the return journey to Lefkosia. An alternative, less complicated route is via Orounta and Peristerona and back to Lefkosia along the main Lefkosia – Morfou road.
Start Point: Agios Mamas grade separated junction
End Point: Asinou
Total Distance: 83 kilometres
Difficulty Rate: A difficult course with an average gradient of 2% but not greater than 5%.The course requires a mountain bike with 21 speeds.
Road Conditions: A variety of surfaces of both paved roads and dirt roads.
Height Gain: 975 metres
Source: Cyprus Tourism Organisation