Hiking can be an underrated activity. I have gone on short hikes to know that I should prepare if I want to complete a 20 Mile hike! The goal on the Cyprus trip was to hike 20 miles (roughly 32km) in Mount Olympus, Troodos.

Already the two ten mile hikes I have done before, were out of my comfort zone and they didn’t include hiking up a mountain, which is what I was hoping to accomplish on Mount Olympus, Troodos.

I prepared a few weeks in advance by going on the treadmill with high inclination at least four times a week, and I relied on Yoga to maintain stamina.

Cyprus is a beautiful Island all year round. In the Summer you go up the mountain seeking the cool breeze, and once you’re up there, the Mediterranean turquoise waters blends with the clear blue sky in a breathtaking view. In the winter, you can stay down by the sea enjoying an amazing mild climate, or go back up the mountain for skiing.

For my hike, I followed the 15km Atalante Trail, then the 7km Artemis trail with a total hiking distance of 22kms. Okay, so I wasn’t really able to complete all 32km in one day, but I covered most of the distance. I wore comfortable sneakers, comfortable clothes, carried enough water, snacks, and packed a lunch. I did my best to stay hydrated and just keep going.

As the hiking took me closer to the top, there were narrow rocky paths, and in some instances I had to squeeze past boulders. But being able to almost touch the low hanging clouds was such a magnificent reward that awaited me; not to mention the view from near the top.

Hiking in Cyprus was an amazing experience that I would love to do again in the near future.