The Millomeri Waterfalls (also spelled Millomeris) are one of the highest and most beautiful natural waterfalls in Cyprus. Located deep within the Troodos Mountains, the water of the Kryos Potamos (Cold River) cascades from a height of 15 meters, creating a stunning spectacle. For many years, the waterfall was a hidden gem, its location relatively inaccessible to the general public. However, recent improvements have made it much easier to visit, and it has quickly become a popular destination for nature lovers seeking the cool, serene beauty of the island’s forested heart.

Name and Address

• Name: Millomeri Waterfalls. The name is believed to come from a combination of two Greek words: millos (wet) and meros (place), referring to the constantly damp and lush environment around the falls.
• Address: Located in the Troodos Mountains, near the village of Pano Platres, Limassol District, Cyprus.

How to Get There

There are two main ways to reach the waterfall, catering to both drivers and hikers.

• By Car (Easy Access): This is the most direct route. From the main Limassol-Platres road, there is a signposted turn-off onto an unpaved dirt road. This road leads to a small car park very close to the falls. From the car park, it is just a short walk down a set of wooden stairs to the base of the waterfall.
• By Foot (Hiking Trail): For those who enjoy hiking, a beautiful 1.2-kilometer nature trail begins near the church in the village of Pano Platres. The trail follows the path of the Kryos Potamos river through a dense pine forest and takes about 30 minutes to reach the waterfall.
• Visitor Tip: The area around the waterfall is shaded and significantly cooler than the coast, making it a perfect escape during the hot summer months. The rocks at the base are slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of Millomeri is its stunning natural setting, a secluded gorge carved by the river.

• The Waterfall: The main feature is the 15-meter (49-foot) cascade of water that drops vertically down a dark, sheer rock face into a small pool below. The force of the water, especially after rainfall, is impressive.
• Forested Gorge: The waterfall is nestled in a narrow, shaded gorge surrounded by dense forest. The landscape is rich with pine trees, plane trees, and ivy, creating a lush, green, and constantly damp environment. The rocks are primarily diabase, a type of volcanic rock common in the Troodos ophiolite complex.
• Kryos Potamos (Cold River): The waterfall is part of the “Cold River,” the same river that creates the famous Caledonia Falls further upstream. The water is, as its name suggests, very cold, even in the height of summer.

What Makes It Famous

Millomeri Waterfalls is famous for being one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus and for its dramatic, secluded beauty.

• One of Cyprus’s Highest Waterfalls: At 15 meters, it vies with Caledonia Falls as one of the tallest on the island, making it a significant natural landmark.
• A Hidden Gem Revealed: For a long time, it was relatively unknown due to its difficult access. Its recent accessibility has made it a “newly discovered” attraction for many, adding to its allure.
• Picturesque Natural Beauty: The sight of the water plunging down the dark rock face in a shaded, green gorge is incredibly picturesque and a favorite spot for photographers.
• A Refreshing Mountain Escape: The cool, misty air and the shaded, tranquil environment make it a perfect natural escape from the heat and crowds of the coastal resorts.

Differences from Other Wonders

Millomeri Waterfalls offers a different experience compared to other natural sites and waterfalls in Cyprus.

• A Vertical Cascade vs. a Gentle Trail: While both are on the same river, the experience at Millomeri is focused on the dramatic, vertical drop of the waterfall itself. The more famous Caledonia Falls is known not just for the waterfall but for the beautiful, relatively gentle hiking trail that leads to it. Millomeri feels more powerful and contained within its gorge.
• Secluded Gorge vs. Open Landscape: The waterfall is tucked away in a narrow, shaded gorge, creating an intimate and enclosed atmosphere. This is very different from the vast, open, and sun-drenched landscapes of coastal sites like Cape Greco or the Akamas Peninsula.
• A Purely Natural Attraction: Unlike sites that blend nature with history, such as the Baths of Aphrodite, Millomeri is a purely natural wonder. Its appeal comes entirely from its geological formation and the beauty of the surrounding forest.