Length: 4km – Circular
Estimated duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty rate: 1
Starting point: Central parking lot of Koilani
The Neromylos (Watermill) nature trail in Koilani village is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the area's abundant natural beauty and historic landmarks.
The trail begins at the central parking lot of the village and takes you on a journey from the village to the Kryos River. Along the way, you will pass by the Agia Mavri chapel, two medieval bridges that were built to facilitate movement and communication between villages, as well as the watermill of Giannis Metaxas.
The Agia Mavri chapel is located in a beautiful area above Kryos Potamos and opposite an enormous plane tree that is over 800 years old. The church is built in the French-Byzantine style, with a wooden rooftop and roof tiles. The inner walls of the church used to be covered with impressive frescos, but nowadays, only a few have been preserved. The fresco of Agia Mavri with Agios Timotheos stands out. The church is built on a big rock, and once inside, you can hear the sound of water passing through the rock.
Near the chapel and closer to the Kryos River is the Agia Mavri bridge. This small, single-arched bridge is surrounded by wild vegetation and is believed to date back to the Medieval period. It provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area.
As you continue along the trail, you'll traverse natural and woodland environments, providing you with ample opportunities to see the region's abundant plants, birds, insects, and rocks. The trail is generally easy, with some hilly stretches.
Along the way, you'll come across the Agia Marina bridge, a beautiful small bridge formed by a semicircular arch and featuring one of the area's three watermills. The Agia Marina bridge was originally used by locals to travel to Lofou and then to Limassol and was restored in 2008 by the Antiquities Department to ensure its preservation for generations to come.
The watermills in the area around Koilani, were powered by water and used massive, carved millstones from Akamas to grind grain. While the remnants of these mills that you'll see on the trail today can't do justice to their former magnificence, they serviced consumers day and night in their heyday. These watermills played an important role in the village's commerce, as they were used by residents from surrounding villages to grind their wheat. Today, visitors can take in the natural beauty of the area and come into contact with the flora and fauna of the area.
If you're looking for a unique experience that combines natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Watermill Nature Trail in Koilani is a must-visit destination. Don't miss out on the chance to explore this beautiful area and discover the history and natural components that make it so special! Be sure to add this trail to your itinerary.
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