Mesa Potamos area, is located near Saittas, towards Kato Amiantos in Cyprus. You can spend a whole day here by visiting the Waterfalls, the Monastery and have a relaxing time at the picnic area.
Mesa Potamos Waterfalls
On the way towards to Monastery of St. John the Baptist you will find the Mesa Potamos waterfalls, situated on the Argolachanias river. From the main road you will have to park your car and walk a bit. The height of the waterfall is 7m and it’s located on an altitude of 1000km. The river flows directly into Kourris dam. Geology consists of gabbro.
Monastery of Timios Prodromos
The Monastery of Timios Prodromos (St. John the Baptist) lies in the Troodos forest area of Mesa Potamos. The Monastery located amongst the mountains surrounded by pine forests, has springs of sweet water near. The monastery has been renovated in 2003 and you can see that it’s well preserved. There are a few monks living there at the moment, and if you visit the place you might see them walking near the forest, seeking for a quiet place while visitors are visiting.
It’s worth knowing that archbishop Makarios and Grivas were using the monastery as a meeting point during 1950 until 1955 in order to conduct the Unity Referendum. Further to that, it has also served as a hideaway for the EOKA fighters ending up damaging the monastery when British soldiers invaded to the monastery to arrest the fighters.
Mesa Potamos Picnic area
7 km from Saittas and site road to the left before the Monastery there’s a picnic area. It’s one of the 40 picnic sites managed by the Forestry Departments who make sure to provide all the necessary facilities (barbeque area, water, tables, washrooms) when visiting the place. The picnic area is large enough to accommodate up to 700 visitors. The picnic tables are scattered from each other, offering visitors privacy. There’s a facility to make your own barbeque if you take your equipment. The forest in which the picnic area is found, is one of the most beautiful forests that exist in Cyprus.
