**Troodos Mountains Set to Host Mountain Games Cyprus 2026**
The Troodos mountains in Cyprus are preparing to transform into a vibrant hub of sport, culture, gastronomy, and wellbeing as the Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 is set to take place from September 23 to 26. This non-profit event, co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport programme, aims to promote healthy lifestyles and foster community engagement through a diverse range of activities.
Under the central theme "Healthy Lifestyles for All," the Mountain Games will feature a variety of events designed to cater to all ages and interests. Participants can look forward to four days filled with village-hopping, creativity, athleticism, and local flavors, bringing together athletes, agricultural producers, artists, and the public.
The event will take place across several picturesque villages in the Troodos region, including Platres, Agros, Spilia, Kakopetria, Evrychou, and Omodos. The opening ceremony will occur on September 23 in Platres, coinciding with the Mountain Games International Symposium. This symposium, held under the auspices of the health minister, will host an international scientific conference that gathers scientists, doctors, and institutional representatives to discuss topics related to physical activity, public health, and active ageing.
Following the symposium, the Mountain Games will welcome hundreds of students from across Cyprus on September 24 and 25. These students will participate in the "Elevate Your Life" programme in Agros and Omodos, which includes sports activities, traditional games, and gastronomy workshops. Specially adapted activities will also be available for individuals with visual impairments or low vision. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking along the Madari and Myllomeri Waterfall trails, as well as orienteering in Omodos.
On September 26, the Mountain Games Cycling Festival will feature biking races suitable for participants of all ages and skill levels. Meanwhile, Kakopetria will host the Mentoring Football Tournament for players under 12 years old.
In addition to sporting events, the Mountain Games will showcase cultural activities through the "Mountain Culture in Motion" series. This initiative will present traditional dance, music, and intercultural workshops at elderly care homes, as well as in Platres and Omodos Square. Delegations from ten European countries will participate in the Dance Gathering scheduled for Friday evening.
The cultural programme will conclude on September 26 with a performance by the women’s a cappella group, Amalgamation Choir, in the courtyard of Timiou Stavrou Monastery. Another significant component of the event is the Mountain Games Futures Lab, which will facilitate discussions on the future of mountain communities. This includes a thematic conference on mountain tourism in Agros, a youth workshop in Evrychou, and a two-day educational programme on trail certification in Spilia.
A highlight of the event will be the "Taste, Move & Thrive" weekend, occurring on September 25 and 26. Visitors can explore the Mountain Products Market, featuring 30 local producers organized into six thematic zones: honey, aromatic herbs, dairy, legumes and olive oil, cured meats, and wine and dough products. Attendees can participate in halloumi-making workshops, a cooking session focusing on Cypriot ravioles and Italian ravioli led by chef Marcello Zaccaria, and olive oil tastings. Additionally, a traditional family breakfast and wine tasting with local wineries are scheduled, along with a dance and music event by the ensemble Epea Pteroenta in Omodos Square on Friday night.
Most events throughout the Mountain Games are free to attend, although some selected evening events may require tickets or invitations. For further details and the complete agenda, interested individuals can visit the official event website at www.mountaingames.eu.
As the Troodos mountains prepare to welcome participants and visitors, the Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 promises to be a unique celebration of sport, culture, and community engagement, fostering connections among diverse groups while promoting healthy lifestyles across the region.