Villages, squares, trails and cultural venues across the Troodos mountain range will host Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 from September 23 to 26, a European, non-profit event combining sport, science, culture and gastronomy under one shared theme: Healthy Lifestyles for All.
The event is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport programme and coincides with European Week of Sport, as part of the #BeActive movement.
Delegations from more than ten European countries will attend, focusing on movement, health and mountain life.
Four days, many faces
The programme opens with a scientific discussion in Platres, where experts, doctors and researchers cover physical activity, public health and active ageing.
Over the following days, the focus shifts to schools and young people. Hundreds of students from across Cyprus take part in sports activities, traditional games and gastronomy workshops. Organisers have made specific provision to include children with visual impairments.
At the same time, the public can join in outdoors: hikes along Troodos trails, an orienteering competition, a cycling race open to all ages, and a children’s football tournament.
The programme also includes a cultural strand. Traditional dance, music and intercultural workshops bring the European delegations together, ending in a dance gathering where traditions from across Europe meet.
Over the weekend, Omodos hosts Taste, Move & Thrive: a market of mountain products, workshops on preparing local dishes, tastings and family activities focused on Troodos food and produce.
The event closes in Platres with a discussion on the future of exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing, followed by a closing ceremony.
What organisers say
Organisers say Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 is meant to show that active living, inclusion and environmental care are connected rather than separate issues. They describe #BeActive as covering more than sport: it also takes in nutrition, contact with nature, connection to tradition, and meeting people from other cultures.
The event runs in Troodos from September 23 to 26, with activities including trail walks, workshops and village gatherings across the region.
