In the arid hills of the Troödos range, Platres is relatively unusual in straddling a perennial stream, providing a reliable source of drinking water and allowing a profusion of foliage not commonly seen on the island.

[citation needed] Importing their taste for cool retreats, away from the heat of the coast, the colonial settlers rapidly established a network of hotels, bars and shady walks around the small village that previously existed on the site.

[citation needed] Over the years, Platres gained a reputation as the destination for notable people, including King Farouk of Egypt and the Nobel Prize-winning poet Giorgos Seferis.

[2] The Brandy Sour cocktail, a drink intimately associated with Cypriot cuisine, was developed for King Farouk during the late 1930s, at the Forest Park Hotel which is situated in Platres.

[citation needed] The main area was renamed at Giorgos Seferis Hall and it can host exhibitions, conferences, seminars, concerts, plays and audio-visual projections.

Platres Athletic Sports Center (Greek: Αθλητικό Κέντρο Πλατρών) is located at an altitude of 1050m in the Troodos Mountains.

[citation needed] A bicycle center, in combination with the nearby Milia Bridge Trail (used by MTB Cyprus Downhill community in addition to hikers), the Troodos Cycling Routes and all the year round events have made the Platres Athletic Sports Center one of the landmarks on all year round sports.