Kathikas (Paphos): A Complete Guide to Cyprus’ Charming Wine Village

Kathikas is a traditional wine village on the Laona plateau, about 23 km north of Paphos, known for its vineyards, stone houses, and authentic Cypriot atmosphere. This guide covers what to do in Kathikas, where to stay, how to get there, and how to turn a simple stop into a full wine-and-village day trip from Paphos or Coral Bay.

Why Visit Kathikas?

Kathikas sits at around 655 m altitude in the Paphos District, making it cooler in summer and ideal for grape growing, especially the indigenous Xynisteri variety. It’s one of the key villages on the Laona–Akamas wine route, with several boutique wineries, tavernas serving local meze, and a well-preserved village square.

Visitors come to Kathikas for:

• Wine tasting and winery tours (Sterna, Vasilikon, and more)
• Agrotourism stays in restored stone houses
• A quiet, “real Cyprus” experience away from the big resorts
• Easy access to Coral Bay, the Akamas Peninsula, and other Paphos wineries

If you’re building a Paphos itinerary, Kathikas works perfectly as a half-day or full-day excursion, especially combined with Coral Bay or a wider wine-route loop.
See our full guide to Paphos wineries and wine routes.

Getting to Kathikas

Kathikas is roughly a 25–30 minute drive from central Paphos and about 35–40 minutes from Coral Bay, depending on your starting point. The most flexible way to visit is by car, as wineries and tavernas are spread around the village and surrounding hills.

• From Paphos town: Head north on the B7 towards Peyia/Coral Bay, then follow signs to Kathikas via the Laona plateau.
• From Coral Bay / Peyia: Drive inland towards Droushia/Kathikas; the route passes vineyards and offers scenic views.
• Public transport: Bus options are limited; for a relaxed wine-tasting day, a rental car or organized tour is strongly recommended.

Paphos car rental tips

Things to Do in Kathikas

Kathikas is small, but it packs a lot of character into its narrow streets, square, and surrounding countryside. Here are the top experiences.

1. Explore the Village Square and Streets

Wander through the central square and surrounding lanes to see traditional stone houses, small chapels, and local life. The village church, Panagia Evangelistria (dating from 1870), is a focal point and often hosts local celebrations.

Look out for:

• Restored stone buildings now used as agrotourism accommodations and tavernas
• Small chapels such as Agios Onoufrios, Agios Ypatios, and Agia Marina
• Occasional local events, including the Kathikas Late Summer Festival with market stalls, street food, and live music 
  Akamas Guide

2. Visit Sterna Winery & Wine Museum

Sterna Winery is one of Kathikas’ standout attractions, combining wine tasting with a small wine museum and historic cellars. The winery overlooks around 50 hectares of vineyards and uses a natural limestone cave cellar that dates back thousands of years.

Typical experiences:

• Guided tours of the winery and museum
• Tasting of local wines, including Xynisteri and other indigenous varieties
• Views over the vineyards and Laona plateau

Sterna is ideal for visitors who want both education and tasting in one stop.

Best wine tours in Paphos.

3. Taste Wine at Vasilikon Winery

Vasilikon Winery (K & K Vasilikon) is another major name in Kathikas, established in 1993 and known for modern facilities plus a wine bar and museum. The tasting room overlooks the vineyards, and the winery produces a range of reds, whites, and rosés using both local and international grapes.

Many visitors combine Vasilikon with Sterna for a “two-winery Kathikas route,” then head to a taverna for lunch or dinner.

4. Enjoy Traditional Cypriot Food in Local Tavernas

Kathikas is well known locally for its tavernas, many housed in restored stone buildings and serving home-style Cypriot cuisine. Expect generous meze, fresh halloumi, sheftalia, stews, and locally sourced ingredients.

Popular options mentioned by visitors and local guides include:

• Yiannis Tavern – known for meze nights and live music on selected evenings
• To Stekki Tou Panai – small, relaxed spot with traditional dishes and the option to build your own meze
• Other village tavernas around the square and near the church, many with terraces and vineyard views

This is a great place to slow down, order a bottle of local wine, and enjoy a long Cypriot-style lunch.

Cyprus traditional food guide or Best tavernas in Paphos.

5. Use Kathikas as a Base for Nearby Nature & Beaches

Kathikas’ location makes it a convenient base or stop for exploring:

• Coral Bay – one of Paphos’ best sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and families
• Avakas Gorge – a dramatic limestone gorge popular for hiking and photography
• Akamas Peninsula – for buggy tours, boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, and remote beaches like Lara
• Other wine villages such as Droushia, Ineia, and Pano Arodes along the Laona–Akamas wine route

You can easily combine a morning of winery visits with an afternoon at the beach or a short hike.• “Coral Bay” → Coral Bay beach guide
• “Avakas Gorge” → Avakas Gorge hiking guide
• “Akamas Peninsula” → Akamas Peninsula things to do

Where to Stay in Kathikas

Kathikas is primarily an agrotourism destination, with accommodation focused on restored stone houses, traditional suites, and small inns rather than large hotels. This makes it ideal for travelers seeking a quiet, authentic stay in the Paphos countryside.

Well-known options in and around Kathikas include:

• Elinn Traditional Suites – stylish suites in a traditional setting
• Loxandra Inn – a small inn in the heart of the village, close to the square and tavernas
• Michalis Anoyia Traditional Stonehouse – a restored stone house with garden, BBQ, and air-conditioned rooms
• Aloni Apartments and other local stone-house rentals

Prices typically start from around $69 per night, with higher rates in peak season.

Best Time to Visit Kathikas

Kathikas is enjoyable year-round, but certain periods stand out:

• Spring (April–June): Mild temperatures, green landscapes, and fewer crowds – ideal for walking and winery visits.
• Early autumn (September–October): Warm days, harvest atmosphere, and events like the Kathikas Grape Festival and Late Summer Festival.
• Summer: Cooler than the coast thanks to the altitude, but midday can still be hot; best for late-afternoon strolls and evening taverna meals.
• Winter: Quiet and authentic; some wineries and tavernas may have reduced hours, so check ahead.

If you’re interested in wine and harvest traditions, aim for September, when grape-related events and festivals are most active.

Suggested One-Day Kathikas Itinerary

Here’s a simple, visitor-friendly plan you can adapt and link to from your Paphos itineraries:

Morning

• Drive from Paphos or Coral Bay to Kathikas (25–40 minutes).
• Stop at Vasilikon Winery for a tour and tasting.
• Walk around the village square and visit Panagia Evangelistria Church.

Lunch

• Enjoy a traditional meze lunch at a village taverna such as Yiannis Tavern or To Stekki Tou Panai.

Afternoon

• Visit Sterna Winery & Wine Museum for a second tasting and a look at the historic cellars.
• Optionally drive to Coral Bay for a swim or to Avakas Gorge for a short hike.

Evening

• Return to Kathikas or your base in Paphos/Coral Bay for dinner.
• If staying in Kathikas, enjoy a relaxed evening in your agrotourism accommodation with local wine and views.

• “Paphos itineraries” → Paphos 3-day itinerary
• “Coral Bay day trips” → Coral Bay day trips from Paphos
• “Wine day trips from Paphos” → Paphos wine day trip

Practical Tips for Visiting Kathikas

• Book winery visits in advance if you want a guided tour, especially in high season or for small boutique wineries.
• Wear comfortable shoes – the village has cobbled streets and some uneven surfaces.
• Combine with nearby sights – Kathikas works best as part of a wider Paphos/Akamas day, not necessarily a full-day on its own.
• Cash and cards – most tavernas and wineries accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for small purchases and tips.
• Driving – roads are generally good, but some rural stretches are narrow and winding; drive cautiously, especially after tastings.

Save This Guide for Later

Planning a Paphos or Cyprus trip? Save this Kathikas guide for later and share it with friends who love wine, villages, and authentic Cypriot experiences.