Paphos Wine Villages: Tala & Kathikas – A Perfect Day in the Cyprus Countryside

Looking for something different from the beaches and archaeological sites of Paphos?

Head into the hills.

Just outside Paphos, you’ll find a collection of beautiful villages where vineyards, traditional tavernas, stone houses, mountain views and centuries-old Cypriot traditions create a completely different holiday experience.

Two villages that deserve a place on your Cyprus itinerary are Tala and Kathikas.

Tala sits high above Paphos and is known for its village atmosphere and spectacular views, while Kathikas is one of the traditional winemaking villages of the Paphos region and lies on the Laona–Akamas Wine Route.

Together, they make a wonderful day trip from Paphos.

Expect good wine, excellent food, beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the Cyprus countryside.

Why Visit Tala & Kathikas?

If your holiday in Paphos has mostly involved beaches, restaurants and sightseeing, a trip into the surrounding villages gives you the opportunity to experience another side of Cyprus.

The countryside around Paphos is characterised by:

• 🍇 Vineyards
• 🏡 Traditional stone villages
• 🍷 Family-run wineries
• 🍽️ Traditional Cypriot tavernas
• ⛰️ Mountain and countryside views
• 🌿 Quiet rural landscapes
• 📸 Excellent photography opportunities

Kathikas is particularly important for wine lovers. It is one of the wine-producing villages of the Paphos region and forms part of the official Laona–Akamas Wine Route.

But you don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy the area.

A relaxed lunch, a walk through a traditional village and a glass of local wine can be just as memorable.

Tala: A Village Above Paphos

Start your day in Tala, located in the hills north of Paphos.

The elevated position provides beautiful views towards the coast and surrounding countryside.

Tala has become popular with both visitors and expatriates, but it retains much of its traditional village character.

The best way to experience Tala is to park up and explore on foot.

Take a walk through the village, stop for a coffee and enjoy the views before continuing towards Kathikas.

Things to Do in Tala

You don’t need a long list of attractions to enjoy Tala.

Instead, take your time.

You can:

• 🚶 Walk through the traditional village streets
• ☕ Stop for coffee
• 📸 Photograph the countryside and coastal views
• ⛪ Explore the village’s churches
• 🍽️ Enjoy a traditional Cypriot meal
• 🌅 Visit later in the day for beautiful evening views

Tala is also a good place to begin if you’re looking for a slower, more relaxed Cyprus experience.

Visit the Monastery of Agios Neophytos

If you have extra time while exploring the area around Tala, consider visiting Agios Neophytos Monastery.

The monastery is located in the hills outside Paphos and is associated with Saint Neophytos, one of Cyprus’s best-known religious figures.

The setting is peaceful and provides an interesting cultural addition to a wine-village day trip.

It also demonstrates how easily you can combine wine, villages, history and religious heritage in the Paphos countryside.

Continue to Kathikas

From Tala, continue north towards Kathikas.

The scenery becomes increasingly rural as you leave the Paphos suburbs behind.

Vineyards appear alongside the roads and the landscape begins to feel much more like the traditional Cyprus that many visitors imagine before arriving on the island.

Kathikas sits at an altitude of almost 700 metres and is around 23 km from Paphos.

The village has been inhabited since ancient times and retains traditional buildings, old churches and a strong connection with wine production.

Kathikas: One of Paphos’s Wine Villages

Kathikas is the highlight for wine lovers.

The village is surrounded by vineyards and is part of the Laona–Akamas Wine Route, which passes through a series of traditional villages between Paphos, the Akamas region and Polis.

The route is about much more than wine.

Visitors can combine winery visits with:

• Traditional food
• Village walks
• Countryside scenery
• Local culture
• Coastal views
• Visits to the Akamas region

The official Cyprus tourism route includes Kathikas alongside villages such as Stroumbi, Akourdaleia, the Arodes villages, Ineia and Drouseia before continuing towards Polis and the Akamas area.

Visit a Kathikas Winery

One of the main reasons to visit Kathikas is to experience Cyprus wine where it is actually produced.

Among the wineries in the area is:

Sterna Winery & Wine Museum-Kathikas,Paphos

Sterna combines wine with an insight into the region’s traditional wine-making heritage.

Another well-known option is:

Vasilikon Winery Cyprus

Vasilikon is located in Kathikas and offers visitors the opportunity to experience local wines in the heart of the wine-growing region.

Important: Winery opening hours, tasting arrangements and whether reservations are required can change. Always check directly with the winery before setting off.

And remember — if you’re driving, the person behind the wheel should avoid drinking alcohol.

What Wine Will You Taste?

Cyprus has a long history of winemaking and is home to several indigenous grape varieties.

Two particularly important varieties you’ll encounter in Paphos wine country are:

🍇 Xynisteri

A native white grape that is particularly associated with Cyprus.

It is important in the Laona–Akamas region, where the climate and sea breezes help create distinctive white wines.

🍷 Maratheftiko

One of Cyprus’s best-known indigenous red varieties.

It is a rare ancient grape and is used to produce fuller red wines.

You don’t need to know anything about wine terminology.

Ask the winery staff to explain what you’re tasting — learning about the local grapes is part of the experience.

Don’t Miss a Traditional Cypriot Lunch

Wine villages are also excellent places to enjoy traditional food.

Kathikas has several traditional tavernas, and official tourism information specifically highlights the village as a good place to enjoy Cypriot cuisine.

Look out for dishes such as:

• Halloumi
• Souvlaki
• Sheftalia
• Moussaka
• Grilled meats
• Village salad
• Fresh bread
• Local cheeses
• Cypriot meze

A long lunch in a village taverna is one of the best ways to slow down and enjoy the area.

The goal isn’t to rush from one attraction to another.

Sit down. Order a meze. Pour a glass of local wine. Enjoy the view.

That’s village life in Cyprus.

A Perfect Tala & Kathikas Day Trip

Here’s a relaxed itinerary that works particularly well if you’re staying in Paphos.

☀️ 09:00 – Leave Paphos

Drive into the hills towards Tala.

☕ 09:30 – Explore Tala

Walk around the village, enjoy a coffee and take in the views.

⛪ 10:30 – Agios Neophytos

If you’re interested in history and religious heritage, visit the monastery.

🚗 12:00 – Drive Towards Kathikas

Enjoy the changing countryside and vineyard scenery.

🍇 12:30 – Winery Visit

Visit a local winery and learn about Cyprus’s wine-making traditions.

If you’re tasting wine, allow plenty of time and make sure your transport arrangements are suitable.

🍽️ 14:00 – Traditional Lunch

Enjoy a relaxed Cypriot lunch in Kathikas.

🚶 15:30 – Explore Kathikas

Walk through the village and discover its traditional architecture and churches.

🍷 16:30 – Second Winery or Coffee Stop

If you’re not driving, you could add another wine experience. Otherwise, enjoy coffee or a soft drink and continue exploring.

🌅 17:30 – Head Back Towards Paphos

Depending on the season, stop somewhere with a good view to enjoy the changing afternoon light.

Can You Do Tala & Kathikas Without a Car?

A rental car is the easiest option for this particular trip.

The villages are spread across the hills and the best experiences often involve stopping at different locations.

A car gives you the flexibility to:

• Stop at viewpoints
• Visit wineries
• Explore villages
• Continue towards Polis or Akamas
• Change your itinerary depending on weather

However, if you want to enjoy several wine tastings, consider booking an organised wine tour or private driver rather than driving yourself.

This is particularly important because wine tasting and driving don’t mix.

Practical Visitor Information

Planning a day in the Paphos wine villages is straightforward, but a little preparation will make your trip much more enjoyable.

📍 How Far Are the Villages From Paphos?

Kathikas is approximately 23 km north of Paphos and sits at almost 700 metres above sea level.

Tala is closer to Paphos and makes a convenient first stop before continuing into the wine villages.

Travel times will depend on your starting point, traffic and route.

🚗 Parking

Parking is generally easier in the villages than in central Paphos.

However, village streets can be narrow.

When parking:

• Don’t block entrances
• Avoid narrow bends
• Don’t park in front of private driveways
• Follow local parking signs
• Allow space for agricultural and local traffic

At wineries, use the designated visitor parking where provided.

👟 What Should You Wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Village streets can be uneven and some areas are better explored on foot.

In summer, bring:

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Lightweight clothing

If you’re visiting a monastery or religious site, dress respectfully.

☀️ What Is the Best Time to Visit?

Spring

Excellent for countryside walks, pleasant temperatures and green landscapes.

Summer

Visit earlier in the day or later in the afternoon.

The higher altitude can make the villages feel more comfortable than the coast, but Cyprus summer temperatures can still be very high.

Autumn

An especially interesting time for wine lovers because of the importance of the grape harvest season.

Winter

The countryside can look completely different after rainfall, and cooler temperatures make walking more comfortable.

How Long Do You Need?

You can visit Tala and Kathikas in half a day, but a full day is much better.

3–4 hours

Tala + one winery + quick lunch

5–6 hours

Tala + Agios Neophytos + Kathikas + winery + lunch

Full day

Tala + monastery + Kathikas + winery visits + traditional lunch + additional villages

If you’re travelling all the way from Paphos, don’t rush.

The villages are best enjoyed slowly.

Family-Friendly or Adults Only?

You don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to enjoy this trip.

Families can enjoy:

• Village walks
• Countryside scenery
• Traditional food
• Churches
• Photography
• Local culture

For adults, winery visits can become the main attraction.

If you’re travelling with children, choose wineries and restaurants that offer family-friendly facilities and always check their current arrangements.

What Else Can You See Nearby?

One of the great advantages of visiting Kathikas is its location.

The village can be used as a gateway towards several attractions in the north-west of Cyprus. Official tourism information highlights its convenient position for visiting Polis, the Baths of Aphrodite, Akamas Peninsula and Lara Bay.

🌿 Akamas Peninsula

Continue north towards one of Cyprus’s most spectacular natural areas.

👉 Explore more Cyprus experiences on GoVisit Cyprus

🏖️ Polis & Latchi

Combine your wine-village adventure with lunch beside the sea.

🌊 Blue Lagoon

If you’re staying longer in the area, consider a boat trip from Latchi towards the Blue Lagoon.

🥾 Avakas Gorge

For active travellers, the Akamas area provides opportunities for hiking and exploring.

Paphos Wine Villages: A Great Alternative to the Beach

One of the best things about Cyprus is how quickly the landscape changes.

In the morning you can be swimming in the Mediterranean.

A short drive later, you’re surrounded by vineyards.

Then you’re sitting at a village taverna eating traditional Cypriot food while looking across the hills.

That’s what makes Tala and Kathikas worth visiting.

They offer an opportunity to experience a quieter and more traditional side of Paphos — one that many visitors miss when they stay exclusively around the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kathikas worth visiting?

Yes. Kathikas is one of the Paphos region’s traditional wine villages and forms part of the Laona–Akamas Wine Route. It is also surrounded by vineyards and traditional tavernas.

How far is Kathikas from Paphos?

Kathikas is approximately 23 km north of Paphos.

Can you visit wineries in Kathikas?

Yes. Kathikas has wineries where visitors can learn about and taste local wines. Always check opening times and tasting arrangements before travelling.

What wine is Cyprus famous for?

Cyprus has several indigenous grape varieties, including Xynisteri for white wines and Maratheftiko for reds.

Is Tala worth visiting?

Yes. Tala offers a very different atmosphere from coastal Paphos, with its elevated position, village setting and views across the surrounding area.

Can you visit Tala and Kathikas in one day?

Absolutely. The two villages work very well as part of a full-day Paphos countryside itinerary.

Do I need a car?

A car is the most flexible option, especially if you want to visit several wineries and surrounding villages. An organised wine tour or private driver is another option if you want to taste wine without driving.

What should I combine with Kathikas?

Kathikas can easily be combined with Tala, Agios Neophytos, Polis, Latchi or the Akamas Peninsula.

Quick Visitor Guide

Discover the Paphos Wine Villages

The beaches of Paphos may be what first attracts you to Cyprus, but the villages in the hills can become some of the most memorable parts of your holiday.

Spend the morning looking across the coast from Tala.

Explore a monastery.

Drive through vineyards.

Taste a glass of Cypriot wine in Kathikas.

Sit down to a traditional lunch.

Then take the scenic road towards the coast as the afternoon light changes.

This is the Cyprus beyond the beaches — slower, greener, more traditional and full of flavour.

If you’re staying in Paphos, make sure you put Tala and Kathikas on your Cyprus itinerary.

👉 Explore more Paphos travel guides on GoVisit Cyprus