Paphos & Akamas · Paphos district
Kathikas Κάθηκας
Wine village above the Avakas Gorge, with a moving Easter tradition
Kathikas is a Laona wine village of Xynisteri vineyards and old stone houses, the gateway to the Avakas Gorge, with a grape festival in August.
Why visit Kathikas
- Hike the Avakas Gorge below the plateau
- Wineries and agrotourism in century-old houses
- Grape festival in August and a Good Friday Passion procession
Paphos & Akamas, Paphos district
655 metres
Paphos, about 15 km as the crow flies
Spring for Avakas and Easter; August for grapes.
Xynisteri wine, Village halloumi
A few buses a day
About the village Kathikas
Kathikas sits on the Laona plateau, 23 km north of Paphos, at almost 700 metres. It is known for grapes such as Xynisteri and has a flourishing agrotourism scene in houses over a century old. The Laona plateau villages sit above the Akamas peninsula and are linked by the Laona–Akamas wine route.
Nearby are the Avakas Gorge and the ruins of old Theletra, abandoned in the 1980s for fear of landslides. A small donkey sanctuary adds to the village’s rural character.
Kathikas in pictures
Things to do in Kathikas
Avakas Gorge
A dramatic limestone gorge walk towards the coast.
Panagia Evangelistria church
The village church, end point of the Good Friday procession.
Wineries and tavernas
Taste Laona wines and eat in the village square.
Festivals and events in Kathikas
- August
Festival of the Grapes
August
The village celebrates its grape harvest.
- April, May
Good Friday Passion procession
Orthodox Good Friday (April or early May)
The community council president carries the cross from Agios Onoufrios chapel to Panagia Evangelistria, followed by the villagers.
Festival dates move from year to year. Confirm with the community council or Visit Cyprus before you travel.
Getting to Kathikas
A few buses a day
On a typical weekday (Monday, 12 October 2026) about 12 bus trips in both directions stop within 800 m of the village, on these lines:
- Paphos Buses (OSYPA): lines 641, 648
Rural services are often timed for school and work, so check the return times before you set off.
Check the bus from your hotelDirections to Kathikas (opens Google Maps in a new tab)Car, taxi or tour
Village roads are narrow and winding, but a hire car or taxi lets you combine several villages in a day. Day tours to the Troodos and wine villages leave from the main resorts.
Day trips that visit Kathikas
No car? These tours stop in Kathikas, with pickup from the coast. Booking links are affiliate links; details.
From Paphos · 4.5 hours
Paphos half-day wine tour: Kathikas & Amargeti
Family wineries in the Paphos hills, in a car of no more than six
€95 per adult
Villages near Kathikas
Pano Arodes3 km away · On the edge of Akamas, with a love-potion legend
Miliou4 km away · One of the smallest and greenest villages, with a monastery spa
Kritou Terra5 km away · Green all year, with a rare domed church and a painted “casino”
Ineia6 km away · Wine, basket weaving and views over Lara BayKeep exploring
Kathikas: questions
Why visit Kathikas?
Hike the Avakas Gorge below the plateau. Wineries and agrotourism in century-old houses. Grape festival in August and a Good Friday Passion procession.
What is there to do in Kathikas?
Avakas Gorge: A dramatic limestone gorge walk towards the coast. Panagia Evangelistria church: The village church, end point of the Good Friday procession. Wineries and tavernas: Taste Laona wines and eat in the village square.
When is the festival in Kathikas?
Festival of the Grapes: August. Good Friday Passion procession: Orthodox Good Friday (April or early May).
Can you get to Kathikas by bus?
Yes, but only a few buses a day on weekdays: Paphos Buses (OSYPA) 641, 648. Check the timetable before you travel.
Sources
Information checked on 2026-10-10. Bus lines come from the official Motion GTFS timetables. Opening hours and festival dates change, so confirm before you go.
Visit Cyprus: Kathikas village ↗Wikipedia: Kathikas ↗