Paphos & Akamas · Paphos district
Kritou Terra Κρήτου Τέρρα
Green all year, with a rare domed church and a painted “casino”
Kritou Terra is one of the prettiest Paphos villages, green all year thanks to one of the biggest springs in Cyprus, with the domed church of Agia Aikaterini nearby.
Why visit Kritou Terra
- The unusual multi-domed church of Agia Aikaterini
- Springs and a small waterfall
- Birthplace of the dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios
Paphos & Akamas, Paphos district
470 metres
Paphos, about 20 km as the crow flies
Spring for the springs and greenery.
Laona wine, Seasonal fruit
A few buses a day
About the village Kritou Terra
Kritou Terra overlooks Chrysochou Bay from the Laona area. Old maps mark “Critu” and “Terra” separately, suggesting two villages that merged. A large spring keeps it green all year.
It was the birthplace of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios, the most famous dragoman of Cyprus, and had the island’s first “casino” in the 19th century, decorated with rare folk wall paintings.
Kritou Terra in pictures
Things to do in Kritou Terra
Agia Aikaterini church
A restored domed church about 3 km away, opened once a year on the saint’s day.
Kremiotis waterfall
A small waterfall in the green valley.
Panagia Chryseleousa
The main village church.
Festivals and events in Kritou Terra
- November
Feast of Agia Aikaterini
25 November
The only day of the year the church of Agia Aikaterini opens for service.
Festival dates move from year to year. Confirm with the community council or Visit Cyprus before you travel.
Getting to Kritou Terra
A few buses a day
On a typical weekday (Monday, 12 October 2026) about 4 bus trips in both directions stop within 800 m of the village, on these lines:
- Paphos Buses (OSYPA): line 641
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 Kritou Terra (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.
Villages near Kritou Terra
Pano Arodes3 km away · On the edge of Akamas, with a love-potion legend
Ineia3 km away · Wine, basket weaving and views over Lara Bay
Miliou4 km away · One of the smallest and greenest villages, with a monastery spa
Kathikas5 km away · Wine village above the Avakas Gorge, with a moving Easter traditionKeep exploring
Kritou Terra: questions
Why visit Kritou Terra?
The unusual multi-domed church of Agia Aikaterini. Springs and a small waterfall. Birthplace of the dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios.
What is there to do in Kritou Terra?
Agia Aikaterini church: A restored domed church about 3 km away, opened once a year on the saint’s day. Kremiotis waterfall: A small waterfall in the green valley. Panagia Chryseleousa: The main village church.
When is the festival in Kritou Terra?
Feast of Agia Aikaterini: 25 November.
Can you get to Kritou Terra by bus?
Yes, but only a few buses a day on weekdays: Paphos Buses (OSYPA) 641. 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: Kritou Terra village ↗Wikipedia: Kritou Terra ↗