Red-soil villages · Famagusta district

Sotira Σωτήρα

Kolokasi festival and a cluster of medieval churches

Local food History🚌 Regular buses

Sotira is a red-soil village named after Christ the Saviour, famous for kolokasi (taro root), with a September festival and churches from the 13th to 16th centuries.

The church of Anastasis tou Sotiros in Sotira

Why visit Sotira

  1. Kolokasi Festival every September
  2. Medieval churches, including the cross-shaped Panagia Chordakion
  3. Traditional Festival in late June or early July
Region

Red-soil villages, Famagusta district

Nearest town

Ayia Napa, about 7 km as the crow flies

Best time to visit

September for kolokasi; early summer for the traditional festival.

Local flavours

Kolokasi (taro), Watermelons, Pomegranates

By bus

Regular buses

About the village Sotira

Sotira was founded in the Byzantine period and named after the Saviour (Sotiros Christou). It grows watermelons, figs, pomegranates and kolokasi, a taro root much loved in Cypriot cooking.

Its 16th-century church of the Transfiguration is a significant medieval monument, and there are several churches from the 13th to 16th centuries around the village.

Bell towers of the Anastasis tou Sotiros church, Sotira

Things to do in Sotira

Metamorfosis tou Sotiros

The 16th-century village church.

Ecclesiastical Museum

Icons and church treasures.

Medieval churches

Panagia Chordakion, Agios Georgios Chordakion, Agios Theodoros and Agios Mamas.

Festivals and events in Sotira

  • September

    Kolokasi Festival

    September

    Celebrates the village’s taro root.

  • June, July

    Traditional Festival of Sotira

    End of June or start of July

    Stalls, entertainment, food and drink.

  • August

    Feast of the Saviour

    6 August

    The village’s big religious festival.

Festival dates move from year to year. Confirm with the community council or Visit Cyprus before you travel.

Getting to Sotira

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 Sotira

The old church of Archangelos Michael in FrenarosFrenaros3 km away · Watermelons and 12th-century Byzantine churchesArcaded courtyard of the Deryneia Folk Art MuseumDeryneia3 km away · Strawberries, a folk museum and views of FamagustaFish tavern by the water at Potamos LiopetriouLiopetri6 km away · Potatoes, a fishing river and a famous 1958 battleThe church of Saints Peter and Paul in AvgorouAvgorou10 km away · Red earth, a Potato Festival and a big saints’ fair

Keep exploring

All villages of Cyprus →Nature trails in Cyprus →Cyprus with kids →Plan a bus journey →

Sotira: questions

Why visit Sotira?

Kolokasi Festival every September. Medieval churches, including the cross-shaped Panagia Chordakion. Traditional Festival in late June or early July.

What is there to do in Sotira?

Metamorfosis tou Sotiros: The 16th-century village church. Ecclesiastical Museum: Icons and church treasures. Medieval churches: Panagia Chordakion, Agios Georgios Chordakion, Agios Theodoros and Agios Mamas.

When is the festival in Sotira?

Kolokasi Festival: September. Traditional Festival of Sotira: End of June or start of July. Feast of the Saviour: 6 August.

Can you get to Sotira by bus?

Yes, with regular buses on weekdays: OSEA (Famagusta district buses) 701A, 703, 705A, 709, 710, 714, 714A. 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: Sotira village ↗