CYPRUS AGROTOURISM - A MAGICAL JOURNEY FROM LAONA TO AKAMAS [TIA DOES TRAVEL]

 Cyprus Mail 4 November 2020

by Tia

Cyprus Agrotourism and in particular my new Travel show ”Tia Does Agrotourism” are all about showcasing the hidden beauties of Cyprus. These agrotourism beauties go far beyond the beaches, nightlife, and busy cities. In this episode, -episode 2- we concentrate on Pafos Region – and in particular, the wine route from Laona to Akamas. My personal favorites? Kathikas village, the breathtaking Akamas and Arodes Village. Keep reading to find out more, and immerse yourself in culture, wine, nature, and all the beauties of our island!

Cyprus Agrotourism – Kathikas Village

Kathikas is located in the region of Paphos at an altitude of almost 700 meters. It’s a small and traditional village yes, but I was impressed with how well kept, and beautiful it was! Just 23 km north of Paphos you will find a modern village with all traditional charm, folkloric architecture, churches, cultural events, and nature trails you can imagine! Kathikas is Cyprus Agrotourism at its finest, and most convenient!

Tia’s Tips: Kathikas is perfect for all seasons – if you are after a traditional Orthodox Christian Easter experience, then pencil Kathikas in. On Good Friday, the village reenacts the ‘Passion of the Christ’, where the President of the Community Council assumes the role of Jesus. During the procession, he carries the cross from the chapel of Agios Onouphrios up until Panagia Evaggelistria church, while the rest of the village follows through. I personally haven’t heard of another village that has this, so it was worth noting!

Wineries in Kathikas

Kathikas Village is one of the Laona Villages in Pafos District – an area famous for its wine production. I visited two wineries in the village – both entirely different from one each other – but both with a fascinating history behind them. They do have something in common though – work ethic, a vision, and a true passion for wine.

Vasilikon Winery

Vasilikon is certainly impressive! Founded in 1993, by brothers Heracles, Georgios, and Giannis Kyriakides it has since won over 100 awards in local and international wine competitions! As one of the first local wineries in Cyprus, they started off modestly, but in 2010 it moved to its new location.The new Vasilikon winery is absolutely stunning, boasting indoor and outdoor spaces for events, a breakfast setting, and wine tasting as well as the production spaces for their wines!

The Varieties the vineyards produce are Xinisteri, Lefkada, Morokanela, Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The small museum takes you through the fascinating history of winemaking. Alternatively, you can enjoy a traditional Cypriot breakfast, or cheese and wine overlooking the vineyards and Akamas Peninsula.

Sterna Winery

One of the things I loved the most about Sterna Winery is their pride is being a small local winery with traditional roots. The love that Savvas has for his 5 outstanding wines is evident and rather heartwarming to see!

Sterna Winery may be small and local, but it has been producing wine for many generations and their experience is present in the wine. The most fascinating fact? Its Location, that is situated above ancient springs and 31 caves dating back over 3000 years!

In the ancient times, wines were kept in dark caves instead of fridges, and at Sterna, one such cave is still used to store the wines! The darkness of the cave cellar and its isothermic conditions (15-16’C) maintained all year round, create the ideal conditions for aging the fine wines.

You can visit the winery today, for breakfast, coffee, or wine tasting! There is also a traditional museum, the cave cellar, and of course, 5 outstanding wines and the hospitality of Mr. Savvas.

The Sterna Winery is open to visitors 7 days a week from 9.30am to 6.00pm

Where to stay in Kathikas

The village isn’t huge, so staying centrally isn’t an issue here! Here are some beautiful accommodation options I tried and tested!

Michalis Anoyia 

In the heart of Kathikas village, lies the remarkable and newly renovated Anoyia. The renovation was so gentle it didn’t touch any of its traditional characteristics, but rather, it only added modern comforts. The two-level building is decorated with handpicked items and local artifacts. My room had an attic, with a traditional double bed with a private bathroom, kitchenette, and fireplace. From the upper floor, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Paphos forests and Troodos mountains. Downstairs, there was a kitchen, bathroom and shower, and a living room with a small dining table and television.

General Facilities: Balcony/Veranda, Free Wi-Fi Access

Indoor Facilities: Air conditioning, Cooker, DVD player, Fire Place, Kitchenette, Shower, TV

Local Activities: Hiking

Outdoor Facilities: Courtyard Furniture, Yard

Services: Grocery store nearby, Linen and Towels Provided, Self-Catering

Loxandra House

You will feel welcome at Loxandras House from the minute you walk through the large entrance door, and into the huge, stone-paved courtyard and lush garden.
The building consists of three one-bedroom apartments (with two beds and a sofa bed) and one studio.
My room on the upper floor had a balcony with magnificent views to the sea of Akamas and the garden below.

General Facilities: Balcony/Veranda, Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi Access, Parking Space

Indoor Facilities: 2 Single Beds, Air conditioning, Baby cot, Dish Washer, Double Bed, Fans, Fridge, Semi Equipped Kitchen, Hairdryer, Kitchenette, Private Bathrooms with Showers, Shower, TV, Washing Machine. Additionally, Laundry Room available, Linen and Towels Provided, Self-Catering, Welcome drinks & platters

Outdoor Facilities: Barbecue Facilities, Courtyard Furniture, Garden, Garden Furniture, Outdoor Furniture, Veranda

Food in Kathikas

Kathikas is a village known for its outstanding food and traditional Cyprus Taverns. There are a plethora of taverns to choose from, and each one mentioned below will provide a culinary experience you are unlikely to forget any time soon! Cyprus Agrotourism food heaven? Check!

Local Cypriots will appreciate the quality and standard of these taverns – after all, we Cypriots are masters of the ”meze”. Travelers will definitely be shocked and fascinated by the sheer volume of mouthwatering food that will descend upon your table! In fact, many if not all of the Cypriot Dishes you have to eat, are all included in these taverns meze menu.

Steratzia Tavern

If you want fresh, homemade food that’s made with love, then keep reading. Steratzia is a relatively new tavern in the village – with a large outdoor seating area, good prices, and excellent food. It also boasts one of the best sunset views in the village so I highly guaranteed a visit around 7 pm to catch it in all its glory!

We opted for the meze – and devoured each freshly made dish as it came! The staff is polite, fast, and welcoming, and the chef and owner of this gem came out to greet the customers several times throughout the evening – always a nice touch! Carry a light cardigan or a pashmina to cover up – it gets a bit windy at night!

Address: Panagias Evaggelistrias 7, Kathikas 8573

Tel: 99 256469

Opening Hours: Sunday- 12-5pm. Closed on Wednesdays. All other days, open from 5-10pm

Other gorgeous taverns you MUST visit

• Giannis Tavern
• To steki tou Panai
• Araouzos Tavern

If you are after breakfast, coffee, delicious waffles, or a cocktail then the Kathikas Gin bar is the place for you! I was positively impressed by the choice of cocktails provided – and the waffle was the sugar boost I needed after filming for 12 hours straight! You will find the gin bar right in the center of the village’s square.

Sports and Activities

Are you a hiking fan? Do you like to walk or bike through nature and have picnics in rich forested areas? If the answer is yes, then prepare to be excited! Kathikas is home to many nature trails but here are two of my favorites:

Koronoia 

• Mountiko Trail. A 14 km moderate to difficult trail
• Ayiasma Trail – An 8km easy to moderate trail

Cyprus Agrotourism – The breathtaking Akamas peninsula

The Akamas Peninsula is without a shadow of a doubt, a true nature’s paradise, and one of Cyprus Agrotourism gems. Sure, it’s not a village, but its close proximity to the wine villages mentioned in this article means one thing. That it is perfect to include in your road trip – and trust me; you WANT to include it in!

Akamas National Park lies covers an area of a whopping 230 square kilometers and here you will find gorges, valleys, and beautiful beaches. The wildlife here flourishes and it is found in abundance! Over 168 varieties of birds, mammals, 20 species of butterflies and different reptiles, and of course, a very rich variety of fauna. The important significance of the Akamas Peninsula has been duly noted; The European Council has included it in its Mediterranean Protection Programme. This is Akamas. This is Cyprus!

In this region, you will find some of the island’s most paradisaical locations; Blue Lagoon, Lara Beach, Toxeftra Beach, Avakas Gorge, Pegeia Port, and Aphrodites baths!

Avakas Gorge

Avakas Gorge is a breathtaking masterpiece of nature and a trekkers paradise – a destinations everyone in Cyprus should visit! You will find it located at the start of the Akamas Peninsula just16km west of Pafos. Nature and trekking enthusiasts will be additionally excited to discover magnificent nature views, and incredibly rich flora and fauna. The hike lasts for about 45 minutes – but feel free to take your time!

Avakas Advice:

• Carry Water – lots of it
• Wear a hat- particularly if your skin is not used to the sun
• Wear comfortable clothing and sport shoes or trekking shoes
• Keep valuables in a waterproof bag
• Visit during the end of summer, spring or autumn
• Do NOT visit during the winter months! The water levels rise creating a deep torrent, that deems it unsafe to do so.
• Do not enter, alone – and let someone know of your whereabouts. Anything could happen- from a snake bite, to a fall from a slippery rock!
• Please beware that at some point, when you are deep in the hike, your phone will have no signal- so don’t panic.
• Make sure you are finished with the trek by 6-7 pm the latest. The ”directiors” are not easy to read (sometimes its just an arrow on a rock) so please avoid walking around without having full vision.

Where to eat in Avakas 

In my humble opinion, there is one place that outshines them all – and that is none other than Viklari. Hands down the best souvla I have ever eaten in Cyprus (Sorry Uncle Takis!) and this is coming from my Cypriot food-obsessed self! The food is simple – souvla, potatoes, and Cyprus salad – and my goodness you don’t need much else either! Plentiful, fresh, and out of this world mouthwatering. 10/10 from me, and the filming crew!Viklari is actually situated next to the parking for Avakas Trail – so it is definitely convenient and can easily be combined. I actually had a late lunch at 4 pm and then set off to Avakas at about 5 pm. You could either hike in the morning or afternoon, but I would suggest trying to catch the sunset at the restaurant – it is truly magical! The outdoor area is huge and totally covered by arbor heaving with grapes – providing shade and amping the scenery. What a gorgeous place!

Beware – this place gets BUSY, so I would suggest a reservation! Chicken and pork souvla are on offer, but lamb souvla can also be arranged if you call ahead and pre-order.

Tel: 26 991088

Opening Hours: 11am- 5pm. Closed on Mondays

Address: Avakas Gorge Rd, Peyia

Other beautiful places to visit in Avakas

• Limanaki Peyia
• St George church – Peyia (Also at Limanaki Peyias)
• Toxeftra Beach – Next to Avakas
• Lara Beach – A 15-minute drive that requires a 4×4
• Blue Lagoon
• Aphrodite’s Baths

Arodes Village

The village of Arodes is about 23 km northeast of the town of Paphos, at an altitude of 590 m above sea level. In Just 7 km you can visit the beach and the incredible Akamas. The village is divided into two; Pano Arodes (mainly Greek Cypriot) and Kato Arodes (previously mainly Turkish Cypriot). The Christian village contains an eighteenth-century Church of St. Kelandion, an early bishop of Paphos. The village is beautiful, full of trees, cobbled streets, and quaint little alleys.

Other Places of Interest in Arodes

• I Spilia tis Christinous. This cave has an old-tale super interesting story behind it, Legend says that the priest of the village had a very beautiful daughter. Word of her beauty traveled far and wide, and the Turks arrived at the village to steal her away from her family. Her father tried to protect her, and hid her in a cave – and told the Turks he had no daughter! The Turks didn’t believe him, and they almost didn’t beat him to death, but he kept insisting – he has no daughter! But Christinou couldn’t bear her father’s suffering any longer; and she revealed herself…The Turks grabbed her immediately. Before she was taken away, her mother approached for one last embrace, where she fed Christinou the poison that would end her suffering!
• Visit the two Virgin of Chrysospiliotissa’ churches – right above Spilia tis Christinous
• Say a prayer at Saint Kalandion – the only church in Cyprus dedicated to this saint. To the north side of the church, you will find the large stone sarcophagus of St. Agapiticos, while the companion one of St. Misiticos is to the south.
• The Holy well of Saint Kalandion, in a peaceful valley one kilometer outside the village, has recently been restored. Water from this well is said to be beneficial for sufferers from skin diseases.
• Hike in the areas many nature trails for a Cyprus Agrotourism authentic experience

Thank you for reading through Episode 2 of Tia Does Agrotourism! I hope to see you all in one of these Cyprus Agrotourism destinations soon! Don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel – to watch the new video episodes as they are uploaded every two weeks!

Love, Tia