Wine Villages Near Paphos

The wine villages at a glance

Kathikas and the Laona plateau

Kathikas is the gateway to the Laona plateau, a limestone upland of vineyards between Paphos and the Akamas. Nearby villages such as Pano and Kato Arodes, Ineia and Drouseia are worth a slow drive, with views over the Akamas coast.

Kathikas has two wineries in our listings, Vasilikon and Sterna, so you can taste at both without more driving. If you only have one wine afternoon, make it this one.

Stroumbi and the road to Polis

Stroumbi sits on the main road from Paphos to Polis, about 20 minutes north of the town, and is ringed by bush-trained vineyards. It is an easy stop on the way to Polis and Latchi if you do not have time for a dedicated wine afternoon.

Tala, Tsada and Agios Neophytos

On the lower slopes just above Paphos, Tala and Tsada are hill villages rather than wine villages, but they sit on the way up. Near Tala, Agios Neophytos Monastery — about 15–20 minutes' drive from Paphos — has some of the finest Byzantine wall paintings in the area, in cells carved into the cliff. It makes a cool, quiet first stop before the tastings. Cover shoulders and knees.

The Ezousa valley

North-east of Paphos, the Ezousa valley is quieter than Laona. Tsangarides Winery at Lemona, a family winery known for organic production, is the reason most visitors come, and small villages such as Letymvou sit in the hills around it.

Panagia and the high villages

Panagia is a mountain village on the edge of Paphos Forest, known for wine and as the birthplace of Archbishop Makarios III, Cyprus' first president. Vouni Panayia Winery works with indigenous grapes, and Kolios at Statos–Agios Fotios is on the way up. It is a longer, winding drive — combine it with Cedar Valley only if you start early.

Suggested half-day

1. Leave Paphos after lunch; drive up via Tala or Peyia.
2. One or two wineries around Kathikas (check booking requirements).
3. Wander one of the Laona villages.
4. Head down to the coast for sunset at the Peyia sea caves.

Suggested full day

1. Morning at Agios Neophytos Monastery, while it is cool.
2. Drive on into the hills to Statos–Agios Fotios and Panagia for a tasting and lunch in the village.
3. Afternoon tasting on the way back, or continue to Kathikas if you have the energy.
4. Be back on the coast road before dark — the hill roads are slow.

Village etiquette

• Village streets are narrow: park on the edge and walk in.
• Churches are places of worship — dress modestly and keep voices down if a service is on.
• Many villages are quiet in the early afternoon; tavernas are the exception.
• Book wineries ahead rather than turning up, especially the smaller ones.

What you will be tasting

The villages grow mostly native grapes: Xynisteri for fresh whites, Maratheftiko and Mavro for reds, and revived varieties such as Yiannoudi and Promara. The sweet Commandaria you will see on menus comes from villages above Limassol, not from Paphos. More on the grapes and producers in wineries near Paphos.

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal: green or golden vineyards, comfortable temperatures and clear views to the coast. Late summer into early autumn is harvest time. The hills are usually a little cooler than the coast in summer, but midday is still hot — plan village walks for the morning or late afternoon. In winter the villages are quiet; check that wineries and tavernas are open before you drive up.

Staying in the hills

Villas and village houses around Tala and Kathikas suit a second visit or a slower trip: views, quiet and wine on the doorstep. The trade-off is that every outing — the beach, the harbour, dinner in town — is a drive. See where to stay in Paphos for how the hill villages compare with Kato Paphos and Coral Bay.