The “Katikia” of Pandelis Zoumis by Apostolos Karayiannis

A “katikia” is a traditional farmhouse in the fields of Paros Island. It provided 

shelter and hearth to a family and its domesticated animals during various 

agricultural seasons. A katikia traditionally consisted of various different 

structures and spaces: indoors, a large wood-burning oven, a kitchen and a 

bedroom; outdoors, a threshing floor (aloni), a stone grape-pressing basin 

(patitiri), storehouses, cellars, a well, and the surroundings vineyards and 

cultivated fields.

The katikia was used as the family’s living quarters, for baking bread, making 

wine and cheese, and for the cultivation of wheat and vegetables. 

Pandelis Zoumis’s “Katikia” is one of very few that remain on the island of Paros. He 

has lovingly preserved it exactly as it was more than 100 years ago, with all its original 

elements intact and still fully functional.

Pandelis is an environmentally conscious organic farmer, a wine maker, an artisan 

blacksmith, and an amateur folk musician. He enjoys showing and sharing his little piece 

of paradise with visitors looking to experience an authentic and graceful way of life from 

bygone years and an exceptional feeling of peace and tranquility.

Sited on the highlands of Paros, just outside of the village of Kostos, Pandelis’s Katikia 

is a bridge from the present to the past. Here, visitors can get a glimpse of life as it used 

to be, wander around, browse the blacksmith workshop and ironworks, relax under the 

shade of the old fig tree, listen to cicadas, taste organic wine and other fresh delicacies, 

and connect with the earth and nature of Paros. 

Katikia is an intimate place that Pandelis has embraced and preserved with care and 

craftsmanship. It attracts nature-lovers, inspiration-seekers and exploratory travelers in 

search of history, traditional culture and authentic flavors. If you’re looking for the kind 

of simplicity and charm one sees in postcards but rarely finds in real life, this is a place 

and experience you’ll love.