Agios Nikolaos ton Gaton Monastery of the Cats
A unique monastery famous for its hundreds of friendly cats, offering a peaceful sanctuary with stunning mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cats are most active
Agios Nikolaos ton Gaton Monastery of the Cats
Best Time
Cats are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique monastery famous for its hundreds of friendly cats, offering a peaceful sanctuary with stunning mountain views.
"For the feline lovers, this is heaven!"
🐾 Bring Wet Cat Food!
Wet food is a huge hit! Dry food is less appealing. Be ready for a cat 'swarm'!
🚗 Drive Here
It's off the beaten track. Driving is the easiest way to access this peaceful sanctuary.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Feline Residents
Throughout the monastery grounds
Hundreds of curious and friendly cats roam freely, making this a paradise for cat lovers.
Monastery Architecture
Main monastery building
A simple yet serene monastery offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful mountain vistas.
Honesty Box Gifts
Near the parking area
Purchase local crafts and goods from an honesty box, supporting the monastery's upkeep.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cat Haven Alert!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Bring Wet Cat Food!
Wet food is a huge hit! Dry food is less appealing. Be ready for a cat 'swarm'!
🚗 Drive Here
It's off the beaten track. Driving is the easiest way to access this peaceful sanctuary.
⏰ Check Opening Times
The monastery may close for lunch. Be aware of their schedule to avoid disappointment.
💰 Honesty Box for Gifts
Support the monastery by purchasing local items via the honesty box. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Bring Wet Cat Food!
Wet food is a huge hit! Dry food is less appealing. Be ready for a cat 'swarm'!
🚗 Drive Here
It's off the beaten track. Driving is the easiest way to access this peaceful sanctuary.
⏰ Check Opening Times
The monastery may close for lunch. Be aware of their schedule to avoid disappointment.
💰 Honesty Box for Gifts
Support the monastery by purchasing local items via the honesty box. +1
🧘♀️ Embrace the Peace
It's a tranquil spot for reflection with lovely mountain views. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly praise the Monastery of the Cats for its incredible feline population, describing it as a 'paradise' for cat lovers. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic mountain views are also frequently highlighted. While the monastery itself is simple, the unique experience of interacting with hundreds of friendly cats makes it a highly recommended and memorable stop.
"Interesting place to visit and likely to be quiet as it is off the beaten track, not somewhere you would stumble upon. Recommend driving there. Otherwise, it’s well looked after and a peaceful sanctuary to take a break. Obviously there are cats everywhere, most are curious and friendly and this would be the reason to visit. There is a table of goods, perhaps locally derived and is run as honesty payment for anything you take. Doesn’t take too long to see most of what’s here but you could just sit and take in the peace. Good parking area"
Philip Lee
"It's a monastery alright, but the main attraction are really the kitties. I'd guess 100 at least, probably more like 200.
If you come, bring some food and lots of time to pet them all.
If you don't have any food, at the parking you can throw a coin in and food comes out. Take some out and being it to the others that aren't camping the parking space.
Even if you're near the monastery, e.g. on the salt like trail, you'll find lots of kitties.
For the feline lovers, this is heaven!"
Heflamoke
"Called in after hearing about all the cats here to see for ourselves.
It's free to enter, they do close for lunch and may lock the gates to eat in peace, so be aware of opening times.
There is a table with various gifts for sale and an honesty box for you to leave payment.
Plenty of free parking and as soon as you get out of the car there are cats all over and are likely to come up to you straight away.
Next to the car park are some cabins where the cats live, interesting to look at and see how the cats are looked after.
The place is tranquil and serene and a nice place to reflect. With great views of the Trodos mountains.
Not much to see here but if you like cats, plenty of cats then this is the place to visit."
Mark Holman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Driving is highly recommended as the monastery is off the main tourist routes. There is a good parking area available. +1 Public transport options are limited and may require significant walking.
It's not somewhere you'd stumble upon, so using GPS or a map is advised. The journey itself offers scenic views.
Roads leading to the monastery are generally well-maintained, but can be narrow in places.
While possible, it's a considerable distance and not the most practical option for most visitors.
Yes, there is a good and free parking area right next to the monastery. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the monastery grounds is free.
The monastery may close for lunch, so it's advisable to check their specific opening times before visiting.
It's best to visit during daylight hours. Be mindful of potential lunch closures.
No booking is required. It's a walk-in attraction.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the monastic environment and the well-being of the cats.
🎫 🐈 Onsite Experience
The primary draw is the large population of friendly cats that inhabit the monastery grounds. +1 Many visitors come specifically for the cats.
Estimates range from at least 100 to over 200 cats, creating a truly unique feline environment.
Yes, most cats are very curious and friendly, often approaching visitors for pets and attention. +1
You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, admire the simple monastery architecture, and take in the views of the Troodos Mountains. +1
Yes, there's a table with locally derived goods sold on an honesty payment system. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The cats provide endless photo opportunities, and the mountain scenery is beautiful. +1
Capture candid moments with the cats, the monastery's architecture, and the surrounding landscapes. +1
Be respectful of the monastic setting. Avoid intrusive photography of any monks if present.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for photography, especially with the cats.
It's generally best to avoid flash photography, especially with animals, to prevent startling them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of wet cat food to make the visit extra special for the little ones (and the cats!). It's a guaranteed way to get the cats to gather around, creating memorable moments.
🐾 Cat Enthusiasts
Bringing wet food is a must to truly experience the 'cat swarm' phenomenon.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Enjoy the calm ambiance and the gentle presence of the cats. It's a wonderful place for quiet reflection, reading, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Feline Sanctuary
To enhance your visit and show appreciation, bringing wet cat food is highly recommended. While dry food is available via an honesty box, many reviewers note that the cats are particularly enthusiastic about wet food.
Beyond the cats, the monastery itself offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It's a place to reflect and enjoy the quiet, away from the usual tourist crowds. The surrounding Troodos Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop, adding to the tranquil ambiance.
Visiting the Monastery: Practicalities
Entry to the monastery grounds is free, but it's important to be aware of their opening hours. Some visitors have noted that the monastery may close for lunch, so it's wise to plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Remember that this is a place of worship, so while the cats are the main draw, maintaining a respectful demeanor is appreciated. The overall experience is one of quiet contemplation, punctuated by the delightful presence of numerous friendly cats.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit