Droushia Village
High on the Laona plateau of western Cyprus, Droushia (sometimes written Drouseia or Dhrousha) is a village that lives up to its name. In Greek, droserá means “cool” or “fresh,” and that is exactly what you’ll feel when you arrive. Perched around 630 meters above sea level, it’s only a short drive from Paphos or Polis, yet it feels like a world apart—a place where the stone-built houses are wrapped in gardens, the narrow lanes are shaded by vines, and the summer heat is tempered by a steady mountain breeze rolling down from the Akamas Peninsula.
A Village in the Wind
The first thing visitors notice in Droushia is the air. Summers across Cyprus can be fierce, but here the plateau’s elevation keeps things milder, with evenings often cool enough to need a light sweater even in July. The breeze has shaped not just the climate but the rhythm of life in the village—afternoons are unhurried, doorways are left open to let the wind flow, and shaded courtyards become natural living rooms.
Walking through the village, you’ll find cobblestone lanes flanked by limestone houses, many with bright blue shutters and carved wooden doors. Some have been lovingly restored into boutique guesthouses, while others remain the homes of farming families who tend to olive groves, vineyards, and small orchards.
Things to See and Do
Explore the lanes
Droushia is a village for wandering. Every corner reveals something timeless: a tangle of bougainvillea spilling across a courtyard wall, an old kafeneio (coffee house) with men playing backgammon, or a quiet chapel with icons glowing in the candlelight.
Agios Georgios Nikoxilitis Monastery
Just outside the village lies a monastery founded centuries ago and rebuilt in the early 20th century after a fire. Its whitewashed walls, arched cloisters, and bell tower make it a serene spot for reflection and photography.
Rural Life & Crafts Centre
A modern addition to the village, this cultural space showcases the traditions of the Akamas region—textiles, tools, and crafts that tell the story of rural life. It’s small, but worth stepping inside to understand the character of Droushia beyond its beauty.
Hiking the Akamas trails
The village is perfectly placed for exploring the Akamas Peninsula, one of Cyprus’s most unspoiled natural areas. From here you can reach famous trails like Aphrodite, Adonis, or Smigies, which wind past juniper forests, limestone cliffs, and breathtaking sea views over Chrysochous Bay. For something more dramatic, the Avakas Gorge is a short drive away.
Open-air theatre and festivals
In the summer, the village comes alive with music and cultural events staged at its open-air theatre. Under a starlit sky, with the plateau breeze moving gently through the air, it’s a magical way to experience Cypriot hospitality and tradition.
Food and Drink
Cyprus is a land of food made for sharing, and Droushia is no exception. Village taverns here serve mezze the old-fashioned way—plate after plate of dips, grilled meats, vegetables, cheeses, and breads until the table is covered. Halloumi from local dairies is especially fresh, often served grilled with herbs or folded into pies.
Nearby Kathikas village is home to several wineries, including family-run estates where you can taste Xynisteri, the crisp white grape that thrives in this climate. Pairing a wine tasting with a leisurely Droushia lunch is a classic way to spend the day.
Staying in Droushia
The village has become a favorite for agrotourism. Traditional stone houses have been converted into small guest lodges and boutique hotels, many with courtyards, swimming pools, and wide terraces overlooking vineyards and the Mediterranean. Unlike the busier coastal resorts, evenings here are quiet—perfect for stargazing and slow dinners under vine-draped pergolas.
When to Visit
- Spring (April–June): Wildflowers bloom across the plateau, and hiking trails are at their best.
- Summer (July–August): While the coast swelters, Droushia’s breezes make the heat more forgiving.
- Autumn (September–November): Vineyards turn golden, and it’s ideal weather for wine tasting and countryside walks.
- Winter (December–February): Crisp days and cool nights make it cozy; fireplaces are lit in taverns, and the atmosphere turns rustic and calm.
A Perfect Day in Droushia
- Morning: Start with a strong Cypriot coffee in the village square, then set off for a short hike on the Smigies or Aphrodite trail for sweeping sea views.
- Lunch: Return for a mezze feast in a local taverna, trying grilled halloumi, souvla, and village wine.
- Afternoon: Visit the Rural Life & Crafts Centre or take a short drive to Kathikas for a winery tour.
- Evening: Watch the sun sink into Chrysochous Bay from the open-air theatre, then enjoy dinner under the stars back in the village.
Why Droushia Stays with You
Droushia isn’t a place you rush through; it’s a place that slows you down. The stone houses, the cool air, the taste of halloumi still warm from the pan, the golden light over the Akamas hills—it all lingers long after you leave. Whether you come for the hiking, the food, or simply to sit and listen to the wind, Droushia offers an authentic, refreshing Cyprus experience, as timeless as the plateau it rests on.
