Drouseia village

LOCATION: Set on the high ground of the Laona plateau, Drouseia is 27 kilometres from Paphos and ten kilometres from Polis. Travelling north from Paphos to Polis on the B7, you can reach Drouseia by turning off at Stroumpi onto the E711 until Kathikas and then turning right onto the E709. Alternatively, if travelling from Polis, follow the signs to Latchi and take a left onto the E709 – Drouseia is about ten minutes further along.

POPULATION: The little village of Drouseia has a population of about 400.

ORIGIN OF NAME: The name Drouseia means ‘cool and fresh’ in Greek and this may refer to the cool breeze from the Akamas that refreshes Drouseia.

AMENITIES: There are two coffee shops that cater to the needs of the village, as well as two small supermarkets/kiosks. There are some very good tavernas in Drouseia and several supermarkets and kiosks. Once you’ve had a meze for lunch, why not visit the tiny weaving museum near the centre of the village? The nearest church is in the nearby village of Pano Arodes. But why not explore the ancient monastery of Agios Georgios Nikoxilitis on the eastern side of Drouseia. This monastery is thought to have been built in the 15th century and was rebuilt in 1923 after it was destroyed by fire.

Drouseia is a typical Cypriot village with many old stone houses bearing traditional architecture of carved doors and wooden windows. The winding streets add to the character of the village along with the renovated village houses. From Drouseia the views are stunning – you can see all the way across to the Troodos mountains and, looking north you can see Chrysochou Bay and the seaside towns of Latchi and Polis. Looking west, there are stunning views of the Akamas with many huge landforms scattered in between.

Until the 1980s, many of Drouseia’s villagers worked in the gold and copper mines near Polis. Now only one person carries on this tradition, as he has done for over 60 years, and you can find him in his workshop among Drouseia’s picturesque streets.

If it’s a typical traditional Cypriot village you’re after, with an excellent climate, then Drouseia will be perfect for your stone-built home.