Anomalous Zone near Droushia in the Republic of Cyprus: Location and How to Get There
An anomalous zone in the Republic of Cyprus is located near the village of Droushia in the Paphos district, on the road toward Polis. On-site, it appears as though water, a ball, or a car in neutral gear rolls uphill; however, this is not a physical anomaly, but a well-known optical illusion known as a gravity hill. The location is free to visit, there is almost no infrastructure, and it is inconvenient to reach by public transport, so it is more practical to travel by car during daylight hours.
Below is the exact location, an explanation of what actually happens on this stretch of road, how to safely observe the effect, and what else you can add to your trip through the western part of the Republic of Cyprus.
- Where the anomalous zone is located
- What this place actually is
- How to get there
- What is important to know before the trip
- What to see nearby
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where the anomalous zone is located
The location is situated in the western part of the Republic of Cyprus, near the village of Droushia in the Paphos district, on the road between the Paphos area and Polis Chrysochous.
This is not a separate park or a developed attraction, but a short stretch of road that tourists and locals usually refer to as the anti-gravity road, gravity hill, or "anomalous zone."
What this place actually is
The effect is not related to a "violation of gravity" but to the specific features of the terrain and the horizon. Due to an optical illusion, a section that actually has a slight downward slope is perceived as an incline. Therefore, water, a bottle, a ball, or a car without engine power visually appear to move upward.
This is precisely why the site is interesting as a short stop on a route rather than a full-fledged attraction for several hours. Usually, 10–20 minutes are allocated for a visit.
How to get there
It is most practical to go by car rather than public transport. If you plan to combine it with Akamas, the Baths of Aphrodite, or Polis, you can compare rental options through Localrent.
By car
From Paphos, the drive usually takes less than an hour depending on the starting point. It is convenient to plan the route through Droushia and then move along the road toward Polis. It is better to use a navigator with coordinates, as this is not a classic urban landmark with noticeable infrastructure.
By taxi
You can also reach it by taxi, but for a short stop, this option is usually less cost-effective, especially if you want to continue traveling to natural locations in the western part of the Republic of Cyprus afterward.
How to do it
- Plan your trip during the day to clearly see the road terrain and stop safely.
- Do not block the roadway and do not conduct the experiment in areas with heavy traffic.
- If you want to combine the trip with other locations, add Droushia, Polis, or the Baths of Aphrodite to the same itinerary.
What is important to know before the trip
This is a regular road, not a closed tourist site. Therefore, the main concern here is not tickets or opening hours, but safety. You should only stop where it does not obstruct traffic or pose a risk to other vehicles.
Do not step into the middle of the road for photos or videos, and certainly do not check the effect in low-visibility conditions. After rain or at dusk, such a stop becomes less convenient.
It is best to treat the location as a short scenic roadside stop rather than a standalone "major" attraction.
What to see nearby
Droushia
Droushia is a convenient point for a short stop before or after visiting the anomalous zone. It is a mountain village with views toward the coast and cooler weather compared to the shore.
Polis Chrysochous
If you continue the route, it is convenient to drive to Polis and further to the coastal part of the district. This is a good option if you want to combine an unusual roadside point with the sea, a walk, and lunch.
Baths of Aphrodite
The Baths of Aphrodite is one of the most popular stops in this part of the Republic of Cyprus. It is often added to the same itinerary if the trip continues toward Latsi and the Akamas Peninsula.
Akamas
If you have nearly a whole day, the anomalous zone can be included in a longer route through the western part of the Republic of Cyprus along with Akamas, observation decks, and coastal locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the anomalous zone in the Republic of Cyprus located?
It is located in the Paphos district, near the village of Droushia, on the road toward Polis.
Is it really an anomaly?
No. It is an optical illusion of the gravity hill type, where a slight descent visually looks like an ascent.
How much does it cost to visit?
Nothing. It is an open stretch of road with no ticket booths or entry fees.
Can I get there without a car?
Theoretically, you can combine a route with a taxi, but in practice, a car is more convenient because the location is outside standard urban tourist routes.
How much time should I set aside?
Usually, 10–20 minutes is enough. Most often, this point is visited on the way to other locations in the western part of the Republic of Cyprus.
Is the place suitable for children?
Yes, as a short stop, but only under strict adult supervision because it involves a regular road, not a pedestrian area.
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I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…