Background

Bee & Embroidery Museum: A Glimpse into Cypriot Heritage

Discover Cypriot culture through beekeeping and embroidery in a traditional 300-year-old village house in Kato Drys, Larnaca.

4.7

Discover traditional Cypriot life at the Bee & Embroidery Museum in Kato Drys. Housed in a 300-year-old residence, this museum showcases beekeeping practices, intricate Lefkara lace, and the daily life of villagers through the ages.

A brief summary to Bee & Embroidery Museum

  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Kato Drys to admire the traditional architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
  • Check the museum's Facebook page for seasonal activities like olive, almond, and grape picking.
  • Purchase local honey, olive products, wine, and carobs for a taste of Kato Drys at home.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the village's narrow streets and uneven terrain.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From the A1 highway, take the exit towards Kato Drys. Follow the signs to the village center. Once in Kato Drys, the museum is located on the main road, Kato Drys 7714. Parking is available on nearby streets, typically free of charge. Be mindful of narrow streets when driving within the village.

  • Public Transport

    From Larnaca Airport, take the line 431 bus to Larnaca Station. Then, take the line 408 bus to Kofinou Station, followed by the line 404 bus to Kato Dris Rural Museum 1. From there, it is a short walk to the Bee & Embroidery Museum. The total journey takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes and costs between €6-€10. Alternatively, take the line 45 bus from Larnaca to Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, then take a taxi to Kato Drys. This takes about 38 minutes and costs €22-€27.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Larnaca International Airport. A taxi to Kato Drys takes around 34 minutes and costs approximately €45-€55.

Unlock the Best of Bee & Embroidery Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Bee & Embroidery Museum

The Bee & Embroidery Museum, nestled in the mountainous village of Kato Drys, offers an immersive experience into Cyprus's rich cultural heritage. Kato Drys, meaning 'lower oak' in Greek, is a picturesque village known for its traditional architecture and agrotourism appeal. The museum is housed within a meticulously restored 300-year-old residence, providing an authentic backdrop to the exhibits. The museum is dedicated to showcasing two significant aspects of Cypriot heritage: beekeeping and embroidery, both integral to the local economy and culture for centuries. Explore a vast collection of beekeeping tools, from traditional smokers and hives to modern honey extraction equipment. Informative displays detail the life cycle of bees, their crucial role in pollination, and the time-honored methods of honey production. The embroidery section features a stunning array of Lefkara lace, a renowned Cypriot handicraft. This intricate lacework, dating back to the Byzantine era, is characterized by its geometric patterns and delicate craftsmanship. The museum's collection includes examples from as early as 1880, showcasing the evolution of this art form over time. Beyond beekeeping and embroidery, the museum offers a glimpse into broader aspects of village life with displays of old farming equipment, household furniture, and traditional costumes. The museum also highlights the production of local delicacies such as Commandaria wine and Zivania, a traditional Cypriot spirit. Visitors may even have the opportunity to witness the preparation of homemade products like bread, dried figs, and fig pies, depending on the season. In an additional neoclassic house (built in 1937), a rich collection of traditional lace and embroidery (Lefkaritika) dating back to 1880 is exhibited, along with various heritage artifacts. There are even some old souvenirs that the owner's grandfather brought back from his trips to the UK to sell his lace, including collector's items from the coronations of King George and Queen Elizabeth.

Popular Experiences near Bee & Embroidery Museum

Popular Hotels near Bee & Embroidery Museum

Select Currency