Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus. Birthplace of the Greek goddess of love

In our opinion, Aphrodite's rockin Cyprus is the most beautiful corner of the island of love. It captivated us at first sight. Perhaps because he appeared to us in the light of a wonderful sunset. It is the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and the mythological personification of beauty, Aphrodite. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and cliffs. This is where Aphrodite came out of the foam. Today, everyone can enjoy wonderful sunbathing here and admire the fascinating landscape. The place enchants not only with its beauty, but also with an aura of mystery.

How to get to Aphrodite's Rock? Free parking and entrance

Aphrodite's rock is located on the southern coast of the island, on the coastal road B6. On the route between Paphos and Limassol. Ancient Paphos is 24 km away, while the popular resort of Limassol is 44 km away. Access to the beach is free of charge. There is also a free car park and a small souvenir shop. You can also buy drinks and simple dishes there.

Legend of Aphrodite - goddess of love

According to Greek mythology, it was here, near the Rock of Aphrodite, that the goddess of love and beauty was born. According to legend, here Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam. For this reason, this beach holds a special place in the history and culture of Cyprus. She was loved here to such an extent that the legends say that when the goddess walked on the ground, beautiful flowers grew from her every step!

The local legend also says that every daredevil who sails around the famous rock formation three times will receive immortality, eternal youth and true love in return. Not surprisingly, tourists often indulge in this ritual, although bathing here is not completely safe due to strong currents.

Aphrodite's Rock is Petra tou Romiou, or the Rock of the Romans

The Greek name Petra tou Romiou literally means Roman Rock. It comes from the hero Basil Digenis Akritas, who was supposed to defend Cyprus against the Arabs here. He threw huge boulders at them. The rock lying in the water to this day was pulled out of the mountain massif by this hero.

Aphrodite Beach in Petra tou Romiou National Forest Park

Even if you do not dive into the water, you will get a great aesthetic experience on Aphrodite's beach, because it looks magical around the rocks. The site is protected through the Petra tou Romiou National Forest Park. Although there is no fine sand here, only stones, this place is fantastic and tourists are happy to swim here, in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.

See also the most beautiful beaches of Mallorca

Tree Wipes

At the entrance to the beach in a tree, you will see handkerchiefs. They are hanged by women who want offspring. And why? They seek support from the goddess of fertility. There are plenty of handkerchiefs and they are an interesting sight. Apparently, after each of her intoxicating nights, Aphrodite came out of these waters again as a virgin.

Kuklia - Ancient Sanctuary of Aphrodite in Cyprus

Aphrodite was highly revered in Cyprus. In the nearby village of Kuklia, where the city of Palepaphos, part of Paphos, was located in antiquity, a temple was dedicated to it. It was once so popular that Homer himself mentions it in his works. It was the center of the cult of the goddess of fertility in pre-Hellenistic times. Currently, the archaeological ruins of the temple have been entered on the UNESCO list and can be visited for a fee (entry ticket 4.5 euros). Next to the excavations, you can admire a magnificent mosaic with the image of a woman. However, this is not Aphrodite, but Leda - the Spartan queen. The mosaic was created in the 2nd century AD.

As part of the same ticket, it is really worth visiting the medieval Luzynianów castle located next to it. It is a dynasty that has ruled Cyprus since the 12th century. The monuments inside are amazing and extremely valuable. You will see, among others, a limestone bath from the 11th century BC! It has a grooved seat and space for a sponge. Human comfort and ingenuity are indeed old qualities. There are many more ancient monuments here, so it is a must for lovers of ancient times.

How did Aphrodite become a goddess of beauty?

Aphrodite is considered the most beautiful goddess. And did you know that Paris was to choose the most beautiful between her, Athena and Hera? And this is where Aphrodite's cunning was revealed. She promised Paris that if she called her the most beautiful, she would help him get Helena. That's what Paris did. Aphrodite kept her word and helped him kidnap Helena, which later contributed to the outbreak of the Trojan War.

Other things to do in Cyprus

• Paphos - a popular city with ancient runes and tombs
• Cape Greco - a wild and very scenic cape on the south-east coast of Cyprus
• Ayia Napa with the Bridge of Love
• Troodos Mountains - a mountain range with the highest peak of Cyprus - Olympus or Olimbos and waterfalls and valuable churches
• Aphrodite Baths and the nearby Aphrodite Trail - a wonderful place for scenic trekking
• Avakas Gorge - a fascinating canyon with white limestone cliffs protruding to a height of 30 meters
• Lara beach with turtles - from May to August, turtles on this beach lay eggs, which hatch around October
• The wreck of the Edro III - the ship sank on December 7, 2011, they wanted to tow it, but it was a problem and it just stayed that way. It is a unique setting for sunset

Accommodation in Cyprus

When we were in Cyprus, we slept in Paphos, at the Nereus Hotel.  It is very conveniently located. It looks very nice, it is large and very decent for its reasonable price. It provides a rich breakfast. The room is nice and includes everything you need, a bed, a wardrobe, a desk, a chair and armchair, as well as a kettle with a set of coffee and tea. There is also a private bathroom. There is also air conditioning. We ordered the hotel in advance by booking, it cost about PLN 250 per night per room (2024). We had to pay only a few days before departure for a beautiful December holiday in Cyprus.

Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.

• Paphos Cyprus, distance: 22.4  km
• Cyprus, distance: 22.5  km
• Wreck of the Edro III ship in Cyprus, distance: 35.1  km
• Cypriot cuisine, distance: 36.6  km
• Troodos Mountains Cyprus, distance: 37.2  km
• Avakas Gorge in Cyprus, distance: 38.9  km
• Aphrodite Baths and Aphrodite Trail in Cyprus, distance: 50.7  km