Aphrodite’s Rock, also known as Petra tou Romiou Beach

Petra tou Romiou Beach: the birthplace of Aphrodite

Aphrodite’s Rock is surrounded by two beaches – one pebble and the other sandy, each offering different experiences. The pebble beach, right next to Aphrodite’s Rock, offers an exceptional view, but the entrance to the sea is more difficult due to the pebbles. The sandy beach has a different view and a more comfortable entrance to the sea, but brings bigger waves.

Aphrodite’s Rock

Aphrodite’s Rock, also known as Petra tou Romiou Beach, is one of the most famous sites in Cyprus. Located on the south-west coast of the island, near Paphos, it is linked to the myth of the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

This rock, rising out of the sea, attracts not only lovers of history and mythology, but also admirers of natural scenery. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam here when Kronos cut off his father’s male part, which fell into the sea. It landed here and, by combining with the sea foam, gave life to Aphrodite, who subsequently emerged on the surface of the sea in all her glory.

More than a lookout

The view of Aphrodite’s Rock can be seen on the way. The first viewpoint is usually full of tourists, but most of them stop here and don’t go any further.

You can stop here, but the journey doesn’t end here. You continue on for about 500 metres. Your destination is Petra tou Romiou Car Park, a huge car park where you will find a café, a shop and steps leading to the beach. The car park is on the opposite side of the road, so you go through a tunnel .

The first part is easy, the second is nothing for people with claustrophobia. A narrow tunnel about 100m long is the last obstacle between you and a myth several millennia old.

Pebble beach

As soon as you come out of the tunnel, you will see a pebble beach. The pebbles on the shore are small and rounded, but there are also larger sharp rocks in the water. Stepping into the sea without water shoes was a challenge, but what one doesn’t do for a photo with the place where the goddess herself bathed . At least I understood why no one else was in the sea in this part.

The sea is calm and almost without waves. You will find several people swimming in the embrace of the myth. It is said that pebbles from this beach bring good luck and even love. Although the beach is not suitable for long walks in bare feet, the view of Aphrodite’s Rock and the surrounding area is fascinating and offers great photo opportunities.

Sandy Beach

The sandy beach, a little further away, is more accessible and more comfortable for sunbathing and swimming. The fine dark sand and the easy entrance to the sea without stones are ideal for families with children. But beware of the waves. Some are quite strong.

The beach is not organized, and there are no sun loungers or bars. It wasn’t a full-day stop for us either. The smarter tourists packed their swimsuits with them to visit the rocks. Luckily we had them in the car, otherwise, we would have regretted it quite a bit. Don’t forget to pack them as well. Lots of people just stood by the beach, envying those who were able to circumnavigate Aphrodite’s Rock and hoping it would bring them eternal youth and beauty.

The sandy part will conjure up images of Aphrodite stepping out of the sea onto the shore. You can try it too. It is up to you whether you choose the pebble or the sand part. I preferred the sandy one. Swim to the rock and then back and come ashore as the goddess herself once did.

Eternal youth

Petra tou Romiou Beach is not just a place to swim and relax. According to legend, whoever circles the rock three times during the full moon will gain eternal beauty and youth. That is why this place is attractive not only for tourists, but also for those who believe in the power of mythology. The sunset over Aphrodite’s Rock is an experience in itself and a wonderful end to the day.

How to get here?

It is best to come by car. You can find Aphrodite’s Rock by the sign “Petra tou Romiou”. From Paphos, it takes about 30 minutes by car, from Limassol about 45 minutes.

If you are travelling by public transport, there are buses from Paphos to nearby villages, but there is no direct bus connection to Aphrodite’s Rock. The nearest bus stop is in the village of Kouklia, from where it is still a few kilometres away.

Don’t forget to stop at the viewpoint, which is about 500 metres in front of the car park.