Location

Just off the shore on the main Paphos to Limassol highway, Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Rock, is a sea stack of striking beauty and the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. After emerging from the waves at Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite is said to have chosen Paphos as the centre of her cult.

Another story connects Petra tou Romiou with the mythical Byzantine frontier guard, Digenis Akritas, whose superhuman strength saw him launch the ‘rock’ against marauding Saracen ships that were about to invade Cyprus. Today, Petra tou Romiou is a justifiably popular tourist attraction. Its surrounding crystal waters and beautiful beach provide an ideal holiday backdrop for swimming and long coastal walks.

Located on the rugged northwestern tip of Cyprus, the lush green Akamas Peninsula is one of the island’s most impressive areas of natural beauty, with 230 sq. km of valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays to discover. Take a dip in the pristine waters of Lara Bay, hike through the area’s nature trails and the famous Avakas Gorge, and take a boat trip to the stunning Blue Lagoon.

If you’re a nature lover, keep your eye out for 168 varieties of birds, 20 different reptiles, 16 species of butterfly and 12 species of mammals. The area also has a wide variety of local flora to appreciate.

No trip to the Akamas Peninsula would be complete without visiting Polis Chrysochous and the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural spring pool surrounded by ferns and shaded by an ancient fig tree. The grotto is situated between Polis Chrysochous and Cape Arnaouti, past the Latchi fishing harbour, at the end of the Aphrodite Trail.

Myths link the spot’s lush greenery with the goddess Aphrodite who, according to legend, was bathing in the pool when she met the mortal hunter, Adonis. He is said to have fallen helplessly in love with the goddess the instant he drank from the waters, igniting their legendary passion. Today, the idyllic spot offers visitors breathtaking views of Polis Bay. The pool’s waters are said to bless bathers with rejuvenation and youth.

Originally built in the Byzantine era to protect the town’s harbour, Paphos Castle (otherwise known as the Medieval Fort) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in town. The medieval structure was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, dismantled by the island’s Venetian masters, and then erected again in the 16th century by Cyprus’ Ottoman rulers. The fort commands a prime position on the Paphos harbour – a popular meeting spot lined with cafes and restaurants.

One for any history lover’s bucket list, the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos is a spectacular site taking every visitor on a journey back in time. Home to some of the most famous historical monuments on the island, it includes monuments from the 4th century to the Middle Ages. Be sure to check out the intricate mosaic floors of the Roman villas – considered among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean – and the Ancient Odeon, Agora, and the remains of the Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns) Castle.

The Tombs of the Kings are also fascinating. The monumental underground tombs date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods and were once the burial site of high-ranking officials and aristocracy.