Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)

According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot.

The Greek name, "Πέτρα του Ρωμιού" (Petra Tou Romiou), is associated with the legendary frontier guard of Byzantine times, Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said that he threw this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy's ships.

This spot was a place of pilgrimage for the entire Hellenic world. Aphrodite's presence seems to have drawn other divinities and notable mortals to Pafos.

Petra tou Romiou can be reached from the Lemesos-Pafos highway when you take the exit to Kouklia. Actually, a brown sign (brown signs mark points of interest in Cyprus) with the name of the spot will direct you to the exit you need to take. Then you will drive along the coastal road and the rock will be a few minutes past the Sanctuary of Aphrodite.

There are a couple of viewpoints that you can take photos from and if you wan to actually get down to the beach where rock is you will have to drive further down the road and turn right to park outside the snack bar. Then, take the stairs down to the beach, walk through the narrow tunnel and there you are.

The beach is not really ideal for swimming but lots of women like to take a dip for fun and pretend to be Aphrodite being born from the waves. The water is coldish but there are beautiful colorful pebbles and plenty of room to sunbathe, so one could spend some time here.