Aphrodite’s Rock

Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou) is a rock off the shore along the old road from Paphos to Limassol, which has been regarded since ancient times as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and fertility. Aphrodite used to live in Paphos; hence there are so many places in Paphos relating to the Goddess of Love. In Paphos, myth and reality become one and according to ancient tradition, Aphrodite was born from the waves on the site off the coast of Cyprus. Petra tou Romiou means “The Rock of the Greek” and does not refer to Aphrodite but to another myth, that of the Byzantine hero Digenis.

The name of Petra Tou Romiou linked to Digenis Akritas, the legendary Byzantine hero. Sometime during the years of the Arab invasions (7 – 10 century AD), Digenis grabbed a huge rock with superhuman strength and threw it over the Saracens who were attempting to land on the coast. The rock then gave to the whole region the name of Petra tou Romiou. The rock stands on one of the finest beaches in Cyprus, an outstanding area of natural beauty and the drive down the old Paphos – Limassol road is well worth it, with some stunning scenery of the hills on one side and beautiful coastline on the other.

And, rumour has it that if you swim around Aphrodite’s Rock naked you will be fertile for life! Whilst others claim that to swim around Aphrodite’s Rock brings good luck…Here is a selection of photographs to entice you to Aphrodite’s Rock. More images of Aphrodite’s Rock and the local area are available to view at http://www.akamas-villas.com/ by clicking on the PR icon, where a large collection of photographs can also be viewed showcasing the Paphos and Akamas region of Cyprus.

Aphrodite's Rock

Coastline at Aphrodite's Rock

Coastal Road View of Aphrodite's Rock

Scenic Drive To Aphrodite's Rock

Clear Waters at Aphrodite's Rock