Aphrodite's Rock

Aphrodite's Rock, or Petra tou Romiou, is one of the most beautiful and evocative spots on the Cypriot coast, a striking cluster of sea stacks rising from the turquoise water off a sweeping pebble beach between Paphos and Limassol. According to ancient legend, this is the very place where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, rose from the sea foam. The dramatic setting, especially glowing at sunset, and the romantic myth, which says swimming around the rock brings love or eternal youth, make it a beloved landmark.

What you actually see

• The sea stacks - the dramatic rocks rising from the turquoise sea.
• The pebble beach - the sweeping shore and swimming.
• The sunset - the rocks glowing in the evening light.
• The viewpoint - the panorama from the road above.

When to go

April to October, for warm swimming weather; the site is most magical at sunrise and especially sunset, when the rocks glow and the crowds thin. The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, and the sea can be choppy, so calm days are best for the legendary swim around the rock.

Honest expectations

It is a scenic viewpoint and pebble beach rather than a soft sandy resort strand, the water can be rough with strong currents, and it lies right beside a busy coastal road, so it is more a beautiful photo stop and romantic landmark than a day-long beach destination. Seen at sunset, though, with its dramatic rocks and legendary story, it is genuinely lovely and quintessentially Cypriot.

Nearby

Paphos, the ancient site of Palaipaphos and Limassol are close by.