Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
The sea stack where, in legend, Aphrodite rose from the foam. A pebble cove framed by white cliffs on the old Paphos–Limassol coast road, and one of the island's great sunset stops.
Photo: Anton Zelenov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Petra tou Romiou rises out of the sea about 25 km east of Paphos. Ancient poets placed the birth of Aphrodite here, and the sanctuary of the goddess at Palaipaphos (Kouklia) stands only a short drive inland, so the myth has deep local roots.
The Greek name means "Rock of the Greek" and links to a different legend: the Byzantine hero Digenis is said to have hurled the boulder at Saracen raiders.
Good to know
The beach is pebbly and the water deepens quickly, and swells can be strong on windy days. Bring water shoes. The view from the lay-bys on the road above, especially at sunset, is worth the stop on its own.
Perks nearby
No partner within 10 km yet. Partners join through the year, and this page updates as they do.
Paphos: more places
All places in Paphos →
Paphos Archaeological ParkThe UNESCO-listed heart of ancient Nea Paphos, famous for the Roman floor mosaics of the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus and Aion, right beside Paphos harbour.
Tombs of the KingsA vast Hellenistic and Roman necropolis cut into the seaside rock north of Kato Paphos, with atrium tombs that feel like underground houses.
Avakas GorgeA narrow limestone gorge on the edge of the Akamas, where cliffs close in to just a few metres apart. One of Cyprus's most rewarding short hikes.