Cyprus is bursting with sights to see. From the capital Nicosia to the Troodos Mountains and from the submerged church at the Kouris reservoir to the Venetian bridges; there’s so much to discover on this island in the eastern Mediterranean. During my Cyprus road trip, I make sure not to skip several stunning spots along the coast. Think of the Edro III shipwreck, Limni Pier, the Bridge of Love and Aphrodite’s Rock. In this article, I’ll take you to this striking, large rock on the west coast of Cyprus, also known as Petra tou Romiou.
The myth of Aphrodite
Aphrodite’s Rock is surrounded by a myth deeply rooted in Greek culture. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam. The foam was created when the sky god Uranus was mutilated by his son Cronus. The foam washed ashore on the coast and became the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.
Superstitions and rituals
For centuries, Aphrodite’s Rock has attracted people fascinated by mythology. Some even believe that swimming around the rock during a full moon brings good luck and eternal youth. Others write their initials or names on small stones and leave them at the base of the rock, hoping it will bring them good fortune. When I take drone photos of the rock and the beach beside it, I notice names “written” in the sand using stones; clearly left behind with hopeful intentions.
Aphrodite’s Rock or Petra tou Romiou?
By the way, Aphrodite’s Rock is not only known by that name, it’s also called Petra tou Romiou. This name refers to a different legend, in which the Byzantine hero Digenis Akritas threw a giant rock into the sea to chase off invading pirates.
How to get to Aphrodite’s Rock
Aphrodite’s Rock is easy to find on Google Maps. Just west of the rock, there’s a viewpoint where you can easily park your car and enjoy a distant view of the rock; it’s clearly marked on Google Maps as well.
If you continue driving past the rock, you’ll find a larger parking area shortly after the bend on your left (if you’re coming from the west). From there, you can reach the beach and the rock by walking through the Petra tou Romiou tunnel under the road.
