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Paphos / Limassol coast (B6)Beach
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)
Pebble beach at Aphrodite's legendary birthplace
WaterClear but deep and often choppy
SandPebble and rock
VibeScenic landmark
WaterClear but deep and often choppyCurrentCan be strong; water is deepSandPebble and rockVibeScenic landmark
Petra tou Romiou, widely known as Aphrodite's Rock, is the cluster of sea stacks that rise from the water on the southwest coast of Cyprus, on the boundary between Paphos and Limassol. In legend this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which is why the site appears on so many Cyprus itineraries. The beach below is pebble rather than sand, and the rocks make a dramatic backdrop, especially at sunset.
This is more a scenic stop than a classic swimming beach. The water is deep and can be rough, the shore is large pebbles, and there are no sunbeds or watersports on the beach itself. A viewpoint above the road, a pedestrian underpass down to the shore, parking and a tourist pavilion with a cafe make it easy to visit. Local lore says swimming around the rock brings beauty or good fortune, though the swell often makes that unwise.
What to know
- Pebble beach with deep water that is often choppy.
- Parking, a viewpoint and a pedestrian underpass to reach the shore safely.
- No sunbeds, lifeguards or watersports on the beach.
- Best at sunset for photographs; bring sandals for the pebbles.
Petra tou Romiou sits on the B6 coast road and combines well with the Paphos sights to the west, such as Paphos Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings, or with the Limassol-side ruins of Ancient Kourion to the east. For a swimmable beach in the same area, head to Coral Bay north of Paphos.
Good to know
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) questions
What is Petra tou Romiou?
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Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite's Rock, is a group of sea stacks on the southwest coast of Cyprus, on the boundary between the Paphos and Limassol districts. In legend it is the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.
Can you swim at Petra tou Romiou?
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You can, but it is more a scenic stop than a swimming beach. The shore is large pebbles and the water is deep and often choppy, so take care and avoid it when the sea is rough.
How do you get down to the beach?
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There is a parking area and a viewpoint by the tourist pavilion across the road, and a pedestrian underpass leads safely under the B6 coast road down to the shore.
Can you climb Aphrodite's Rock?
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No. Climbing the rock is not permitted. The site is best enjoyed from the beach and the viewpoint, and it is especially good for photographs at sunset.
What is near Petra tou Romiou?
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It sits on the B6 coast road between Paphos and Limassol, so it combines well with the Paphos sights to the west and Ancient Kourion on the Limassol side to the east.
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