The Petra Tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)

Aphrodite’s Rock (The Petra Tou Romiou ), is one of the most famous attractions in Cyprus, especially in the Paphos region and attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. The iconic rocks made famous by the Greek Goddess of Love Aphrodite, are now a prominent landmark along the Cypriot coastline.

History Of The Petra Tou Romiou

The Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) or the Rock Of Aphrodite Or more commonly known as Aphrodite’s Rock, is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite’s. It was first mentioned in Homers writing and it is believed that this is the rock that the Goddess arose from out of the foaming Mediterranean sea. Myth also has it that if you swim around the largest rock 3 times, you will be blessed with eternal beauty!

The Petra Tou Romiou is a series of rock outcrop’s that lie on the sea shore located on the old Pafos to Lemesos (Limassol) road (The B6 road). The rocks have now become a very popular tourist attraction for visitors to the island and are certainly worth a look if you are passing or have time to spare to visit.

Getting To Aphrodite’s Rock From Paphos

Aphrodite’s Rock is approximately 25klms (15 miles) from the centre of Paphos itself and takes about 25-30 minutes’ to drive there from Paphos, depending on traffic. There is a local bus service that runs from Paphos to Aphrodite’s Rock and the bus number is 631. The bus is a very cost effective way to get to the Petra tou Romiou but obviously you are restricted with the bus times. The bus times to Aphrodite’s Rock can be seen below but these can be subject to change and it is recommended that you check the current timetable before your journey.

(Times were correct at the time of writing)

Bus From Paphos To Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)

Monday-Saturday: 07:25, 09:00, 11:00, 14:10, 15:45, 18:35, 22:30

Sunday: 06:30, 9:30, 12:00, 14:10, 15:45, 18:35, 22:30

Departure from Petra tou Romiou

Monday-Saturday: 08:15, 09:50, 11:50, 15:00, 16:35, 19:20, 00:00

Sunday: 08:15, 10:20, 12:50, 15:00, 16:35, 19:20, 00:00

Driving

If you have rented a car, then obviously you will have no trouble with transport and the directions to the rock are pretty straight forward. Simply head out to the airport and then keep on the B6 old road. If you leave Paphos on the new A6 motorway, then pick up the B6 at the earliest point.

Excursions

There are several different excursion to The Petra Tou Romiou and they are worth taking if you do not have your own transport or do not wish to use public transport.

Taxis

Taxi drivers will be willing to run you to Aphrodite’s Rock and some may have a set fee for doing so. If there are several people in your party, then hiring a taxis to Aphrodite’s rock could work out pretty cost effective and much more convenient than using public transport. However, it is advisable to ask the driver how much it would be and agree a price up front before you get in the car.

The View

Aphrodites Rock Paphos OptThe view down on Aphrodites’ Rock is stunning and the best vantage point is from the top of the B6 road leading to Limassol. The vantage point at the summit offers a panoramic view of the coastline and provides you with the perfect place to take in the views and take some breath taking photos. The crystal clear waters and iconic rocks are certainly a sight to sea and make the drive worthwhile.

 

Please Note: It is advised to keep behind the barriers when taking photos, as the cliffs are very high.

If you are driving from Paphos, simply drive past the rock and follow the road up the hill and you will see cars and people on the right in the layby. If you are driving from Limassol to Paphos, once again when you pass through Episkopi and Pissouri and then you will start climbing a hill, at the top of the hill the layby will be on your left and the view of The Petra Tou Romiou (Aphrodites’ Rock) will just hit you. Be sure to have your camera ready to take pictures of the view!

Beach

The beach at Aphrodite’s Rock is not sand but it is pebbles and the beach stretches for some distance either side of the rock. Around the rock can become busy, especially during the peak Summer months when many visitors ascend on the area or at weekends when local families go to relax. However, if you walk along the beaches past the rocks, the beaches are usually quiet and you can normally find a nice space spot to lay your towel and enjoy the tranquillity of the waves and Cyprus sun.

Getting Onto The Beach and To The Rocks

The Safe Way

Aphrodite’s Rock is at the bottom of a main B6 road on a bend and this road can be busy. There are crash barriers along the side of the road which you would need to climb over, where you to try and access the beach from the road, which is not advisable. It is advised not to try crossing the road but to use the little tunnel under the road, which provides you with a safe crossing to reach the beach.

As you approach Aphrodite’s Rock, there is a car park at the bottom which has a kiosk selling gifts and refreshments. At the side of the kiosk is a tunnel that goes under the road and leads to the beach area.

Kiosk

Located in the car park is a kiosk which sells a number of different items including beach wear, towels, inflatables, drinks and other confectionery.

Showers

There are shower facilities behind the kiosk in the car park but they are quite basic and are just really for washing the sand and salt wash from your person.

Sunset

Many people visit the Petra Tou Romiou for the spectacular sunset and if you are lucky enough to see one, it is a magical experience. Paphos sunsets are generally fantastic anyway but being at Aphrodite’s Rock when the sun is going down is special and very romantic.

Map and Location Of The Petra tou Romiou