Petra Tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Rock is an ancient place in Paphos, Cyprus which is said to have been the birthplace of Aphrodite. Today it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Paphos region, and it’s truly a beautiful place.
The best time to visit Aphrodite’s Rock in Paphos is around sunset because there will be fewer people, and the sunsets are usually quite spectacular with all kinds of colors as the sun sets below the horizon behind Aphrodite’s Rock.
The morning is also a lovely time to come here and you can catch the sunrise from the other side of Petra Tou Romiou. During the day, there will be plenty of tourists and tour buses arriving during the summer months, and I think this place is best enjoyed with as few people around as possible.
However, don’t worry, if you visit Petra Tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) during the day, it will also be a wonderful experience, especially when the sun is shining and give that amazing spark of color to the water surrounding the majestic sea cliffs.
It’s beautifully located in the middle of Paphos and Limassol, close to the exclusive neighborhood known as Aphrodite Hills, and the village of Kouklia.
Locals have come here since ancient times to worship the goddess of love, and in recent times, the mythical legends combined with the natural beauty have made this one of the most popular places to visit in the Paphos region.
According to the legend, those who swim around Aphrodite’s rock will receive eternal beauty. In addition to eternal beauty, there are some other local beliefs that swimming around the rock three times could bring fertility, true love and good luck as well.
But remember to be careful because the sea can get rough at times, and if you’re not a strong swimmer, I would recommend to just admire Petra Tou Romiou from a distance. The best views of Aphrodite’s Rock is either from the viewpoint, which is to the right of the rock, or a rocky hill to the left.
How to get to Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra Tou Romiou)
From Paphos
The journey from Paphos takes about 22 minutes by car, and you just keep driving on the highway until you see the sign that says “Petra Tou Romiou”. Take the exit and turn right towards the ocean, and follow the road, and you will arrive shortly.
There is a free parking place on the opposite side of the road.
From Coral Bay
Drive on E701 towards highway A6 to Paphos, and then follow the same directions as above. It takes about 36 minutes to get to Aphrodite’s rock from Coral bay by car.
From Limassol
Limassol is located east of Aphrodite’s Rock, and the driving time is about 30 minutes. Just follow the A6 highway towards Paphos, and take the exit that says Petra Tou Romiou.
How to get to Aphrodite’s Rock by bus
From Paphos, you can take a bus from the harbour station with several departures per day. It’s bus number 631, and you should hop off at the end station of the bus route.
Here’s the timetable for bus 631 from Paphos to Aphrodite’s Rock.
April – November
From Harbour:
Monday – Saturday: 07:25, 09:10, 10:40, 14:10, 14:20, 15:40, 16:00, 17:30, 18:40, 22:30
Sunday + Public Holidays: 06:30, 9:10, 10:40, 14:10, 14:20, 15:40, 16:00, 17:30, 18:40, 22:30
From Petra tou Romiou:
Monday – Sunday: 08:15, 10:05, 11:35, 15:05, 15:15, 16:35, 16:55, 18:20, 19:30, 0:00
December – March
From Harbour:
Monday – Saturday: 07:25, 09:10, 10:40, 14:10, 16:00, 18:40, 22:30
Sunday + Public Holidays: 06:30, 9:10, 10:40, 14:10, 16:00, 18:40, 22:30
From Petra Tou Romiou:
Monday – Sunday: 08:15, 10:05, 11:35, 15:05, 16:55, 19:30, 0:00
More information about Petra Tou Romiou
The place is named after the hero Basil, which according to a more recent legend tells that he threw a rock from the Troodos Mountains to keep the Saracens away from invading. Petra Tou Romiou means “Rock of the Roman”, and that is how the place got its name in Greek.
However, the place is also famous as Aphrodite’s rock and birthplace, and you will see both names on the road signs, so it’s good to know that they refer to the same place.
According to the ancient legend, the Greek goddess of Love and Beauty, also known as Aphrodite is said to have been born of the sea foam here. It further tells that she came out from the waves and that a shell escorted her to the beach of Aphrodite’s rock.
Cyprus has long been connected to Aphrodite, and the people of Paphos worshiped here during ancient times.
Petra Tou Romiou location on the map
Recommended hotel nearby
Aphrodite Hills Hotel is a 5-star hotel located nearby that offers stunning views of the ocean and excellent facilities.
Restaurants near Aphrodite’s Rock
O’vrakas Taverna Pissouri is located near Aphrodite’s rock, about 11 minutes away by car. This restaurant serves traditional Cypriot food in a traditional setting in the village of Pissouri. It’s a great stop to get some delicious food after visiting Petra Tou Romiou.
Do you have more questions about visiting Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra Tou Romiou)? Leave a comment below!