The famous beach of Aphrodite's rock, Cyprus.

© Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock

Aphrodite’s Rock & Beach

Top choice in Cyprus


Possibly the most famous beach in Cyprus, Aphrodite’s Beach is distinctive for its two upright rocks, which are easy to spot, particularly as you'll generally find swimmers perched somewhat precariously on top of them. To get here, take the old B6 road from Lemesos to Pafos (a recommended scenic journey).

The English moniker Rock of Aphrodite comes from the legend that Aphrodite, ancient patron goddess of Cyprus, emerged from the sea at this point in a surge of foam before, no doubt, going off to entertain some lovers. The same thing is claimed by the residents of Kythira island in Greece. But who’s to say she didn’t do such a thing in both places?

Most visitors either stop midtrip to have a swim or come for the sunset, which is best seen from either the Petra tou Romiou tourist pavilion or from a roadside car park about 1.5km further east. Skip any kind of eating at the tourist-pavilion cafeteria, where you’ll be overcharged for indifferent snacks; bring your own food and have a picnic instead.

A pedestrian underpass leads to the beach from the kiosk and car park on the other side of the road, around 500m further on towards Pafos from the tourist pavilion; it’s well signposted.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cyprus attractions

1. Sanctuary of Aphrodite

4.28 MILES

A World Heritage Site, the sanctuary is recognised as being one of the most important ancient sites related to Aphrodite in Cyprus and yet it is arguably…

2. Melanda Beach

7.47 MILES

An arc of fine pebbles and sand sheltered by low, white cliffs and backed by olive trees, this is one of the best beaches in the region. It’s signposted…

3. Avdimou Beach

7.56 MILES

This lovely stretch of beach is home to the sophisticated Zias Beach Club and the Kyrenia Beach Restaurant, which is superb for seafood. The views of the…

4. Pasteli Museum

7.98 MILES

This cute museum explains the traditional process behind manufacturing carob pasteli (a Cypriot sweet), which was every Cypriot child’s favourite treat…

5. Oleastro Olive Park

9.93 MILES

All you ever wanted to know about the humble olive and were afraid to ask. Oleastro is devoted to the story of this mainstay of Cypriot cuisine. The…

6. Agia Paraskevi

11.87 MILES

One of the loveliest churches in the Pafos area is this six-domed Byzantine church in Geroskipou, 4.5km east of Pafos. Most of the surviving frescos date…

7. Ecclesiastical Museum

11.88 MILES

This noteworthy museum is worth visiting for its ecclesiastical vestments, vessels, copies of scripture and collection of impressive icons, including a…

8. Vrysoudia Beach

13.23 MILES

Stretching some 400m, Vrysoudia is arguably the best municipal beach, where you can rent sunbeds and parasols (€5 per day). There is also a popular beach…