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Swimming at Aphrodite’s Beach

Which of these rocks is Aphrodite's Rock?

On the road from Limassol to Pafos lies a small pebble beach called Petra tou Romiou. If you didn’t know better, it would look much the same as lots of other little beaches scattered around Cyprus. You might notice the huge, two-story rock that sticks out of the beach or the second huge rock out in the water with the waves crashing against it. But you might also be tempted to drive on by looking for something sandier.

Do not give in to this temptation! According to legend, Petra tou Romiou is the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, goddess of love, sex, and beauty. Aphrodite was born out of the sea foam and one of the rocks on the beach is said to be the first piece of land Aphrodite ever touched. Aphrodite’s rock supposedly has magical powers, but legend being what it is, I’ve heard three different rocks claimed as Aphrodite’s rock. Also, no one can quite decide if you have to swim around the rock or jump off it to activate its magic. If you do figure out how to make the rock work, however, you are rewarded with eternal beauty, so it might be worth a try.

Whether you’re tempted by eternal beauty or not, Petra tou Romiou makes a great place to spend the day. Not many people swim there because the pebbles can be hard on the feet, but I love water too much to let that stop me (plus, there’s eternal beauty to be had). I spent hours swimming around the rocks, climbing them and jumping off, and the water was warm, calm, and crystal blue. When I got tired of swimming, I climbed up the big rock on the beach. It’s a quick and easy hike, and the view from up there is stunning. I stayed long enough to watch the sun set over the water, which was so beautiful it made me understand why a goddess might choose to be born there.

The beach is also fun for beachcombers. I didn’t find much sea glass, but the pebbles are like tiny gems in and of themselves. They’ve been worn smooth by the waves and come in all colors: I found fantastic examples of brick red, pink, orange, yellow, even green. Be sure to pick up a handful, because the pebbles are the subject of another legend. If you give someone a pebble from Aphrodite’s beach, that person will fall in love with you and stay in love forever.

There are facilities for tourists at the beach which you can reach by going through a tunnel under the road. There are bathrooms with coin-operated showers, a small bar for food and beverages, and a little souvenir shop. Most importantly, though, there is a special tree by the side of the tunnel. If you tie a piece of something to one of its branches (you’ll see everything from handkerchiefs to shoestrings to plastic bags and toilet paper), the tree will grant you a wish.

Petra tou Romiou is an essential stop if you’re traveling through Cyprus, and Cyprus is a beautiful place for student travel. With lots of beaches, archaeological sites, gorgeous mountains that stay green even in the hot Mediterranean summer, a cool capital city, and a great party scene, Cyprus is a memorable destination that will keep you busy for all of spring break. But now that I’ve shared the secrets of one of Cyprus’s most beautiful attractions, please do me a favor and use your new-found powers for good.