The birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite is considered to be the east coast of the Cyprus peninsula of Akamas near Paphos. Many of the local landmarks and places of memory are associated with the myths of her. One of the most recognizable tourist spots is the Bath of Aphrodite.
What is the Bath of Aphrodite
The place is a small grotto filled with spring water. The reservoir is surrounded by rock formations and shady trees. The well-groomed area around the font is equipped with benches for the many tourists. There is a small waterfall that flows into the Baths. The area is part of the Akamas National Park.
Legends and myths associated with the bath of Aphrodite
According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite took baths in the font. Pure water had a life-giving power, bringing back the beauty and youthfulness of the celestial woman. It was in this gorge that Adonis, who was hunting in the area, met her. Even though the young man was mortal, passion flared between him and the goddess. They met at the grotto until Adonis was killed by a boar.
Aphrodite was so saddened by the death of her lover that she turned to Zeus to bring him back from the realm of the dead. The thunderer took pity on her, allowing the young man to spend eight months a year with Aphrodite. According to legend, Adonis comes to her every spring, but leaves her in the fall.
Where is the Bath of Aphrodite in Cyprus, and how to reach it
The bath of the goddess is located in a protected area near the village of Lachi. You can get to it both independently and as part of a tour group. Admission to the area is free.
By private car or cab
One of the convenient ways to get to the reservoir among the rocks is considered a car ride. The B7 highway leads to it from Paphos. After driving 48 km in the direction of Polis, turn left and then go another 10 km to the site, marked on the map as “Bath of Aphrodite”.
Personal vehicles or cabs can be parked in the parking lot near the romantic spot.
By bus from the village of Polis
The route by bus consists of such stages:
- Flight 645 takes travelers from Paphos to Polis.
- Bus number 622 takes them to the village of Latchi (stop Baths of Aphrodite).
An all-day ticket for a trip around the area will cost 5 euros.
By boat to the village of Latchi
There are no separate cruises to the picturesque Baths of Aphrodite. The attraction can be visited as part of a tour to the Blue Lagoon or by boat to the village of Latchi. From there you will have to travel on foot or by car.
As part of an organized guided tour
There are excursions from Paphos and Polis to the baths. A visit to the site is part of the tours of the surrounding monuments. If desired, you can order a personalized tour.
Tips for tourists: What you need to know when visiting the baths of Aphrodite
Local guides tell us that the miracle of nature has magical properties: the waters of the font can rejuvenate and return a woman’s beauty. However, it is forbidden to swim in the protected lake.
But tourists can draw water from the local spring, which flows into the bath of Aphrodite. Its characteristics, the guides claim, are no different from the one that fills the font.
Where to go and what sights to see in the neighborhood
While traveling to the secret rendezvous site of the goddess and a mortal, you can admire other sights in the region, which are described in local travel brochures.
The Paths of Aphrodite and Adonis
The Aphrodite Trail is a 7.5-kilometer hiking route. Despite the small difference in altitude, the road takes 3-4 hours. Along the way there are spectacular views of the surrounding nature and the sea.
Near the medieval ruins, the road connects with another trail named after Adonis. Legend has it that it was along this path a young man in love rushed to a rendezvous with a celestial woman.
Aphrodite’s Stone
Aphrodite’s Stone is located 62 km from the bathing area. It can be reached from Paphos in 30 minutes by car.
Guides claim that swimming around the rock formation helps rejuvenate the body. To do this, you need to swim around it three times counterclockwise. Unmarried girls can try their luck by taking a stone from the bottom of the sea and placing it in a crevice in the rock.
It is believed that it will help to find a soulmate.
The Fountain of Love
He is also the Fountain of Amorosa. A small bay on the sea coast of the peninsula with clear water and a rocky bottom. A freshwater stream flows into it, with which the story of Aphrodite is also connected.
Legend has it that after her ablutions in the grotto, the goddess walked around the neighborhood and drank water from this spring. Since then, the spring has possessed divine power. If you drink water from it – you can meet your love, make peace with the other half, find happiness in marriage or get pregnant.
Akamas Reserve
It covers an area of 230 square kilometers. Here you can meet several dozen species of endemic plants, as well as visit the world-famous tourist attractions. In addition to the Baths of Aphrodite travelers can visit the Blue Lagoon Bay with crystal clear water framed by rocks, Lara turtle beach with an incubator for rare marine animals, Avakas Gorge with the Minotaur Maze.
Other nearby beauties
In Paphos itself you can find attractions for all tastes. There are places associated with ancient Greek mythology, the early Christian period, the Middle Ages, Orthodox shrines and museum exhibits.
