Baths of Aphrodite

The Baths of Aphrodite lie on the east side of the Akamas peninsula in the Paphos district, about an hour’s drive from Paphos harbour. Local legend makes this the place where Aphrodite bathed. It is a natural grotto shaded by an old fig tree, where water runs gently down a rock wall into a pool surrounded by moss. In Greek mythology it is also where Adonis first saw Aphrodite and fell in love with her.

Although the name comes from the grotto, it properly refers to the wider natural area around it — the grotto is only a small part of it.

The botanical garden

The nature park holds many plants and trees endemic to Cyprus. Entering the Akamas reserve from the car park towards the baths takes you through a botanical garden of indigenous species; the site is at its best in spring, with the native flowers in bloom. Guided tours can be arranged for anyone who wants to know more.

The two trails

From the grotto a 2.5km track runs west, following the path Aphrodite is said to have taken to rest under a large oak after bathing. There the trail divides into two hiking routes, ‘Aphrodite’ and ‘Adonis’; both are around 5km and take roughly two hours on foot. There is a car park at the site, along with shops and a restaurant.

The area is full of striking geological formations, and the coastal section of the walk gives long views out over the sea. There are swimming spots at beaches nearby, and the Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe at Polis Chrysochous is close enough to add on — it holds ancient artefacts that form part of the Route of Aphrodite.