Above: A spectacular sunset at the Rock of Aphrodite

When you do need to get away from work, riging phones and the strain of daily grind, then a drive to the Petra Tou Romiou may be the thing for you.

The Petra Tou Romiou is an Ancient Greek Shrine about 25 km east of Pafos and 9km east of Kouklia. The journey would begin by accessing the old road to Pafos from Limassol, hence avoiding the hassles of traffic or other motorists. In the approximately 30-minute drive, you will enter through Kourion’s pine tree forests, slowly arise to the hills overlooking the Curium Beach, passing Episkopi or the British Army area until the mountains split to an uncensored and infinite view of the Meditteranean Sea’s expanse from the Rock itself. Moving a little further, tourists can park their vehicles at the Pavilion and take most advantage of the sight. People however, are discouraged to swim since this part of the sea has been known to be unforgivingly rocky. Ascending Petra Tou Romiou itself will give any holidaytripper the ultimate hypnotic view of the waves crashing against the rocks! Some say, it has a threapeutic effect on any troubled soul. A growling stomach on the other hand, can be relieved at the nearby restaurant and souvenir shop in the Tourist Pavilion.

Above: Greek warrior - Digenis Akritas

The Rock is not only famed for its spectacular view but for the myth attached to its existence. Petra tou Romiou also means “the Rock of the Greek” and is associated with the romantic epic myth telling of a Greek superhero’s exploits in battle. Digenis Akritas, a great hunter, warrior, athlete and great lover was said to throw a large rock, to secure the Saracen ships, and in turn protect his lady love. It is believed that the rock Akritas threw is the Petra tou Romiou which may have prompted the name Rock of the Greek.

On the other hand, it is also called the Rock of Aphrodite where in ancient times, it was considered as the cradle of life of the goddess of love and fertility, Aphrodite where traditionally, she emerged from the waves on this site off the coast of Cyprus after Chronos, her father, emasculated his father (Zeus) and threw the genitals to the sea. The event was more immortalized by the poet Hesiod, in his Theogony (178-206):

Above: Aphrodite - Goddess of love, lust and beauty

“Chronos took the great long jagged sickle; eagerly he harvested his father’s (Zeus’) genitals and threw them all off behind….The genitals…were carried for a long time on the waves. White foam surrounded the immortal flesh, and in it grew a girl… her name is Aphrodite among men and gods, because she grew up in the foam (aphrizo).”

The story was also the inspiration of the artist Botticelli when he made his work - Birth of Venus, now on display in Florence Italy at Uffizi Gallery), the painting depicts the light wind of the Zephyrs bringing Aphrodite ashore inside a shell to Petra tou Romiou. (Picture of painting below)

Below : Painting of Aphrodite