Walk in the footsteps of Aphrodite through Paphos

Wherever one treads in Paphos one comes across a glorious history, which dates back thousands of years, when the cult of goddess Aphrodite flourished in this beautiful part of the world attracting many visitors from inland and abroad. Still under the spell of her Beauty-goddess, the area retaining her magic has remained intact by time. It seduces its visitor with its majestic landscape, lovely coastline, historical treasures and delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life!

Walk in the footsteps of Aphrodite through Paphos

The Birthplace of Aphrodite is one of the most beautiful beaches near the city of Pafos, where locals can enjoy swimming with their families. In the water one can see the enormous rock where legend says Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was born from the ocean.

In the myth of Aphrodite’s birth, the beautiful Goddess of Love emerges naked from the water around Cyprus. She had just been created from the foam of the sea caused by Cronus castrating his father Uranus and throwing his genitals into the water. Although Aphrodite had originally begun drifting towards the Greek island of Cythera, the wind blew her towards her spiritual home near Pafos.

According to local legend, it was on this particular beach – near the temple built at Palaipafos (Old Pafos) to worship her, as early as the Bronze Age, that she arrived, and this is why it is now known as the Birthplace of Aphrodite.

This stretch is one of the most beautiful along the southwestern part of Cyprus, with the coastline meandering along, creating coves and points. From the pebbly beach at the Birthplace of Aphrodite, you can see dramatic white cliffs in the distance. Closer to the shore, large rocks jut out from the water.

One of these rocks has been named Aphrodite Rock – partly because of the foam that is being formed at its base, which brings in mind the story of the deity’s birth. A local story is that anyone who swims around the rock will be blessed with eternal beauty.

Our search will first take us to the ancient Kingdom of Kourion, which is placed on one of the most spectacular sites on the island, with extensive archaeological ruins including well-preserved mosaics. Its Greco-Roman amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century BC, is famous for its vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.

The kingdom is also renowned for its preserved mosaic floors in the House of Eustolios, the House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators.

Upon arrival in Paphos, we will visit the famous Mosaics of the Roman period, dating from around the 3rd century AD. These are situated in four main houses: the House of Aion, House of Dionysos, House of Orpheus and House of Theseus. They include many attention-grabbing geometrical decorations and draw inspiration from Greek mythological scenes.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the Castle of Paphos.

We will then continue towards Yeroskipou, just outside Paphos; where the Ayia Paraskevi church stands. Built in the 9th century AD, its 5 domes are decorated with beautiful frescoes. While in Yeroskipou, guests will have the opportunity to visit a traditional Loukoumi factory and taste this local delicacy.

On the way back to Limassol, our guests can enjoy a sunset cocktail, by Aphrodite’s rock, which according to mythology is the birthplace of the Goddess of Beauty and Love. Our guests, will be inspired by this amazing scenery and allow Aphrodite to be their hostess throughout this journey of senses, colours and experiences in beautiful Cyprus. (Dance act).

In the afternoon return back to the hotel.

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