Petra tou Romiou
The Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek), or the Rock Of Aphrodite (as known in English), is a scenic place, located off the old Pafos-Lemesos road. It's a popular tourist spot, for its breathtaking view of the sea, and more famously the birth place of Aphrodite. Legend has it that this is the Rock from which Aphrodite mythically arose from the foaming sea.
Birthplace of Aphrodite
It is widely believed that at the time when there existed only Ge, the Earth and Ouranos (Uranus), Ge asked one of her sons, Cronos (Kronos) to mutilate his father (Uranus). Obeying these instructions, Cronos proceeded to cut off Uranus's testicles and throw them into the sea. From the sea arose white foams, from which a maiden arose, the waves first taking her to Kythera and then bringing her to Cyprus. The maiden, named Aphrodite then went to the assembly of gods from Cyprus. The Romans widely referred to her as Venus.
Legend of the rock
Digenis Akritas, a Greek superhero, threw a large rock to secure the Saracen ships. This rock today stands as the Petra Tou Romiou leading to the above translation as the Rock of the Greek.
Cult following
Aphrodite widely attracted a cult following in Pafos, which was then crushed by the Romans. This is evident from the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, in Old Pafos, which is a beautifully excavated site.
Aphrodite was known for lustful love more than romantic love.
Traveling to Petra Tou Romiou
Petra Tou Romiou is a 30 minute drive from Limassol towards Pafos. Make sure you take the old road to Pafos, avoid the motorway (which does give a cut out though), as you will miss some breathtaking scenery on the way. Heading from Limassol, drive towards Kourion, crossing pine tree forests. Ascending the hills overlooking the Curium Beach, passing the Episkopi (British Army area) the mountains cleave to reveal a spectacular view of the sea. Driving along, you will come across a Tourist Pavilion on the right, where cars can be parked to admire the sight of the colors of the sea.
Tourist attractions
Sea at this area is generally rough and it being a rock beach, people do not generally swim. You can however ascend the Rock itself, and overlook the waves lashing against it! Also, there is a nearby restaurant, and a souvenir shop in the Tourist Pavilion.