The picturesque Baths of Aphrodite can be found in the Akamas region of Paphos, Cyprus. According to legend Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love bathed in the pond here after swimming in the Bay. The baths are surrounded by magnificent lush, landscape filled with wild flowers in the Spring. In the legend Aphrodite met her lover Adonis here. He was hunting in the forest of Akamas and stopped at the spring that fills the pond to drink. He was bewitched by the beautiful, naked Aphrodite bathing in the pond and the two instantly fell in love.
Aphrodite is also said to have used the castle at Pyrgos as a refuge. The ruined castle is set in a wonderful clearing in the forest complete with a bubbling spring and a massive oak tree.
The legend lived on and today the Baths of Aphrodite are a popular tourist spot. It is set in the beautiful Akamas peninsula with a magnificent view of the Bay of Polis. The whole area is an attraction for nature lovers and those who like an active holiday. Walking and hiking in the forests and mountains of Akamas is very popular as is horse riding and cycling. Close to Polis and only 45 minutes from Paphos airport the area is becoming increasingly popular for holiday making and for retirement homes.
Baths of Aphrodite image by brianna.lehman