The pool
Shaded among rocks.
Gerda Arendt — CC0 · Wojciech Biegun — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ChrisSampson87 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ChrisSampson87 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Baths of Aphrodite are a small natural grotto on the Akamas Peninsula in western Cyprus, past Latchi harbour, where water seeps into a shaded pool among rocks and tangled branches. Legend says Aphrodite bathed here, which has made it one of the area's best known stops. The site is natural rather than archaeological, within the state forest of Akamas. Its fame rests not on old buildings but on the story and the beauty of the pool in the greenery. A sign at the entrance warns that the water is not fit to drink and that swimming and climbing the trees are not allowed, which helps keep it calm. You reach the pool along a short paved path among plants, with a small botanical garden and panels introducing the trees. From here the Aphrodite nature trail climbs into the hills, opening up fine views of the Akamas coast and blue water. In spring wildflowers appear, including cyclamen. It is 5 km in a straight line from Latchi and 32 km from Paphos, best reached by car. The grotto does not take long, so for more, walk part of the trail in the morning before the heat, with suitable shoes and plenty of water. Check locally about parking near the entrance.
Shaded among rocks.
Views of the Akamas coast.
Panels introducing the trees.
Akamas Peninsula, past Latchi harbour, western Cyprus
No. The sign at the entrance forbids swimming, and the water is not fit to drink.
Half an hour for the grotto, longer if you walk part of the trail.