Named after the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite Hills is a coastal resort south-east of Paphos. It sprawls across two plateaus divided by a natural ravine and is clustered with buildings inspired by Greco-Roman stone dwellings. Aphrodite Hills is renowned for its championship golf course and is home to one of Europe’s top-rated spas.
Things to do in Aphrodite Hills
Golfers can enjoy a round on the award-winning Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, which boasts 18 holes spread across 6,289 metres. Designed by the renowned golfing architect Cabell Robinson, it combines challenging bunkers with meticulously manicured fairways and generously tiered greens. Native olive and carob trees frame the course while an attractive clubhouse provides post-game refreshments.
A short drive from Aphrodite Hills is Petra tou Romiou or “Aphrodite’s Rock”, an impressive sea stack that holds an important place in Cypriot mythology. According to one legend, it is said to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, while others believe that the rock was hurled by Basil from the Troodos Mountains to slow down the invading Saracens.
For a day at the beach, head to Ranti Forest Beach, which can be accessed on foot from Aphrodite Hills via a coastal walking trail. Sweeping views across the Mediterranean Sea are on offer from the clifftop lookout and there’s a picnic bench where you can relax over lunch. Ranti Forest Beach’s pebbly shores are a particularly popular spot to watch the sunset.
Getting around Aphrodite Hills
Aphrodite Hills is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Paphos and Paphos International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Aphrodite Hills while the resort town can easily be explored on foot.