Bath of Aphrodite

Bath of Aphrodite

The natural grotto and botanical gardens of the Baths of Aphrodite are located just past the fishing port of Latsi, towards the tip of the Akamas Peninsula. Beneath an old fig tree, in the shade from the hot Cyprus sun, is a little natural grotto, where the water flows down a rock wall and creates a pool amongst the moss. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite came here to bathe and met her lover, Adonis, who stopped for a drink on a hunting trip. Although the name 'Baths of Aphrodite' was perhaps influenced by this grotto, it actually refers to a larger natural area here on the Akamas Peninsula. On entering the Akamas Natural Park from the car park, the path to the cave leads through a botanical garden with most of the region's perennial native plants. To the west of the bath, a 2.5 km path leads along the legendary path on which the Goddess of Love rested after her bath beneath a large oak tree, and from here the path separates into two hiking trails, "Aphrodite" and "Adonis", each about 5 km long. In addition to the diverse flora and fauna of the Akamas Park, the area is also home to remarkable geological formations. The coastal walkway offers spectacular views of the sea, and some of the nearby beaches have swimming opportunities.