Pal’s Magazine recently published the Aphrodite’s Rock Coastal Walk. This walk begins at a Picnic Centre which is just off the B6 coast road, close to Aphrodite’s Rock area.
Follow the B6 road out of Paphos, past the airport, and head east for Petra tou Rominou. (If using the A6 motorway, exit at the 6th junction, well signposted, onto the B6.)
The Picnic centre is situated on the right-hand side of the road just 50 metres before the left-hand entrance to Aphrodite Hills Resort. The picnic area has plenty of space for parking and has basic toilet facilities.
Total walking distance is 7.7kms. Allow about 2 hours, lengthy stops not allowed for, to enjoy the Aphrodite’s Rock Coastal Walk and the stunning coastal scenery. Generally the terrain consists of gentle slopes with some short, steep ascents and one longish descent. Underfoot the surface is mainly stone paths, some covered with loose pebbles. There is little shade throughout.
Head off along the coastal path eastwards toward Aphrodite’s Rock. After about 100 meters you will see the first of many green arrow markers. (You will also find markers along the trail describing plants and bushes growing as nature intended.) If you go right there is a view point. Follow the path down to the left skirting a small ravine. You can view first, retrace your steps and take the path down around the ravine’s edge. The path gently rises as you reach the other side. Follow the next green arrow to the right, heading toward the sea. Follow the path for a short distance and once again bear right between two grey poles. The path winds toward the left and heads toward the road as it skirts yet another ravine. Beyond this ravine an arrow will direct you to the right, and the sea. This snaking route repeats itself along the trail alternating between coastal headland and inland walk-way close to the road. Once you have skirted the next inlet there is another opportunity to sit on a bench and take in the breath-taking views out to sea or along the coast to Aphrodite’s Rock itself.
The next 400 meters is gently up heading back toward the road and continues parallel to the road for a further 100 meters before once again turning right and heading down hill (2.5kms/25 mins.) This section is quite steep and narrow. As you descend look out for the aptly inscribed nature trail plaque “Loosely Pebbles” on the left. When you reach the bottom you are a stone’s throw from the beach and water’s edge. Turn left and back uphill toward the road. (If time allows visit the beach before continuing along the path.) This section is moderately steep and the surface is rutted and loose. At the top, the path bends to the right and another 100 meters on you will find a large open area with yet another strategically positioned bench with a view. As you leave this area the path meets the main road. Continue along the right-hand road-side for a further 600 meters before carefully crossing the road to the Tourist Pavilion at Petra tou Rominou (3.4kms/40mins.) The Pavilion has a café and toilets and there is an underpass enabling easy access to the beach, the sea and Aphrodite’s birthplace.
After a short rest head to the back of the car park and cross the wooden bridge. This is the start of a very steep climb. It’s only about 200 meters to the top but the surface is loose, take care as you ascend. At the top there is another viewing point with spectacular views of Aphrodite’s Rock and the bay. Follow the path markers to the left and continue inland gently rising to reach a green marker. Bear left and follow the path downhill. Here the trail slowly descends and skirts the ravine to the left. Once you arrive at a point overlooking the car park you will come to a T junction. Go right and continue climbing up, slightly more steeply until you reach the top. Here the path turns left and heads west parallel to the coast. Soon the path drops away as it bends first to the right and then left toward the main coast road (5.2kms). Cross the road and return along the coastal path for around 25mins retracing your steps, directed by the green arrows, back to the Picnic Centre. That completes the Aphrodite’s Rock Coastal Walk
By Carole and Derek Pengelly© members of the Phoenix Walking Group
