Fun things to do in Cyprus include anything associated with Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. Here we look to find the best places in Cyprus based on Goddess inspiration, so expect to see lots of beaches and waterfalls.
Interesting fact: Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean sea after Sicily (1st) and Sardinia (2nd). After Cyprus comes Corsica (4th), followed by Crete, the 5th largest island.
It’s as if the triple Goddess planned to call the third largest island her home.
Interestingly, the highest mountain in Cyprus is called Mount Olympus.
Whenever you think about Mount Olympus, your thoughts generally sway toward the Greek Gods and Goddesses, and since Aphrodite has strong links to Cyprus, you have to wonder about her.
Aphrodite in Cyprus
Have you ever wondered how Cyprus became the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty?
Kythera also claims to be Aphrodite’s birthplace, which is crazy to get your head around.
It may sound impossible that two islands can claim to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, but there is a decent enough explanation.
The Aphrodite myth began when Cronus cut off the immortal genitals of his father Uranus, whose wife was Gaia, Mother Earth.
After doing the hideous deed, Cronus flung the genitals into the sea.
No one could have guessed that Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and sex, would be born from this horrific event.
Birth of Aphrodite
Here’s an extract of text from Hesiod’s Theogony, as seen in The Complete World of Greek Mythology by Richard Buxton:
About [the genitals] a white foam grew from the immortal flesh, and in it a girl formed.
First she approached holy Kythera; then from there she came to sea-girt Cyprus.
And out stepped a modest and beautiful goddess, and the grass began to grow all round beneath her slender feet.
Gods and men call her Aphrodite, because she was formed in foam [aphros], and Kythereia, because she approached Kythera, and Cyprus-born, because she was born in wave-washed Cyprus, and laughter-loving [philommeides], because she appeared out of genitals [medea].
Eros and fair Desire attended her birth and accompanied her as she went to join the family of gods.
And this has been her allotted province from the beginning among men and immortal gods: the whisperings of girls; smiles; deceptions; sweet pleasure, intimacy, and tenderness. [from Hesiod’s Theogony]
So there it is. Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, has genuine links to Cyprus and Kythira.
In this post, I’ll focus on the island of Cyprus because I prefer to save Kythera for another time.
In one of my posts, where I look at beautiful Actresses and Goddesses to determine which one could be a true Goddess, there happens to be one famous actress on that list who was born in Cyprus.
So check it out to see who I am thinking about.
The Cyprus Tragedy
Aphrodite has made errors of judgement in her time. One of the biggest mistakes was when she married the wrong God.
Even though she was the wife of the lame blacksmith-God, Hephaestus, it didn’t stop her from having extra-marital affairs.
She also had a strong desire for Ares, the God of War, another questionable choice.
Hephaestus was smart enough to have his suspicions concerning his wife’s faithfulness, so one day he decided to catch both Ares and Aphrodite in the act.
He cleverly devised a trap that would scoop both lovers up in an escape-proof metal bonded fishing net if Aphrodite ever went to bed with someone else.
It did the trick. When Hephaestus found out, he angrily decided to humiliate both of them by summoning the other Gods to see the shame. Imagine the sight.
What has played out in Cyprus since Aphrodite’s arrival seems like the opposite of love.
War, fighting, unresolved disputes between Greeks and Turks, and others who have desired to control Aphrodite’s island have gone on for ages.
People worshipping a foolish non-Greek Goddess religion have dominated an island where Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, was born, and the hatred has been crazy!
I wonder how Aphrodite feels about it all?
Places in Cyprus for Couples (and Singles)
Well, it hasn’t turned out all bad as you think. Loads of tourists love Cyprus.
Here are some places in Cyprus for couples to visit and for couples and singles who love Aphrodite.
1. Cyprus Beaches
Cyprus is a decent-sized island, about 240 km (149 miles) in length and 100 km (62 miles) wide, so the island has plenty of beaches.
Here is Nissi beach in the resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus. It looks fantastic to me.
I’m sure a Goddess or two would want to go for a swim at this great-looking beach.
Top 5 Beaches in Cyprus
The best places in Cyprus have to include a few more top beaches. Discover them by watching this video.
2. Aphrodite’s beach / Aphrodite’s rock
Legend has it that this is the beach that gave birth to Aphrodite, the Goddess of love.
Yes, it is the beach on Cyprus where she famously rose out of the water.
Anyone who appreciates Greek Gods and Goddesses has to visit this beach in Cyprus.
3. Aphrodite Trail / Adonis Trail
4. Baths of Aphrodite
5. Adonis Baths
Aphrodite statue is 10 meters tall, and the Zeus statue is 4 meters tall.
Several other surprising statues can also be seen at the Adonis bath and waterfall.
Visiting this destination in Cyprus looks very tempting.
6. Temple of Aphrodite: Sanctuary
The first UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus because of its historical significance is all due to Aphrodite, the Goddess of love.
You can find this place in Kouklia Village, approximately 14 km southeast of Paphos.
Aphrodite’s temple goes back to the 12th century Alpha (BC). The site could be as old as 3800 Alpha (BC).
The temple stood about 2 km inland and remained intact as a sanctuary until the 3rd or 4th century.
It’s good to see some windmills in the background. It’s clear the Goddess of Love still has fans even to this day.
7. Aphrodite Waterpark, Pathos, Cyprus
There are plenty of theme parks dedicated to the Greek Gods. This one looks great!
8. Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus
9. Cyprus Museum (Nicosia)
You can find Aphrodite in this museum.
10. Pathos Archaeological Park
Paphos – This tourist-friendly town is considered a beachside jewel.
The Pathos Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can visit the House of Aion, discovered in 1962, where numerous mosaics exist, including one depicting the end of the flute contest between Apollo and Marsyas.
Inside each villa is a mosaic, which is how the names of the villas came about.
They include the House of Theseus, House of Aion, House of Dionysos, and the House of Orpheus.
Siren’s Song
Serendipitously, I watched the whole four-part Brazilian series “Siren’s Song” for the first time on television while putting together this piece about Aphrodite.
I think the mini-series leaves a vital clue regarding Aphrodite’s immortal existence.
Message from Siren’s Song:
… a heart and a star …
… it came up in the shells …
… she became a myth …
Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty, can almost certainly be found in beach heaven.
The best places in Cyprus for lovers of Aphrodite (Venus) will show you the way.
Mount Olympus in Cyprus
If you love hiking, you will probably want to climb to the top of Mount Olympus in Cyprus.
Mount Olympus in Cyprus is 1,952 m (6,404 ft) high, whereas Mount Olympus in northern Greece, the highest mountain in all of Greece, has a height of 2,918 m (9,573 ft).
It has to be one of the best things to do in Cyprus. Maybe you’ll bump into Aphrodite on the slopes.
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