Baths of Aphrodite and Latchi: Grotto, Nature Trails and Harbour near Polis, Paphos, Cyprus
The grotto of the goddess, the Aphrodite and Adonis trails, Latchi fishing harbour and boats to the Blue Lagoon – with directions from Coral Bay and tips
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The Baths of Aphrodite lie in a green corner of the Akamas peninsula near Polis: a shady small grotto with a spring-fed pool where, according to Greek mythology, the goddess of love used to bathe. Just a few kilometres away is Latchi, a small fishing harbour with tavernas, a beach and the boats to the Blue Lagoon. Together they make a perfect day trip from Coral Bay in the Paphos district.
Baths of Aphrodite and Latchi at a Glance
- Where: on the north coast of the Paphos district, west of Polis Chrysochous on the edge of the Akamas peninsula.
- From Coral Bay: to Latchi about 31 km (around 41 minutes), to the Baths of Aphrodite about 37 km (around 49 minutes).
- Latchi to the Baths: about 7 km, around 10 minutes by car.
- Entry: free.
- Length of visit: 20–30 minutes for the grotto, three to four hours with a nature trail.
The Baths of Aphrodite: Greek Mythology and the Grotto
Legend says the goddess Aphrodite bathed in this spring. It is also where she met her lover Adonis for the first time. When Adonis was later killed by a wild boar, Aphrodite’s tears turned into white roses and his blood into red anemones – the story of Aphrodite and Adonis is still told here today.
From the car park by the tourist pavilion, a paved path leads through a small park to the grotto – a short walk from the gate. Water trickles from the limestone rock like fine mist into a clear, cool small pool about five metres across and around one metre deep at its deepest point. An old fig tree grows above the grotto, and lush vegetation keeps it shaded all year. Since 2006 the Department of Forests has maintained the site with paths, benches, a bird-watching station and labelled plants and wild flowers, a little like a botanical garden.
Can You Bathe in the Baths of Aphrodite?
No. Swimming in the pool is not allowed – the spring is protected. If you want to swim or snorkel, head to the beach at Latchi or take a boat to the turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon.
Not to Be Confused with Aphrodite’s Rock
The Baths of Aphrodite are on the north-west side of Cyprus. Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou), where the goddess is said to have risen from the sea, is on the south coast near Kouklia – a good hour and a half away by car.
Nature Trails: the Aphrodite Trail and the Adonis Trail
Two circular nature trails start at the Baths of Aphrodite, each about 7.5 km long: the Aphrodite Trail and the Adonis Trail. Both are part of the Aphrodite Cultural Route and of the European long-distance path E4. The paths climb steeply up and down, but you are rewarded with amazing views over the bay of Polis Chrysochous and the mountains. The Aphrodite Trail climbs to the Moutti tis Sotiras viewpoint, from where you can see as far as Cape Arnaoutis at the tip of the unspoiled peninsula on a clear day. More routes, including the Troodos Mountains, are in our guide to hiking in Cyprus.
- Good shoes and water: the paths are rocky and only partly shaded.
- Start early: it gets very hot at midday in summer.
- Waymarking: the trails are marked, and the tourism authority publishes a hiking map.
Latchi: Fishing Harbour, Beach and Tavernas
Latchi (also Latsi) is a small fishing village that belongs to the municipality of Polis. It was once a small port that mainly exported carobs; the old stone carob warehouses are now restaurants and fish tavernas. The marina has been expanded and has space for around 220 boats.
At the harbour you can eat fresh fish with a view of the boats, and the picturesque beaches on either side of the harbour are good for a swim. In the evening the sun sets over the Akamas peninsula.
Boat Trips and Jeep Safari from Latchi to the Blue Lagoon
Latchi is the starting point for most boat trips to the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas peninsula. The trip along the coast is short; at the lagoon the boats anchor so you can swim and snorkel in the turquoise water, sometimes with a turtle passing by. There are short cruises of two and a half hours, trips with lunch on board and self-drive boats. A jeep safari is another way to explore the Akamas.
Latchi: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip with Traditional BBQ
About 4 hours from Latchi to the Blue Lagoon, with a swim stop and lunch on board. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 340 reviews on GetYourGuide (October 2026).
If you book through this link, we earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you.
Getting There from Paphos and Polis: Car, Bus and Parking
By car: From Coral Bay, drive via Peyia and the country road to Polis and on to Latchi. The route is about 31 km and takes around 41 minutes. From Latchi a paved road takes you to the Baths of Aphrodite in about 10 minutes, where there is a nearby parking area – the site is easily accessed by car.
By bus: Intercity buses run from Paphos to Polis, with connections on to Latchi. Check the timetable with the bus operator before you travel.
From further away: From Limassol or Larnaca, allow at least one and a half to two and a half hours by car.
General Tips: Things to Do in Cyprus’ North-West
- Combine: the Baths of Aphrodite and a trail in the morning, fish in Latchi at lunchtime, a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.
- Book boat trips in advance: popular tours fill up quickly in high season.
- Bring swimwear: for a swim in Latchi or at the Blue Lagoon.
- Visit Polis: the small town of Polis has a pretty square with cafés.
FAQ: Baths of Aphrodite
Where are the Baths of Aphrodite?
On the Akamas peninsula, north-west of Polis and about 7 km from Latchi, at the end of a paved road with a car park.
Is it worth visiting the Baths of Aphrodite?
Yes, as a picturesque stop on the way to Latchi or as the start of a hike. The grotto itself is small and can be busy at midday in summer – it is quieter early or late in the afternoon.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the Baths of Aphrodite and the nature trails are free to visit.
How far is Latchi from Coral Bay?
About 31 km. By car you will be there in around 41 minutes.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: legend, site and nature trails from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com), Latchi from Wikipedia, drive times by route planner (OSRM, 09.10.2026), tour details from the provider on GetYourGuide. Cover photo: sk12, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped.
Where to Stay: Our Villas in Coral Bay
Our two villas in Coral Bay are a great base for exploring the north-west of Cyprus – the Baths of Aphrodite, the Blue Lagoon and the Akamas peninsula are an easy day trip away. Private pools, booked directly with your host.
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