Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek), or Aphrodite's Rock, is a sea stack in Pafos, Cyprus. Its status in mythology as the birth place of Aphrodite makes it a popular tourist location.
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Gaia (Mother Earth) asked one of her sons, Cronus, to mutilate his father, Uranus (Sky). Cronus cut off Uranus' testicles and threw them into the sea. A white foam appeared from which a maiden arose, the waves first taking her to Kythera and then bringing her to Cyprus. The maiden, named Aphrodite, went to the assembly of gods from Cyprus. The Romans widely referred to her as Venus.
Digenis Akritas, a Greek superhero, threw a large rock to destroy the Saracen ships. Today, this rock stands as the Petra Tou Romiou -- meaning "Rock of the Greek."
Aphrodite attracted a large cult following in Pafos, which was eventually crushed by the Romans. This is evident from the Sanctuary of Aphrodite in Old Pafos kouklia.
Aphrodite was known for lustful love more than romantic love.
A myth states if you swim around the Aphrodite Rock, you will be blessed with eternal beauty.
The sea in this region is generally rough, persuading tourists not to swim there. It is not permitted to climb the rock. A restaurant, a souvenir shop in the Tourist Pavilion, and a resort (Aphrodite Hills) are nearby.