Aphrodite Hills Petrified Forest Beach

Aphrodite Hills Petrified Forest Beach is the small private-feeling beach of the Aphrodite Hills Resort, on the south coast 15 km east of Paphos. The beach is a curving cove of fine grey pebble and clear water, around 200 metres long, sheltered between low cliffs. The remarkable feature is the petrified wood: along parts of the shore and the low cliffs above are visible stumps and trunks of fossilised trees roughly 4 million years old (Pliocene period), preserved by mineral replacement when the area was a tropical wetland forest.

The beach sits within the Aphrodite Hills Resort grounds but is open to non-resort visitors via the access road. The cove is calmer than nearby Petra tou Romiou (10 minutes west) thanks to the sheltering low cliffs, and the water is exceptionally clear. The pebble bottom drops gradually to swimmable depth. Sunbed concessions are managed by the resort (around 10-15 EUR per pair) and there is a small beach café.

The petrified wood is the most unusual feature. Several fossil tree stumps are visible in situ along the shore — the rangers and resort staff can point them out. The fossils are protected; do not chip pieces off. The geological interpretation is on a small panel near the access path.

What to do. Swim, photograph the petrified wood, walk the small cove end-to-end (10 minutes), eat at the resort café or one of the resort's restaurants (open to non-guests). Snorkelling along the rocky cliff bases is moderate. The beach is small enough to be done in 2-3 hours.

Insider tips. Water shoes for the pebble entry. The petrified wood is most visible at the eastern end of the cove — ask at the resort information desk for exact locations. The resort restaurants are open to non-guests for lunch — pricier than village tavernas. Parking at the beach is paid in season.

Combinations. Pair with Petra tou Romiou (5 minutes west — the legendary Aphrodite rock), with the Aphrodite Hills viewpoint (5 minutes inland in the resort), with Kouklia and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos (5 minutes east), or with the Aphrodite Hills Golf Course for a half-day game. A complete Aphrodite-themed south-coast afternoon.

Bring. Water shoes, sunscreen, hat, snorkel kit, water, casual smart wear if eating at the resort. When. May-October. June and September are perfect. The Aphrodite Hills Petrified Forest Beach is the small geological curiosity of the south coast and the quiet alternative to the busy Petra tou Romiou.