Cyprus island of romance, Aphrodite’s birthplace and perfect for weddings - travel review

Cyprus honeymoon

Mythology says this stretch of coastline is just about as romantic as it gets, and if it can enchant a sceptical person like me, maybe mythology is on to something.

Hand in hand Aphrodite and her lover Adonis walked along this captivating stretch of north-western coastline on the island of Cyprus.

The trail, boasting piercing blue water as far as the eye can see, sits just above the Baths of Aphrodite, where the Goddess of Love bathed.

Just a few miles east, still in Pafos, is where Aphrodite is said to have been born.

“If you swim around that big rock three times at midnight,” says our tour guide Mirka Papatheocharous pointing at the coastline, “you will be beautiful and young forever”.

Before I can rip my clothes off in a slightly desperate and hopeful bid to prove the myth true, we move on to explore more of Aphrodite’s legend.

And you soon learn the island of Cyprus, which has an authentic feel to it, oozes romance.

Hundreds of British couples tie the knot in Cyprus every year, often saying their vows as the sun prepares to set over the island, affording spectacular images of a day you will never forget.

The advice is to not come to Cyprus to marry in July or August, the hottest months of the year where the choking humidity could be too much for even the most sun-seeking Brit.

Instead, a wedding in the few months before or after are prime time to give you and your loved ones a truly perfect time.

Pafos, Aphrodite’s birthplace, boasts a number of wedding venues perched on the beach including the deceivingly intimate Annabelle, which offers couples a number of options of where to exchange vows and hold their reception, and Elysium, from where I viewed a sunset as spectacular as any I’ve seen.

The newly constructed Akamas Health Farm & Spa can also accommodate couples who choose to exchange their vows in one of the many historic churches, before coming to them for their reception.

Located in Droushia on the edge of the breathtaking Akamas Peninsula and only a short drive from the birthplace of Aphrodite, the health farm has its own pool, spa, tennis courts, restaurant and much more.

On the southern coast of Cpyrus, in Lemesos, is the Four Seasons, a vast hotel which has its own chapel area for weddings. In the same city is Elias, a beach hotel which promises to help any couple organise their perfect wedding.

Generally speaking, you will need to be in Cyprus at least three working days before your wedding for all the necessary paperwork to be submitted to the town hall or church.

With Cyprus’ Troodos Mountains offering winter skiing and a late afternoon swim if it takes your fancy, there is plenty to do even out of season.

And whether it is January, June or October, the food is a particular highlight. Meze – a selection of small dishes – is arguably the best way to enjoy all the flavours Cyrus has to offer. You can eat to your heart’s content if it takes your fancy – it certainly did mine!

Whether you are coming to Cyprus to get married or enjoy your honeymoon, there are so many magical parts of the island to enjoy and to soak up. It would be a picture perfect way to mark the most special day of them all.