Fontana Amorosa

Fontana Amorosa is one of the natural attractions of Cyprus and it is located near the homonymous beach on the northwest edge of Akamas cape very close to the Arnaoutis cape of Paphos province.

It is a small cove, former base of pirates, where the ancient spring gushes out the water that gave birth to old myths and traditions about lovers. Also known as the fountain of love, Fontana Amorosa is where goddess Aphrodite met and seduced her lovers. Local tradition dictates that whoever drinks from this water will fall in love.

The Latin name Fontana Amorosa suggests it was named during the time of Franks however there is no written reference to it. Antonio Bragadin, the captain of the anti-pirate fleet of Cyprus mentions that a pirate galleon had been set up in the bay which captured people and traded slaves while the last lord of Famagusta Petros Valterios mentions an incident regarding the arrival of three Ottoman galleons in the area. On the other hand Fontana Amorosa was visited by many intellectuals of Italy (even Leonardo Da Vinci) who mention that there was a tank which was filled with water during winter and a small temple. This stone fountain was visited by those who were in the region as the bay was a pirate base in the 16 th century. Not far away there is another fountain which is near the two rivers and flows on wild fig trees and reeds and sometimes people confuse it for the fountain of the goddess of love.

Finally many visitors engage in diving in the beach Fontana Amorosa, or paragliding in order to admire the view or sail to Paphos Blue Lagoon. The whole cape of Akamas is accessible only with 4×4 vehicles therefore many daily excursions with off-road vehicles are organized in the area.