Latchi
Latchi with its small picturesque harbor and backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery is a popular place to wander along the beach, watch the boats coming and going and enjoy a delicious fish meal in one of the taverns
There has been a harbor at Latchi for many centuries. The harbor offers good protection to the boats from the prevailing north- westerly that can whip the waves into sizeable breakers.
Latchi was the main area for sponge diving and is the only place in Cyprus to hold a commercial sponge fishing license. Over the years an unknown disease killed of the sponges, putting an end to the trade . Today the sponges for sale in the local shops are imported.
Latchi is at its best at sunset when the sun sinks low onto the horizon casting a burnished glow. The coastline westwards is both beautiful and dramatic and you will find small coves of crystal clear water. There are various boat trips available from the harbor.
The Baths of Aphrodite
This picturesque semi - circular pool that nestles under a huge limestone rock, shrouded by the leaves of a giant fig tree has for centuries been associated with the legend of Aphrodite. This area with its breathtaking views and fragrant smells of wild flowers, especially Cyclamen easily lends itself to the legend of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. It is quite easy to imagine her as she bathed in the pool. Legend says that one day as she bathed, the God Adonis who was out hunting, saw her and fell passionately in love with her. They were together when he was killed by the wild boar and legend says that his blood fell onto the earth as scarlet poppies. The tears of Aphrodite became the wild Anemones that grow everywhere. The legend says that whoever bathes in the crystal clear water will recapture their beauty and if a foreign lady bathes there she will fall in love with a local man and stay in Cyprus forever.
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