Adonis Baths located in Koili, is one of the most beautiful and unique areas in Cyprus. Tradition says that Adonis, the God of Beauty, was taking care of his horses in the area and hunted in the Akamas forest. According to Greek mythology, Adonis and Aphrodite had many children here and the citizens of Paphos are supposed to be descendants of the two lovers. However, Artemis the Goddess of Hunting was jealous of the love affair between Adonis and Aphrodite and tried to find a way to kill Adonis. She threw a golden almond into the baths to try to attract his attention. Poseidon, the God of Sea, saw what was about to happen so he covered the golden almond with a tide to prevent Adonis from drowning. Artemis then asked Ares, the God of War, to push the mountain onto Adonis while he was at the baths. Poseidon stopped the rocks moving towards the back of the river and Adonis was saved again. Unfortunately, Adonis was not so lucky whilst hunting one day; a man disguised as a wild boar fatally wounded him. He returned to the baths but died in the arms of Aphrodite. Aphrodite could not bear to lose her beloved Adonis and begged for him to be sent back to earth every six months, during Autumn.
Popular tradition connects Adonis Baths with the legendary visit of Digenis Akritas. The story says that he put one foot on each side of the River Mavrokolymbos and drank water from the baths. Until this day there is a place called “Digenis feet”.
Additional Information
Distance from Julipapas Gardens: 8,6 Km
