Where are the best beaches in Cyprus?
Many beaches in Cyprus have been awarded Blue Flag certification. This recognises the environmental quality and water cleanliness, and Cyprus typically ranks highly against other European countries.
You can find any type of beach in Cyprus depending on your preference. Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca situated on the coast have beautiful beaches which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
There are several wild beaches in Cyprus; these are undeveloped and home to many different species of turtles, including the green and loggerhead turtles.
12 Best Beaches in Cyprus
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1. Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach is well known for its nightlife and natural beauty. This curve of white sand forms a cove with beautifully clear, shallow waters. In winter and spring when the tide is low, a sand walkway unveils leading to the small island from which the beach takes its name. The walkway makes it possible to access the island that’s inhabited by small shrubs and pretty plants.
One of the most popular beaches in Cyprus, Nissi Beach will always be very busy and crowded during the summer season. If you’re looking for a place to have a solitary, quiet day, Nissi beach is not it. From June to August, this beach attracts young crowds with its lively music events. Things are much calmer outside of these months.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby, as well as water sports operators, lifeguards and entertainment.
2. Lara Beach
One of the wild beaches in Cyprus, Lara Beach is an isolated, rugged landscape located north of Coral Bay. Although it may take some time and a 4×4 vehicle to reach this remote location, it offers a sense of privacy that is hard to find elsewhere. The lack of artificial light makes Lara Beach a popular nesting spot for green and loggerhead turtles, whose nests are easily identifiable thanks to the markings left by volunteers.
Lara Beach is only accessible by dirt track, and the best way to visit is usually through an organised tour by local operators. You can also get there by hiking or cycling. It’s a great spot for snorkelling, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a turtle swimming by.
Unlike the resort beaches in Cyprus, Lara Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a more natural beach experience, away from the crowds. The secluded beach is located in a nature reserve on the wild Akamas Peninsula in the far west of Cyprus, 27 kilometres north of Paphos.
Be aware there are no facilities here – so make sure you bring a picnic! Check out this cute picnic set on Amazon.
3. Konnos Beach
Konnos Bay is a hidden gem, located only moments away from Protaras and Ayia Napa. This small cove offers travellers a peaceful oasis, with reasonably priced umbrellas and calm water. I recommend visiting during the early part of the year, so you can appreciate the natural beauty of Konnos Bay as the surrounding cliffs come alive with lush greenery.
Konnos Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Cyprus. The gentle waves and soft sand make it perfect for swimming, and the view of the mountains in the distance is simply stunning. It’s also a great spot for taking a walk, as there are several scenic hiking trails in the area.
Konnos beach is located in a sheltered cove on the edge of Cape Greco National Park, just 5 kilometres south of Protaras. It is a popular destination for its soft white sand and refreshing cliff top restaurant with breathtaking views of the shore and Mediterranean Sea.
There are toilets and showers on-site, as well as lots of watersports, facilities and a restaurant on top of the cliff with beautiful views of the bay and the Mediterranean sea.
This beach is also along the route of the Ayia Napa-Protaras local bus, so public transport is readily available.
Further reading: 81 Unique and Exciting Things to do in Cyprus.
4. Finikoudes Beach
Finikoudes Beach is located in the heart of Larnaca, making it one of the most central and popular beaches in Cyprus. It’s also a good spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the nightlife. There are several bars and clubs in the area, and a general upbeat vibe.
5. Kourion Beach
Kourion Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Cyprus. The Roman ruins that are located nearby make it a great spot for history buffs, and the views of the ocean and nearby cliffs are simply breathtaking.
The addition of looming limestone cliffs creates an even more dramatic landscape. The best place to take in the beach view is from above, at the ancient ruins of Kourion. While swimming is not recommended due to strong currents in the east part of this coastline, it’s perfectly safe to walk into the waves further along. Bobbing along with the tide is both relaxing and exciting–definitely more so than a standard dip in any old sea!
This shingle and sand beach stretches for three kilometres. It is a good idea to visit the ruins of Kourion in the morning and then relax on the shoreline in the afternoon. The beach is situated 18 kilometres west of Limassol.
Sun loungers and shades are available to rent during summer, making it the perfect spot to relax with family or friends. A couple of restaurants are located right on the beach, so you never have to go far for a refreshing drink or meal. The bay also gets quite windy, which makes it a popular spot for local windsurfers.
6. Coral Bay
Nestled between cliffs and sheltered from strong currents, Coral Bay is a sun-worshipper’s paradise. With soft golden sand, clear water, and plenty of umbrellas and sun loungers, this beach offers everything you need for a perfect day by the sea. There are also several restaurants and bars in the area, making it easy to find a place to grab a bite or a drink.
This is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus, and it is easily accessible by local buses from Paphos. It can be quite crowded during the summer months, but there are plenty of sun loungers and shades for rent, as well as restaurants and cafes. You can also find operators offering water sports such as water skiing.
7. Makronissos Beach
One of the less well-known beaches in Cyprus. The peninsula, when looked at from above, has the shape of a dolphin tail. The sands are chalky white and lead softly into the sea; if you walk for two minutes through the green shrubs, you’ll reach a more secluded part of the coast. A former reef, there are various fascinating rock formations on the peninsula; if you go to its tip, you can find ancient tombs that don’t require an entrance fee.
8. Fig Tree Bay
Fig Tree Bay lives up to its Instagram-hype, being one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. It’s not overrun with tourists but has a good mix of locals and travellers – just what you want on vacation. The coastline is lined with fig trees and there are lovely golden sands as well as an islet out in the water that has shallow waters perfect for families with young children.
Protaras, located only 12 kilometres from Ayia Napa, is a small resort town with a beautiful seafront promenade. Its southernmost point is Fig Tree Bay, which is perfect for families vacationing with young children or those looking to go snorkelling due to the shallow depths and clear waters teeming with fish life.
This beach is perfect for those looking to relax and soak up some sun. There are plenty of amenities nearby, as well as cafes and restaurants. Just be aware that the sand can get pretty crowded during peak season.
9. Blue Lagoon Akamas
The captivating blue waters of Blue Lagoon Akamas are so vivid they look otherworldly. This natural treasure is one of the best beaches in north Cyprus and is frequently visited by small boats and yachts. The wild terrain can be accessed by 4×4 or boat, and since it has been shielded from commercial development, the lagoon remains pristine.
Snorkelling is popular among visitors because there is such a variation of underwater environments to explore. To get a bird’s-eye view of the lagoon, head to the nearby mountains for panoramic views down the entire coastline.
10. Golden Beach
Located at the very tips of Karpas Peninsula in Northern Cyprus, Golden Beach (or Nangomi Bay) is an unblemished gem. The coast here comprises kilometres of beautiful golden sand, which happens to be the island’s most eastern point. There is a tranquil and isolated atmosphere, as well as beautiful natural surroundings.
As with most of the wild beaches in Cyprus, there are low-lying grassy dunes brushing against soft sandy shores lead up into hills, where you might even spot some wild donkeys.
Since loggerhead turtles use Golden Beach as a nesting ground, the beach is part of a national park. Some sections are fenced off to protect turtle hatching grounds.
The area has a few good restaurants near the main beach access points, but no other facilities. Golden Beach is located far from any resort towns and public transport doesn’t reach it. The beach is in north Cyprus, so visitors will need their passport to cross the Green Line into this territory.
Further reading: 81 Unique and Exciting Things to do in Cyprus.
11. Aphrodite’s beach
Although you can sunbathe here, the primary purpose of visiting this beach is to take photos of the most iconic seascape on the island. Just offshore from shore are Petra tou Romiou’s (Aphrodite’s Rock) sharp rock formations. According to long standing local legend, this is where Aphrodite first surfaced from the ocean depths.
Aphrodite’s Beach is a small horseshoe-shaped bay located 26 kilometres southeast of Paphos and 45 kilometres west of Limassol. The beach is popular for swimming and sunset photos, and the nearby lookout point offers scenic views of the coastline.
12. Pissouri Bay Beach
Pissouri Bay (38 kilometres west from Limassol) offers two reasons that make it unique in comparison to other island beaches.
Firstly, Pissouri Bay is not usually as crowded during the summer months as the beaches near major tourist towns such as Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Paphos and Limassol.
Secondly, the sea close to the shore of Pissouri Bay drops down to a decent depth quickly , which makes it great for swimming; though parents should be more cautious with small children splashing around because of this.
Although Pissouri Bay is not as traditionally “pretty” as other more popular shorelines due to its shingle and pebble makeup, it more than makes up for this in the amount of water sports available.
If you’re looking for things to do beyond swimming and sunbathing, there’s water-skiing, pedalos, boats, and Jet Skis that can be rented right on the beach.
This beach also has excellent facilities if you’re planning on spending an entire day sand-side including renting sun-loungers and shades with a lifeguard always on duty. And when you need a break from the heat, head to the shorefront restaurant or take advantage of toilets and shower amenities located conveniently nearby.
12 Best Beaches in Cyprus
And that’s it for the 12 best beaches in Cyprus!
For all beach trips, I recommend this perfect beach towel which repels sand, comes in 40 different designs and dries almost instantly. Also very helpful is this foldable sun hat which can be packed in your bag, and this cute picnic set too. You will definitely need to take a picnic if you are visiting the wild beaches, as these have no facilities.
Related Reading for Beaches in Cyprus
Pin for Later – 12 Best Beaches in Cyprus
For further reading, you may be interested in my Cyprus blog posts below.
- 8 of the Best Towns to Visit in Cyprus
- 81 Unique & Exciting Things to do in Cyprus
- How to Visit Famagusta, Northern Cyprus
- 10 Important Monasteries in Cyprus
- 10 Things to do in Paphos
- 26 Photos to Make You Want to Visit Cyprus
- 25 Stunning Sights to See in Cyprus
Travelling soon? Check my 20 Must-Have Travel Essentials post before you go.
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You are reading Hazel’s Travels – an online publication and travel blog which aims to provide advice and inspiration for travel in Europe, the UK and USA.
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