12 of the Best Beaches in Cyprus (and Northern Cyprus)

Looking for the best beaches in Cyprus? Then look no further. This post lists the best and most beautiful beaches on the island of Cyprus, with practical information for travellers and FAQs at the end of the page.

I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who writes about European destinations – and Cyprus is one of my favourites! You can find any type of beach in Cyprus, depending on your preference. This article will help you find which ones are right for you.

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.

Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca, all situated on the coast of Cyprus, have beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

There are also several wild beaches in Cyprus. These are undeveloped and home to many different species of turtles, including green and loggerhead turtles.

Let’s proceed with my list of the best beaches in Cyprus.

1. Nissi Beach

Nissi Beach is well known for its nightlife and natural beauty. Its white sand curves into a cove with beautifully clear, shallow waters. When the tide is low in winter and spring, a sand walkway opens to the small island from which the beach takes its name. The walkway allows visitors to access the island, which is 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! This beach attracts young crowds from June to August with its lively music events. Things are much calmer outside of these months.

Plenty of restaurants and cafés are 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 want a more natural beach experience away from the crowds. The secluded beach is in a nature reserve on the wild Akamas Peninsula in the far west of Cyprus, 27 kilometres north of Paphos.

Be aware that 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 to 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 walking, 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.

There are toilets and showers on-site, as well as lots of watersports and facilities. There is also a restaurant on top of the cliff, which has beautiful views of the bay and the Mediterranean Sea.

This beach is also along the Ayia Napa-Protaras local bus route, so public transport is readily available.

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. The area has several bars and clubs and a general upbeat vibe.

5. Kourion Beach

Kourion Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Cyprus. The nearby Roman ruins make it a great spot for history buffs, and the views of the ocean and nearby cliffs are simply breathtaking.

Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents in the east part of this coastline, but 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. In the morning, you can visit the ruins of Kourion 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. A few restaurants are located 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

Coral Bay is a sun worshipper’s paradise, nestled between cliffs and sheltered from strong currents. 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. The area also has several restaurants and bars, 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, 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. When looked at from above, the peninsula has the shape of a dolphin tail. The sands are chalky white and lead softly into the sea; if you walk through the green shrubs for two minutes, you’ll reach a more secluded part of the coast.

The peninsula, a former reef, has various fascinating rock formations; at 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. The coastline is lined with fig trees, and there are lovely golden sands and an islet out in the water, with 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, with shallow depths and clear waters teeming with fish life.

There are plenty of amenities nearby, including cafes and restaurants. Just be aware that the sand can get pretty crowded during peak season.

9. Blue Lagoon Akamas (Northern Cyprus)

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 here because there is such a variety 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 coastline.

10. Golden Beach(Northern Cyprus)

Located at the very tip of Karpas Peninsula in Northern Cyprus, Golden Beach (or Nangomi Bay) is an unblemished gem. The coast here comprises kilometres of beautiful golden sand, the island’s most eastern point. There is a tranquil and isolated atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings.

As with most of the wild beaches in Cyprus, low-lying grassy dunes brush against soft sandy shores, leading 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 far from resort towns, and public transport doesn’t reach it. The beach is in northern Cyprus, so visitors will need their passports to cross the Green Line into this territory.

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. You can see Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) in sharp rock formations just offshore. 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 coastline views.

12. Pissouri Bay Beach

Pissouri Bay (38 kilometres west of Limassol) offers two reasons that make it unique compared to other island beaches.

Firstly, Pissouri Bay is not usually as crowded during summer 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, making it great for swimming, though parents should be more cautious with small children splashing around.

Although Pissouri Bay is not as traditionally “pretty” as other more popular shorelines due to its shingle and pebble makeup, the number of water sports available can make up for this.

If you’re looking for things to do beyond swimming and sunbathing; waterskis, pedalos, boats, and Jet Skis can be rented right on the beach.

This beach also has excellent facilities if you’re planning on spending an entire day sandside, including renting sunloungers and shades. A lifeguard is always on duty. When you need a break from the heat, head to the shorefront restaurant or take advantage of toilets and shower amenities located conveniently nearby.