The Best Beaches in Cyprus
I recently returned from a trip to Cyprus, and saw some beautiful bits of the island. The weather was sensational – barely a cloud in the sky throughout the duration of the trip. For a country with 320 days of sunshine a year, perhaps this wasn’t a huge surprise. One of the ultimate destinations for sun in Europe, there’s so much to see and do on the Mediterranean’s third biggest island including some incredible beaches. There are plenty of Blue Flag beaches, meaning excellent water conditions and cleanliness for sunbathing and swimming. From popular spots to secret coves, there are so many great beaches for Cyprus’ endless summer. Here’s my guide to the best beaches in Cyprus.
Coral Bay, Peyia
A beautiful Blue Flag beach, Coral Bay (or Kolpos ton Koralion) boasts some of the cleanest waters on the island, making the beach perfect for swimming. One of the best beaches in Cyprus, Coral Bay is a beautiful golden stretch of sand north of Paphos in the adorable village of Peyia. Easily accessible from Paphos with ample beach parking, Coral Bay is protected from strong currents by its neighbouring cliffs making it a calm spot for sunbathing. There are plenty of sun loungers and parasols for catching shade in the summer months. For those with itchy feet, you’ll find a number of water sports along the beach. Explore Coral Bay’s impressive cliffs and sea caves, and stop by the bustling al fresco restaurants and bars along the beachfront.
Looking for beautiful beaches to enjoy? Check out my guide to my favourite beaches in the world.
Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
Located in the popular party resort of Ayia Napa, it may not be a surprise that Nissi Beach is known as the beach that never sleeps. Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Cyprus, it’s popular because of its white sand and clear turquoise waters. On Nissi Beach, you’ll find Cyprus’ young and beautiful sunbathing by day, and relaxing on the beach by night often after hitting up one of Ayia Napa’s many nightclubs. Here, you’ll find sun loungers and parasols dotted along the stretch of white sand. For those looking for something a little more active, you can go paragliding, water skiing and windsurfing. A vibrant beach, sunbathers can also enjoy the bustling beach bars and taverns to enjoy an icy cold drink. During low tide, you can take the sandy walkway over to the island of Nissi. Nearby, you can also find the ancient Roman Makronissos tombs. Nissi Beach can be easily reached by bus from Larnaca and Nicosia, and there’s plenty of parking.
Fig Tree Bay, Protaras
For a beautiful beach popular with locals, head to Fig Tree Bay in Cyprus’ resort of Protaras. Boasting gorgeous golden sands and lined by its namesake fig trees, it is a beautiful sight and one of the best beaches in Cyprus. A long, moon shaped stretch of beach, Fig Tree Bay has its very own cove and shallow waters that make it perfect for kids to enjoy paddling and swimming. The beach is also a Blue Flag, meaning clean and safe waters to enjoy – some even say it is one of the best beaches in Europe. Just a short walk from the heart of Protaras, Fig Tree Bay is also easily accessible by car with lots of parking near the beach. Visitors can enjoy plenty of sun loungers for relaxing on, as well as watersports and refreshments for cooling off from the hot Cyprus sun. Confident swimmers may want to swim across the shallow waters over to a small islet just off the shore and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Blue Lagoon Beach, Akamas
There’s no denying that Cyprus’ Blue Lagoon Beach boasts some of the most extraordinary waters on the island. Although noone is exactly sure how the waters are just so vivid and blue, it’s a must-see when visiting Cyprus. While a relatively remote spot in Cyprus, Blue Lagoon Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Cyprus. Located in the Akamas region of the island, the Blue Lagoon Beach is shielded and has slightly warmer waters than other beaches on the island. It has a sandy beach and a reef that is perfect for snorkelling and diving for spotting colourful fish and marine life. You can also spot boats and yachts frequent the area because of its gorgeous waters. The easiest way to reach Blue Lagoon Beach is either by 4×4 due to the wild terrain, or by boat from the harbour town of Latchi.
Lara Beach, Akamas
Also located on Cyprus’ Akamas Peninsula, Lara Beach is a gorgeous rugged beach near Coral Bay. One of the best beaches in Cyprus, Lara Beach is best access by a 4×4 vehicle in order to reach this isolated paradise. What really puts Lara Beach on the map is the absence here of artificial light, meaning green and loggerhead turtles come to the beach to nest. In the summer months, you may be lucky enough to spot baby turtles heading for the sea when hatching from their eggs. Lara Beach itself is beautiful with turquoise waters. There are also two stretches of golden sandy beach on the crescent which are unspoilt thanks to the accessibility by 4×4 of the beaches here.
Aphrodite’s Beach, Latchi
One of the island’s most popular beaches, Aphrodite’s Beach is also one of the best beaches in Cyprus. Visit especially for the magical sunsets, and see the beach’s main attraction: Aphrodite’s Rock. Aphrodite’s Rock is where Aphrodite is believed to have risen from the sea and been born. Rumour has it that if you swim around the rock, you will be blessed with long lasting beauty. Along the beach, you’ll find dramatic scenery and coves along the coastline. The pebbly beach is perfect for relaxing with views across to the white cliffs. It’s also a refreshing swimming spot after a long day of sunbathing. Easily reachable from Paphos and Limassol, you’ll find parking here, as well as a shop and a restaurant.
Mackenzie Beach, Larnaca
Around 15 minutes from Larnaca’s Pervolia, Mackenzie Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand and one of the best beaches in Cyprus. Perfect for families, Mackenzie Beach is a Blue Flag beach, meaning clean waters that are great for swimming. You’ll find plenty of sun loungers and parasols at the beach for sunbathing, as well as water sports including jet skiing and windsurfing. Keen divers will love Mackenzie Beach due to the Zenobia shipwreck there is to explore offshore. There’s a kilometre stretch of sand and shallow waters which makes it popular with families and locals alike. The beach is lined by palm trees for an exotic feel, and there is plenty of parking near the beach itself.
That’s my guide to the best beaches in Cyprus! Have you visited Cyprus before? What are your favourite things to do on the island?
