Cyprus’ beaches bear no comparison to those of the Greek islands. Bathed by an incredibly clear Mediterranean Sea that takes on a thousand different shades of blue and framed by landscapes of breathtaking beauty, they are perfect for a dream beach holiday.
Sandy beaches predominate, with golden or grey sand, sometimes mixed with pebbles, pebbles and rocks, but it is also possible to find bays and rocky inlets. Some are located close to the main tourist resorts or traditional villages and are easy to reach, while others are remote and require a 4×4 to reach them… or you can arrive on foot and enjoy the view.
The areas with the best beaches in Cyprus are the stretch of coast between Pafos and Limassol in the south-west of the island and the tip of Ayia Napa with the Cape Greco park in the south-east.
Don’t disdain the northern part of the island, the Turkish part, even if it requires some bureaucratic hassle: few tourists bother to cross the border so the beaches in the Turkish part of Cyprus are still largely untouched.
The most famous beach in Cyprus is Petra Rou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s beach because according to Greek mythology, this is where the goddess of love and beauty chose to emerge from the sea.
Located in the Pafos region, Aphrodite’s birthplace is certainly one of the most photographed in Cyprus, but this enchanting pebble beach is generally not too crowded.
You can admire the huge rock that was, according to myth, the goddess’s first earthly abode by walking along the seashore or up from the beach access road. It would be a shame, however, not to go for a swim in the transparent waters capable of bewitching an Olympian goddess.
From Aphrodite’s beach, it is possible to walk to smaller, lesser-known bays, perfect for those seeking tranquillity.
If Petra Rou Romiou is the most famous, Coral Bay can justifiably claim the title of the most beautiful beach in Cyprus. Equipped and easily accessible, it is a 500-metre-long sandy beach within a gently curving inlet, characterised by golden sand and azure sea. It is also located in the Pafos region, a short distance from Aphrodite Beach.
It is popular with families for its calm waters and facilities and with divers for the magnificent diving sites off the bay.
Nissi Beach is the beach for young people in Cyprus, a magnificent 500-metre-long beach of fine sand that extends in a narrow tongue connecting the mainland to an uninhabited islet. It is located in the area of Ayia Napa, the nightlife hub of Cyprus, and is famous for its beach bars that host parties from late afternoon until night.
The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and the waters incredibly clear, but the atmosphere is not exactly idyllic. We recommend this beach to fun-seekers and families who don’t dislike crowded places to let their children play in calm, clean waters.
Located at the eastern end of Ayia Napa, the small and intimate beach of Konnos Bay seems light years away from the hubbub of beach clubs and parties that have made the area famous.
Set in a beautiful bay in the Cape Greco National Park, it is a beach of fine sand bathed by crystal-clear waters. The natural scenery is breathtakingly beautiful: the green of the maritime pines that cover the rocky promontories around the bay create a magnificent contrast with the golden colour of the sand and the blue of the sea.
Particularly recommended for nature lovers, it is also a beach suitable for those travelling with small children because of the facilities available and the calm, safe waters. Unfortunately, it is not a hidden secret so don’t expect to have the beach to yourself.
Along the coast of Limassol, not far from the city port, stretches Lady’s Mile, the longest beach in Cyprus. Despite its name, it is well over a mile long: eight kilometres to be exact!
Recommended for those who enjoy strolling by the sea, this sand and pebble beach is also perfect for those who want to end a relaxing day in the sun with a tasty fish dinner in a little restaurant overlooking the sea. It is frequented more by locals than by tourists.
About halfway between Pafos and Limassos is the bay of Pissouri with its beige sandy beach covered here and there with pebbles and pebbles of various colours, partly equipped and partly free. After taking a dip in the clear waters that lap Pissouri Bay, climb to the top of the nearby Cape Aspro cliffs to admire the bay from above.
At the eastern end of Pissouri Beach, some rocks block the view, offering privacy and discretion to naturists who venture beyond to catch a full tan. This area of Pissouri Beach is one of the few areas in Cyprus where nudism is permitted.
Accessible only by foot, quad bike or boat, the beautiful Blue Lagoon beach is one of the wonders of Cyprus and one of the best beaches for snorkelling. What strikes visitors is the variety of shades of blue and azure in the sea and the clarity of its waters.
Set in the magnificent natural surroundings of the Akamas Park on the west coast of Cyprus, Blue Lagoon is a dream location that you must include in your holiday programme.
Another beach that is not easy to reach but well worth the effort of the trip is Lara Beach, divided into two bays: South Lara and North Lara. The latter is larger and is famous because caretta caretta turtles come here to lay their eggs.
You may find cages scattered here and there: do not touch them and absolutely do not move them, they serve to protect the turtles’ eggs.
Lara Beach is not equipped and there is only a small bar and restaurant. During the week it is very quiet, while at the weekend it is busier.
Fig Tree Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches along the east coast of Cyprus, near Protaras. Easy to reach, it is an equipped sandy beach bordered by a rocky area. Those who prefer to swim in this area, which is more suitable for snorkelling, can easily descend into the water thanks to steps.
Services and water sports are not lacking, as well as bars, restaurants and shops in the area.
If you don’t like mass tourism, leave the Republic of Cyprus to visit the Turkish part of the island. Here, there is still an atmosphere of yesteryear and the beaches have remained wild and lonely.
Of the beaches in northern Cyprus, the most beautiful is undoubtedly Golden Beach on the Karpaz peninsula. It is a beach of fine white sand lapped by crystal-clear waters, a good 10 km long. A rich Mediterranean vegetation grows behind it, mostly junipers and mastic trees hidden behind the dunes.
Golden Beach is not equipped but there are some very spartan kiosks offering simple and tasty fish dishes. It is a perfect place for those who love nature, peace, the beautiful sea and the small joys of life.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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