Surrounded by the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean, Cyprus boasts some of the world’s most beautiful, pristine beaches. With many awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag, the island’s beaches are a diverse range that suit all tastes – from lively shores with easy access and plenty of amenities, to secluded coves for privacy. Here are our picks for Cyprus’ 15 best beaches.
1. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras
Having received several international recognitions – included third place among the best beaches of the world for 2019 and Best of the Best for 2020 by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards – Fig Tree Bay is a beloved favorite. It is a wonderful sandy beach, with crystal clear waters and plenty of amenities such as watersports and restaurants on the beach.
2. Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
A beautiful beach with fine, white sand located approximately 3 kilometers from Ayia Napa. It is a firm favorite among the younger crowd, thanks to its many bars and restaurants that create a vibrant, happy atmosphere that’s perfect for summer parties.
3. Vrissiana Beach, Protaras
A popular beach for holidaymakers in Protaras, this sandy beach is one of the busiest on the eastern coast. Its crystal clear, turquoise waters make it ideal for snorkeling, while the many facilities on hand allow visitors to spend an entire day at the beach with all amenities within easy reach.
4. Makronissos Beach, Ayia Napa
Another Blue Flag beach in the Famagusta area, Makronissos is one of Ayia Napa’s lesser crowded beaches, though still easily accessible. It comprises 3 separate bays and is a great option for water sports and fun family days by the water.
5. Konnos Beach, Protaras
This sheltered cove is overlooked by a cliff lined with pine trees, just on the edge of Cape Greco National Park, 5 kilometers from the resort town of Protaras. Its powdery white sand and shallow waters make it a great option for family beach days, and it boasts a host of amenities on site.
6. Mackenzie Beach, Larnaca
One of Larnaca’s go-to beaches, thanks to the area’s extensive amenities and entertainment options. This kilometer-long stretch of fine sand is lined with bustling bars and restaurants and the area often hosts many diverse events. For diving enthusiasts, the renowned Zenobia shipwreck is located nearby.
7. Finikoudes Beach, Larnaca
Located in the heart of the city of Larnaca, Finikoudes is named after the palm trees that dot the area and give it a distinctive feature. The beach is an extension of the popular Finikoudes Square, where one can take a stroll and enjoy a bite in the area’s many restaurants.
8. Pissouri Bay, Limassol
Pissouri Bay, located 38 kilometers outside of Limassol, is one of the quieter beaches in the area. Its pebbly shore and deep waters may not be ideal for families, but it is a firm favorite for water sports enthusiasts.
9. Akti Olympion, Limassol
One of Limassol’s most central beaches, Akti Olympion has the distinct advantage of being very easily accessible by public transport or by foot. All of Limassol’s many amenities are within reach, and the 2 kilometer beach boasts clear waters and a sandy shore.
10. Lady’s Mile Beach, Limassol
This 7 kilometer coastline stretches all along the eastern shore of the Akrotiri Peninsula, and its varied terrain includes both pebbles and golden sand. Despite its popularity with both locals and visitors, the beach never feels crowded there is plenty of space. Its shallow waters and plenty of restaurants on site make it a perfect family destination.
11. Kourion Beach, Limassol
This long sandy beach is located approximately 10 kilometers outside of Limassol, and is a great option for people looking for a slightly less crowded beach. The area is often windy, which creates large waves, making it a firm favorite among the surfing and windsurfing crowd. There are several restaurants along the coastline, and the ancient amphitheater of Kourion lies just above the hill.
12. Petra tou Romiou, Paphos
This iconic beach is located approximately 12 kilometers from Paphos, and it is steeped in myths and legends. It is said that Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born there, rising from the waves. It is a pebbly beach, and certainly worth a stop on the way to Paphos.
13. Coral Bay, Paphos
This beautiful coastline stretches almost 1000 meters and boasts fine, golden sand and calm waters thanks to the protected bay. It is a Blue Flag awarded beach, and visitors can enjoy the many amenities on site, as well as the surrounding area.
14. Lara Bay Beach, Akamas Peninsula
This secluded beach is completely uninhabited, much like the rest of Akamas, as it is a protected area. Fine golden sand and deep blue waters are unmarred by any sort of amenities. What makes Lara Bay special is that it is a preferred spot for turtles to lay their eggs, and for this reason, visitors are urged to tread carefully and avoid bringing beach chairs or umbrellas so as not to disturb the eggs.
15. Latchi Municipal Beach, Paphos
Located in the small fishing village of Latchi, this long stretch of golden coastline is 2 kilometers long and one of the area’s most organized. Another Blue Flag Beach, it’s a great option to combine with a fish and seafood lunch at one of the many fish taverns along the road.
