The best beaches in Cyprus

Planning your vacation to Cyprus? Take a look at some of the best beaches in Cyprus. 

There are 300 to 340 sunny days a year in Cyprus, which makes swimming possible from early May until October.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly lagoon, a high-energy beach club, or a wild, secluded beach, Cyprus has a shoreline for everybody. For years, it has been famous for its beautiful beaches, fine golden sand, and crystal-clear water of the Mediterranean Sea.

Here is the guide for the best beaches in Cyprus that you cannot miss, and to make your vacation unforgettable.

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This text contains affiliate links, which means that if you book a hotel through them, I can earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks.

Nissi Beach

🏖️Best beaches in Cyprus

In a word, Cyprus had the cleanest bathing waters in Europe for years.

In 2026, 46 beaches and 2 marinas (Limassol Marina and Ayia Napa Marina) were awarded the Blue Flag. This highly prestigious and globally recognised eco-label is one of the main reasons why millions of tourists come to visit this beautiful island every year. Among them, 25 beaches have special facilities for people with mobility difficulties, and eight of them have the Seatrac system, which allows autonomous access to the sea.

Note: All beaches in Cyprus are public, meaning that access to any beach is completely free.
The municipality charges the same amount on every beach: a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs 10 EUR. I think that it is a very acceptable price, compared to prices in other European countries. Usually, the sunbeds and umbrellas are free for the hotel guests on the part of  “hotel beaches”. Also, there is enough space on the beach to bring your own towels and umbrellas.

Some hotels offer an exclusive Day Pass, crafted for those who desire luxury and relaxation. One of them is the AYÃ Summer Club at the Aya Resort; prices of sunbeds range from 20 EUR to 120 EUR for cabanas.

🏖️Best beaches in Ayia Napa

The best beaches on Cyprus are in the east, at Ayia Napa and Protaras. In this area, there are even 34 Blue Flag beaches. They are easily accessible by foot, bike, car, and bus as well. Since our hotel was in Ayia Napa, take a look at which beaches we visited during our vacation.

Nissi Beach

So, let’s start with Nissi Beach, the most famous beach in Cyprus. It is located about 3,5 km west of the centre of Ayia Napa.
There is a small islet located a short distance from the coastline, about 45 metres. Due to the shallow water, you can walk through it to the islet. Also, during the low tide, a sandbar appears and connects the islet to the coast. Actually, the area looks like a giant swimming pool 😀

From the top, there is a panoramic view of the beach and sea. 

A view of the Nissi Beach

Nissi Beach is known for its fine golden-white sand, a shallow turquoise lagoon, and water sports. It consists of 2 connecting beaches, one large one (very busy) and a smaller one (more secluded). 

Turquoise water on the Nissi Beach

Usually, the beach is very crowded, so come early in the morning to take your place under the sun. It is fully equipped with public restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and wheelchair accessibility.

Besides a beautiful lagoon, the beach features a party atmosphere with daily DJ sets, loud music and of course, a foam party at the Nissi Bay Beach Bar.

Foam party on the Nissi Beach

Going further, the path along the beach leads you to the small Church of Apostolos Andreas and the Latchi Adams Beach. It is also known as Adams Beach, because it lies directly in front of the large and luxurious Adams Beach Hotel.

🏨 Best hotels close to the Nissi Beach:
NissiBlue Beach Resort, Amethyst Napa Hotel & Spa, Atlantica Aeneas Resort.

Makronisos Beach 

Makronissos Beach is located about 5 km from the centre of Ayia Napa. It is 350 metres long, and it consists of three small bays. 

Ayia Napa, Makronissos Beach

The beach is an excellent choice for families with children and those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. Around the beach, there are various types of accommodation, restaurants, a beach kiosk, toilets, changing rooms, and water sports facilities.

On the Makronissos Beach

Near the beach, you can visit the necropolis, the Tombs of Makronisos, used during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. This ancient site consists of 19 rock-cut tombs, a small sanctuary and an ancient quarry.
Going west, you can find the Ayia Thekla Beach, a small sandy beach surrounded by the rocky shoreline.

🏨Best hotels near the Makronissos Beach:  Aya Resort, Dome Beach Marina Hotel & Resort, Mon Repos Design Hotel, Loutsiana Hotel Apartments.

Landa Beach

Landa Beach is a long sandy beach located between the Nissi and Macronissos beaches, about 4 km from Ayia Napa. It is also known as the Golden Beach or Lanta Beach by locals.

Landa Beach and crystal clear water

Landa Beach is in a natural bay

 Beaches in the Ayia Napa centre

On the left side of Ayia Napa Harbour, there are three connected sandy beaches with crystal-clear, shallow water, which is perfect for families with children. There are also several large luxury hotels, restaurants and snack bars lined up on the coast.

The first one is the Limenaki Beach, which continues to the Pantachou Beach.

Ayia Napa, Pantachou Beach

There, you can find the Kaliva Beach Bar with a restaurant, luxury beds & cabanas near a pool. It is known for beach parties featuring DJ sets. Depending on their position, the price of sunbeds and cabanas costs from 25 EUR to 150 EUR. Behind the beach bar, there are Kaliva Suites, part of Nelia Beach Hotel & Spa.

Ayia Napa, Kaliva Beach Bar

The third one is Glyki Nero Beach, which means “sweet water”. It stretches to the 4* Grecian Sands Hotel, the Ayia Napa Sea Caves and the Bridge of Love.

Glyki Nero Beach and Grecian Sands Hotel

 

❤️Natural wonder: The Bridge of Love

Close to the beaches in Ayia Napa centre, you can find one of the landmarks of Cyprus, the Bridge of Love.

The Bridge of Love

It is part of the Cape Greco National Forest Park, which is also famous for the Sea Caves and the Blue Lagoon. The Bridge of Love is easily accessed by car and bus. By the way, it is only 2 km away from the centre of Ayia Napa, so you can walk along the beaches, following the path near the Grecian Sands Hotel.

Crystal clear water around the Bridge of Love

The Bridge of Love is a natural, arch-shaped rock formation. It is one of the most photographed and romantic places on the island. According to legend, if you kiss your beloved person while standing in the middle of the bridge arch and make a wish, it will definitely come true. It is a reason why couples and honeymooners visit the place.

A view of the Bridge of Love from the sea

🏖️Best beaches in Protaras

Protaras, Fig Tree Beach

Fig Tree Bay

According to many tourists, the Fig Tree Bay is one of the three best beaches in Cyprus. It got its name after a solitary fig tree that has stood there since the 17th century.

Protaras, Fig Tree Bay

The gold-sanded, 500-metre beach is located at the centre of Protaras, along its own protected cove. The shallow and crystal-clear water is ideal for families with children. It is surrounded by several hotels, which means that it is crowded every day. So, come early in the morning to find your place under the sun.

Stunning Fig Tree Beach

You can enjoy swimming, snorkelling and various watersports, such as parasailing, waterskiing, speed boating, windsurfing, the ten-person banana boat, pedal boats, and more. Right to the beach, there is the Fig Tree Bay Café, which offers food, ice cream and refreshments. Toilets and changing rooms are also available, but the shower is paid; insert a 1 EUR coin for 1 minute of water.

Protaras, Fig Tree Bay, cafe and Cabo Bay Hotel

The beach is easily accessible on foot from Protaras, by car, or by bus no.101 from Ayia Napa.

🏨 Best hotels close to the Fig Tree Bay: Cavo Bay Hotel, King Jason Protaras – Designed for Adults by Louis Hotels.

Konnos Bay

Konnos Bay is situated directly on the border between Ayia Napa and Protaras. Actually, it is located to the East of Agia Napa, within the Cape Greco National Park, and 2 kilometres south of Protaras. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees, it is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Cyprus, both among locals and tourists.

Konnos Bay

It is easily accessed by bus, car, bike, and foot, following the winding road to a small car park or a path down to the beach. There is a snack bar with refreshments and food among the pine trees, and you can enjoy various watersports, as well.

Nestled in the bay, with its white sandy beach and crystal-clear water, it is a perfect beach for relaxing. Also, motorboats and yachts drop their anchor for a few hours in the bay, or for swimming stops during the daily cruises.

Konnos Beach, snack bar and watersports

🏨 Best hotel close to the Konnos Bay: the Grecian Park Hotel, a luxury complex, located at the top of the cliff.

Finikoudes is located in the centre of Larnaca, surrounded by palm trees and a promenade, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels. It is a long, sandy beach with shallow water, and usually it is very crowded. At the end of the promenade, you can visit the Larnaca Castle and the old Turkish quarter.

Larnaca, Finikoudes Beach

Mackenzie Beach is situated about 3 km south of the city centre, close to the Larnaca International Airport runway. This sandy and organised beach is 1 km long, and it is popular among both families and young people.

♦ Paphos District
 Definitely, the most famous beach is Petra tou Romiou or Aphrodite’s Rock. According to the legend, the goddess Aphrodite was born there from the sea foam. Because of this myth, Cyprus is often called “Aphrodite’s Island”.

The beach is located on the southwest coast of Cyprus, 25 km from Paphos city along the main B6 coastal road to Limassol. It is believed that swimming around the rock three times brings eternal youth and beauty, especially on a full moon night…

Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)

 

Coral Bay is the most popular sandy beach in the district. It is an organised beach with golden sand and calm waters, located 12 km north of the city centre. There are also Blue Lagoon, Lara Beach, Laourou Beach, Paphos Municipal Beach, etc.

Water World Waterpark

If you are a fan of waterparks, you will certainly enjoy Water World Waterpark, one of the largest themed waterparks in Europe. It is situated right on the edge of Ayia Napa, near Makronissos Beach, covering an area of 80,000 m2.

Adults and children can enjoy 30 water rides and attractions, including toboggans, a lazy river, high-speed slides, and pools. Within the aqua park, there are 8 restaurants and bars, as well as VIP suites and cabanas for a more luxurious experience.

Price ticket: Adults, 49 EUR; Children (3-12 years old), 29 EUR.
Opening time: April & May, September & October: 10 AM – 5 PM, June to August: 10 AM – 6 PM.

This waterpark is known for its Water Fests: the multi-sensory events, filled with pyrotechnics and visual effects, and featuring some of the best artists in world music, are held every Sunday from June 28th to August 30th.

It is easily accessible by car or bus. From Protaras and Ayia Napa, take bus No.102, or bus No. 711 from Larnaca.

🏖️Best beaches in Cyprus

In a word, everyone can find a beach that suits their interests and mood.

The beaches in Cyprus are very diverse, from the wonderful gold-sanded beaches in the areas of Protaras, Ayia Napa, and Larnaca, to the rocky Paphos beaches and sandy beaches with grey sand of volcanic origin.

In my opinion, the three best beaches in Cyprus are:

♦ Best beach for young people and fun: Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa.
◊Best beach for families with children: Fig Tree Bay in Protaras.
♦ Best beach for nature and peace: Konnos Bay, close to the Cave Greco.

Just pack your favourite swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and good mood, and discover the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

Beaches in Cy[rus> Stunning Pantachou Beach