20 Best Cyprus Beaches (+MAP)

If you’re looking for a few Cyprus beaches to swim in or get your tan on, then you are in the right place. The small island country is full of beautiful beaches and undiscovered coves.

Cyprus boasts a warm Mediterranean culture that will surely welcome you to its gorgeous sandy beaches and rocky coves. We ventured around the country for a month in search of the very best beaches in Cyprus. It’s a stunning part of the world, and you’ll want to be sure to pack a great travel camera in your carry-on bag and get ready for some fun in the sun.

The Best Beaches in Cyprus

Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa

Nissi Beach is probably the most well-known beach in Cyprus, and justifiably so. The beach has a bit of notoriety for being a wild party, and it is. The beach bars blast music while serving drinks to a young crowd during peak season.

It’s actually miserably packed until November, and I would avoid it at all costs until it starts to die down. There are simply too many people for such a small beach. We made the mistake of visiting in October, as it’s a great time to visit Cyprus, thinking it would be empty, and I was wrong (see the photo).

In the off-season, the beach slows down and, at least for us, starts to shine. Nissi Beach is essentially a long sandy bay with shallow and crystal blue water; it’s beautiful and has a distinct shape. The bay is a wonderful place to take a dip in calm waters. We visited again in November and found it delightful.

Cape Greco, Ayia Napa

Cape Greco is one of the best places to visit in Europe. This may not exactly be one of those typical Cyprus beaches, but for anyone wanting to beat the crowds of people sweating it out in beach chairs, this is the place to go.

The cliffs around Cape Greco are perfect for lounging in the sun, and on calm days you can climb down to swim in the sea caves. There’s no actual place to sunbathe or set out a towel. It’s all limestone rock and cliffs.

You can also take leaps off the cliffs into the water from about 10 meters up for the adventurous beachgoers. Jumping from the cliffs is my favorite thing we did in all of Cyprus. Once you’re in the Mediterranean waters at the base, you can enjoy cooling off.

Aphrodite’s Beach, Paphos (Aphrodite’s Rock)

Known as Petra Tou Rominou, this is one of the best beaches in Cyprus. Legend has it that the rock formation just off this Cyprus beach is the birthplace of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. The beach itself is made of smooth stones and can be a nice change of pace from the typical sandy beach.

The water can be a little rough, so swimming may not be the best idea for all, but the sunsets here are spectacular. We traveled here to catch it at sunset, and the whole experience here was breathtaking and certainly worthy of being the best beach in Cyprus.

Coral Bay, Paphos

Just outside of Paphos, this long sandy stretch has something to offer all and is easily one of the most memorable Cyprus Beaches. Waves here can often be wavy but a blast to swim in for those capable.

The strip also offers plenty of water sports to keep the adventurous entertained for hours. This is the perfect beach for families with plenty of space to get away from the areas crowded below the cafes/bars.

Konnos Bay, Ayia Napa

Ever imagined soaking up the sun on a moon-shaped beach hidden at the bottom of a forested hill? That dream can become a reality at Konnos Bay, one of the most amazing Cyprus beaches. It is a picturesque beach quickly gaining the attention of tourists and locals. It’s perfect for a day at the beach with family or loved ones.

The water in the photo? It truly is that color – you don’t need to spend a fortune on a vacation in Seychelles or French Polynesia to enjoy this. However, this is another Cyprus beach that gets horrendously packed during the summer and UK holidays.

Finding space in the sand to set your towel on will be hard. Or you can fork over the €5 for a beach chair. The café overlooking the beach is also a must; it’s a terrific place to enjoy a nice cold Frappe.

Fig Tree Bay, Protaras

In strong contention for being one of the best beaches in Cyprus, Fig Tree Bay is no doubt a popular one. On our first visit to Cyprus in late October, we found Fig Tree Bay all to ourselves, and it was wonderful. However, the second time we visited, the place was so crowded it was unenjoyable (see photos).

Despite being so crowded, Fig Tree Bay is often overlooked by the purpose-built town of Protaras and is much quieter than Ayia Napa. If you hit it in the right season with no one around, it may be a contender for the best beach in Europe. Protaras’ town may not be as wild as its neighbor Ayia Napa, but it still has seedy bars and draws in crowds during the summer.

Lara Bay, Akamas Peninsula

This Cypriot beach is not easy to get to, but the journey is worth it. Lara Bay is set out far onto the Akamas Peninsula, an undeveloped part of the island. You’ll likely need a high clearance vehicle to get out to the beach, or just brave it in a rental car like us (I wouldn’t suggest that one).

The drive itself meanders along the coast, giving a glimpse of the undisturbed regions of Cyprus. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wildlife. We caught a glimpse of some wild mountain rams.

The sandy beach has turquoise waters, an abundance of vegetation, and turtles. The entire beach is actually dedicated to the famous loggerhead turtle, so be careful not to disturb the turtles’ nests while enjoying the beach. If you’re looking for a little beach time without disturbing the turtles, the beach right before the bay is a great spot to take a dip and make a tower of rocks.

Paramali Beach, Limassol

Just 25 kilometers from Limassol at Paramali Village is the beautiful Paramali Beach, a Cyprus beach worth checking out. The winds at this beach are strong and the water is deep, making it a great place to go kitesurfing at.

This Cyprus beach is less known than many of the others on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best beaches in Cyprus. Its desolation makes it ideal for a day of peace and quiet with the ocean.

Since it’s not a dream destination beach, bring your own food and beverages to Paramali, as there are no beach huts or nearby restaurants if you’re feeling peckish and are in an explorer mood, walk through Paramali village.

Mackenzie Beach, Larnaca

Palm trees, sunshine, clean water – what’s not to love?  Just 15 minutes away from the city of Larnaca is Mackenzie Beach. It’s very much a local beach for the residents of Larnaca, so you may see more Cypriots there than vacationers, which is always a nice feeling.

The water is shallow, meaning children and families can feel safer. This beach can get busy near the city, but it’s also one of the best Cyprus beaches to walk along the promenade and grab some ice cream while overlooking the beautiful ocean.

Makronissos Beach, Ayia Napa

Makronisso Beach is actually three small bays with perfect soft white sand. It’s the perfect spot for some adventure activities like paragliding, water skiing, and diving. All the while, the water is clear, calm, and shallow, so it’s great for sunbathers and families who just want to relax. The beach is clean and well cared for.

There is also a tasty snack bar on the beach with great beer choices for the adults. Sunbeds and loungers can be hired like many of Cyprus’s other best beaches. Most visitors note that it is less crowded than other beaches in Ayia Napa, which is how we like it. I recommend bringing some snorkel gear for a fun day – you may spot a sea turtle!

Kalamies Beach & St. Nicholas Church, Ayia Napa

Kalamies Beach is another gem loved for its warm, clear water and unspoiled sandy shore. However, it has a little something extra: the St. Nicholas Church sits along a spit of land that extends out; its whitewashed walls and turquoise-domed roof give the area a distinctly Greek feel.

The area is backdropped by a line of palm trees from a nearby hotel, so there’s a bit of a tropical vibe to the area as well. Starting to get a little hungry? Stop by the Kalamies Beach Restaurant for something to eat; the restaurant has long been loved by locals and tourists alike for its seafood. Its lobster, oysters, and mussels are amazing or try the feta-stuffed calamari for something truly Mediterranean.

While this beach is pretty packed on weekends through July and August, weekdays tend to be quiet, so try coming by when it’s a little more mellow for a more relaxing stay.

The Blue Lagoon, Ayia Napa

The Blue Lagoon is exactly what it sounds like and is one of the best Cyprus beaches. Welcome to cloud nine, the clearest water you’ve ever seen, rock formations that keep the waves gentle, and hot sun that makes you feel like you’ve just entered paradise.

Because of the perfect conditions, this is a hotspot for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. Come here if you want to be in the water and not sunbathing; there aren’t many places to lay a towel and get comfortable. It’s all rock and limestone.

Though the water is clear enough to see the bottom, goggles will help you to spot all the little signs of sea life to make the most of your experience.

The 15 Best Hikes in Cyprus To Enjoy Nature

Edro III Shipwreck Beach, Paphos

If you’re into seeing shipwrecks and getting some cool photos head to the Edro III shipwreck. It’s not exactly one of the best Cyprus beaches but packs a whole lot of history in visiting. The Edro met an unfortunate fate not long ago in 2011 when a storm swept it into the rocks. Thankfully no one died, and fuel was removed from the wreck fast so that pollution was avoided.

Now it’s becoming a popular tourist attraction for those wanting to see a relatively new shipwreck. It’s not really a beach you will relax at, but rather one to stop at if you want to indulge in history. It’s well worth the journey and is near the Paphos sea caves!

Other Notable Cyprus Beaches

The answer is a lot if you’re wondering how many beaches in Cyprus! There are over 150 beaches in Cyprus, so it’s nearly impossible for me to list them all on this Cyprus beaches list! However, a few other notable best beaches in Cyprus are great for sunbathing.

• Governor’s Beach, Limassol
• Alykes Beach, Paphos
• Kastela Beach, Larnaca
• Ayia Triada Beach, Paralimni
• Episkopi Beach, Episkopi Village (Limassol)
• Gialia Beach, Paphos
• Dhekelia Beach, Larnaca

 When is the Best Time to Visit Cyprus?

Best Cyprus Beaches Map

When is the Best Time to Check Out These Best Beaches in Cyprus?

Like most Mediterranean destinations, the best time to visit is in the summer. You’ll find glorious weather, warm water, and plenty of sunshine from June to September. However, with that comes crowds, especially in July and August.

That being said, May, June, September, and even October are great months to travel to Cyprus. Heck, we’ve even had fantastic Cyprus beach days in November! The perks of these months are fewer crowds and better accommodation prices.

When is the Best Time to Visit Cyprus?

Getting Around to these Cyprus beaches

Getting to Cyprus from mainland Europe has never been cheaper, with budget airlines such as RyanAir servicing the island. Paphos city buses run €1.50 one-way. While long-distance buses to another city typically cost around €7.

Rental Car

An automatic rental car in Cyprus can go for €15 a day in the low season up to €35 a day in the higher seasons (automatic) and will ensure you get to all the best places in Cyprus. Knowing how to drive a manual car will get you better prices in Europe.

If you’re traveling as a group, it is worth your while to hire a car for your trip. We traveled around Cyprus for one week last time and paid about €25 a day in the high season, which was a pretty decent deal in my opinion!