Most people visit this amazing country solely to soak up the sun at the best beaches in Cyprus. It’s no surprise either, with crystal clear, turquoise waters and over 50 blue flag beaches, it’s truly paradisical.
I lived in Cyprus for around 4 months, and I loved exploring the different beaches across the island. There are so many to choose from, and each is beautiful and different in its own way.
You may be surprised to know that the best beaches around Cyprus vary. They differ from place to place; some are sandy, and some are pebbly. Some are a deep golden color while others are bright white. Below, I’ve listed my favorite Cyprus beaches to help you best plan your trip to the island.
15 Best Beaches in Cyprus
Read on to discover a list of the best beaches in Cyprus based on my experience. It includes rocky, pebbly, and sandy beaches, as well as private beaches in Cyprus. I’ve been to all of them and these are my favorites based on amenities, atmosphere, and cleanliness.
1. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras
Fig Tree Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Cyprus, and it’s easy to see why. Set in a sheltered bay on the east side of the island, Fig Tree Bay has incredible, fine sand, and calm, clear blue waters.
It’s a picture-perfect location and is absolutely one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. It’s located near the popular tourist town of Protaras with Ayia Napa further along the coast.
On Fig Tree Bay itself, you’ll find beach bars and cafes located along the beach to keep you refreshed. You’ll find everything you need for a great day out, including loungers and water sports. You can even take a boat trip around the coast from the pier at the northern end of the beach.
In high season, (July and August), Fig Tree Bay is one of the busiest beaches in Cyprus and it becomes full of tourists and locals coming to sun themselves. You’ll need to arrive early to find a lounger or even a patch of sand to lay on. Outside the peak season, it’s much calmer and you’re much more likely to find a spot.
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cyprus, Fig Tree Bay has to be on your list.
- Location: ? Fig Tree Bay, Protaras
- How to Get There: Fig Tree Bay is within walking distance from the center of Protaras
- Best For: Soft sand, kids, families, and groups of friends
- Amenities: Restaurants, bathrooms, loungers, water sports, and lifeguards
Where to Stay Near Fig Tree Bay
Kokkinos Boutique Hotel: A stunning 4* hotel with a pool within meters of Fig Tree Bay and the town center.
Flamingo Paradise Beach Hotel: A luxury adults-only hotel with an outdoor pool and spa center located right on the beach at Fig Tree Bay.
Restaurants Near Fig Tree Bay
Folio: This fantastic restaurant serves high-quality food at affordable prices. It offers a mixture of Mediterranean food along with Sushi (which is a little random), but both are done well.
Yiasemi Meze and Grill: For something a little more low-key, grab a delicious souvlaki from Yiasemi. I also recommend the set menu – it’s amazing.
2. Malindi Beach, Limassol
Located at the northern end of Limassol, Malindi Beach is one of the best beaches in Cyprus in my opinion.
It’s located at St Raphael Marina, which splits the beach in two. As you approach the marina and the beaches, Malindi Beach is to the right and St Raphael Beach is to the left.
I prefer Malindi Beach as St Raphael beach serves the hotel with the same name meaning it’s often busier. Malindi Beach has a huge amount of space, lots of loungers, but also lots of sand for those who like to throw down a towel.
The sea at Malindi is super calm and very shallow. It’s around knee height for at least 50 meters out, so it’s a great place to come with kids or for those who love ball games in the sea (like me!).
Locals and tourists alike come to Malindi Beach Bar for the food, cocktails, and view in particular. It’s super popular and, as a result, a little expensive. A cheaper option is the cafe next to the beach bar, which is a local, down-to-earth beach shack that serves cold beers, snacks, and coffee.
- Location: ? Malindi Beach, Limassol
- How to Get There: Drive or take a taxi from Limassol to St Raphael Marina
- Best For: Calm waters, soft sand, lots of space, and the incredible Malindi Beach Bar
- Amenities: Beach bar and restaurant, loungers, public toilets, and changing facilities
Where to Stay Near Malindi Beach
St Raphael Hotel: A superb luxury hotel located on St Raphael Beach, next to Malindi Beach, boasting two outdoor pools and alfresco dining over the Mediterranean.
Grand Resort Hotel: Located on a private beach, this hotel is situated to the west of Malindi Beach. Grand Resort is the ultimate place for luxury when staying in Limassol.
Restaurants Near Malindi beach
Malindi Beach Bar: This is the stylish sister bar of Colombia Beach Bar; think signature cocktails and Instagram-able mains.
Chester’s: On the main road, just across from the beach, is Chester’s, which serves delicious pub-inspired food. The pork chop is extremely tasty.
3. Coral Bay, Paphos
If you’re visiting the super popular city of Paphos then I definitely recommend either staying at or visiting, Coral Bay, just north of the city.
It’s one of the best beaches in Cyprus and one of my favorites on the western side of the island. It’s a blue flag beach packed full of amenities for the entire family. There’s a huge beach with lots of loungers for rent or space for towels if you prefer. The water is calm, still and incredibly clear.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes on and near the beach to keep you refreshed during the day, and for the more adventurous, there are water sports and rentals available all day.
Coral Bay is a hugely popular spot, particularly with families, thanks to the number of villas and houses for rent in the area. There are also lots of good bars and restaurants in the area, so it’s a good alternative to the busier Paphos area.
Whether you’re staying here or just visiting, Coral Bay is one of the best public beaches in Cyprus and offers a great day out.
- Location: ? Coral Bay, Paphos
- How to Get There: Drive or taxi from Paphos, or take a public bus from the center of Paphos
- Best For: Swimming, kids, and families
- Amenities: Restaurants, water sports, loungers, public toilets, changing facilities, and lifeguards
Where to Stay Near Coral Bay
Coralli Villas: A lovely, leafy family villa with an outdoor pool just 150 meters from Coral Bay.
Villa Neyla: Beautiful 4-bed, beach-side villa with a pool, sun terrace, BBQ, and garden area. Perfect for a family getaway.
Restaurants Near Coral Bay
Seriani: This family-run restaurant is located on Coral Bay avenue and is perfect for a light lunch. I love their fresh Greek salad.
Coral Oasis Tavern: Brilliant for lunch or dinner, this cute little tavern serves delicious Greek Cypriot food.
4. Makenzie Beach, Larnaca
Makenzie Beach is located just south of the center of Larnaca and is a 1-kilometer stretch of beautiful golden sand. It faces beautiful blue waters which are really calm and ideal for swimming.
The beach itself is extensive and has plenty of loungers or open space if you want to bring your own beach set-up. There are plenty of amenities on the beach itself with restaurants, bars, and toilets available for public use.
The beach is beautiful and is a calm and relaxing place to retreat to just outside the city of Larnaca. Given the space on offer, it’s a great beach option for families with kids, or equally, for larger groups who want to chill with some drinks and music. There’s plenty of room on the beach to find your own spot.
If you’re staying in Larnaca and you want a break from the popular city beach of Finikoudes Beach, then head down the coast to Makenzie Beach. It’s my favorite Cyprus beach in this part of the island.
- Location: ? Makenzie Beach, Larnaca
- How to Get There: Drive or taxi from Larnaca or take the 425 bus from Larnaca center to Makenzie Beach
- Best For: Families and groups, swimming and soft sand
- Amenities: Loungers and umbrellas, restaurants, cafes, public toilets, and changing facilities
Where to Stay Near Makenzie Beach
Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel: A trendy and vibrant beachfront hotel with balcony views over the Mediterranean.
Majestic Sunset Apartments: A modern and well-equipped 2-bedroom apartment right on Makenzie Beach.
Restaurants Near Makenzie Beach
Ammos: Based right on the beach, this restaurant is one of my favorites in Cyprus. It offers fantastic drinks, amazing food, and a beautiful ambiance and atmosphere.
Lush Beach Bar: A fun beach bar with good food right on the beach. Great for any time of day; brunch, lunch, coffee, or cocktails.
5. Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
Combine the incredible party town of Ayia Napa with arguably the best beach in Cyprus and find yourself at Nissi Beach.
Nissi Beach is an incredibly popular beach just along the coast from Ayia Napa. It has beautiful, fine sand and incredibly blue, turquoise waters. Its picture postcard looks are backed up by plenty of beach bars and restaurants overlooking the beach and it offers great food and drinks.
There are loungers all along the beach and water sports are available. You can also venture out to Nissi Island which is just off the coast and is accessible by a sandbar at low tide.
Nissi Beach is one of the best beaches around Cyprus and is hugely popular throughout the year. In peak season, head here early to be sure to grab a spot on the sand. It’s the perfect way to sleep off that hangover after a late night in Ayia Napa.
- Location: ? Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
- How to Get There: Drive or taxi from Ayia Napa or Protaras or take the 101 bus which stops in both places on the way to Nissi Beach
- Best For: Beautiful sand, restaurants, entertainment, and water sports
- Amenities: Restaurants, loungers and umbrellas, water sports, toilets, changing rooms, and lifeguards
Where to Stay Near Nissi Beach
Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel & Spa: Vassos Nissi is located just 2 minutes from Nissi Beach and 200 meters from WaterWorld. It boasts indoor and outdoor pools as well as a spa center, tennis courts, and evening entertainment.
Nissi Beach Resort: A beautiful 4* resort hotel with 3 outdoor pools and over 100,000 square meters of tropical gardens, together with its own private beach.
Restaurants Near Nissi Beach
Petra Snack Bar: A great spot overlooking the beach to grab a quick bite. Fresh salads and wraps, along with cold drinks, are available.
Nissi Bay Beach Bar: Grab a snack, a cocktail, and a beer from Nissi Beach Bar. They also throw a hell of a party if you like a more lively environment.
6. Kourion Beach, Limassol
If you want to combine ancient history with a day at the beach, then head to Kourion Beach which is nestled below the incredible Kourion Archaeological Site.
Kourion Beach is tucked into a cove below the Archaeological Site and is an incredible beach for swimming in Cyprus. It’s a long beach with plenty of sand and lots of loungers. The sea is calm and beautifully clear. It has a little wave which is fun for kids (and adults) to play in, but still safe for swimming.
Kourion is a blue flag beach, so you can expect an immaculate beach that’s safe for kids and groups. There’s a lifeguard on duty throughout summer, and there are bars and restaurants on the beach to keep you going throughout the day.
- Location: ? Kourion Beach, Episkopi, Limassol
- How to Get There: Drive or taxi from Limassol or take the 18 bus from My Mall in Limassol
- Best For: Families, calm waters, and escaping the crowds
- Amenities: Restaurants, lifeguards, public toilets, and loungers
Where to Stay Near Kourion Beach
Episkopi Villa: A luxury, stone 4-bedroom villa with a private pool and balcony views over Kourion Beach.
The Courtyard Guesthouse: A stunning, traditional holiday home located in Episkopi near Kourion Beach. This stone villa offers 2 bedrooms as well as a private garden and terrace area.
Restaurants Near Kourion Beach
Kourion Beach Restaurant: Located right on the beach, Kourion Beach Restaurant offers excellent seafood and fresh salads.
Chris Blue Beach: Highly rated swordfish is available at Chris’s which is also perfectly situated on the beach.
7. Aphrodite’s Beach, Paphos
Aphrodite’s Beach is home to one of the most famous landmarks in Cyprus. The Rock of Aphrodite is believed to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite – the goddess of love and beauty.
Legend has it that if you swim around this sea stack 3 times, then you’ll be granted everlasting beauty. Although you need to be careful in your quest because the waters are pretty choppy around the rock.
Despite its name, Aphrodite’s Beach isn’t the most beautiful beach in Cyprus as it’s mainly pebbly. However, it’s definitely a relaxing place to dry off and catch some sun after your attempts at eternal beauty.
Aphrodite’s Beach is easily accessible from Paphos or Limassol as it lies between the two cities. There’s a restaurant, cafe, and public toilet behind the beach, as well as a public car park. Just up the road is Aphrodite Hills, an incredible golf resort that’s well worth a visit for the views alone.
If you’re looking to tick off one of the best things to do in Paphos while also taking in some beach time, then venture to Aphrodite’s Beach for a great day trip.
- Location: ? Aphrodite’s Beach, Paphos
- How to Get There: Drive or taxi from Paphos or take local bus 631 from Paphos
- Best For: Swimming
- Amenities: Restaurant, cafe, public toilet, and car park
Where to Stay Near Aphrodite’s Beach
Aphrodite Hills Resort: A stunning private villa with a pool nestled in the beautiful Aphrodite Hills Resort offering a championship standard golf course, tennis, spa, gym, and various cafes and restaurants.
Villa Pontus: A quiet and secluded villa with a private pool, terrace, and BBQ area surrounded by the beautiful Aphrodite Hills.
Restaurants Near Aphrodite’s Beach
Eleonas Restaurant: A laid-back, buffet-style restaurant located in nearby Aphrodite Hills.
Pithari Tavern: A traditional, Cypriot restaurant located in Aphrodite Hills. You pay a little more for the location, but the views are incredible and the portions are generous.
8. Konnos Bay Beach, Protaras
This beautiful bay is between Ayia Napa and Protaras, just north of Cavo Greko National Park. It’s one of the best beaches in Cyprus thanks to its steep hills surrounding the bay, making it very calm and picturesque. It’s around 200 meters of fine, golden sand and azure waters.
Konnos Bay is a very busy beach in the summer with plenty of activities to take part in. Head out to sea on a pedal boat, enjoy some water sports, or simply rent a sun lounger and chill out.
It’s a great choice for families as although it’s a very calm and shallow beach, during the summer months, there are lifeguards on duty. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent, but make sure you arrive early to secure these. It’s not a huge beach, so these are limited.
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