12 Best Cyprus Beaches for Sun-Thirsty Adventurers

Looking for the best Cyprus beaches on the island with the longest summer in Europe?

I have you covered!

After road-tripping the Mediterranean island for several months, I’ve uncovered the best beaches in Cyprus.

From long stretches of fine sand to pebble-covered coves, and from bustling city beaches to incredible ancient ruins, here’s my list of the 12 best Cyprus beaches for any taste.

Let’s explore!

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When to Visit the Best Cyprus Beaches?

Here is a fun fact for you:

The Mediterranean island republic has the longest summer in Europe.

While in Europe the summer is all but a nice memory, the Cyprus beaches still welcome the most enthusiastic and sun-thirsty travelers.

Even in January, you’ll be able to sunbathe on more than one occasion. Meanwhile, locals even swim in the pleasantly refreshing waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

However, to ensure you enjoy the perfect beach conditions, it is best to visit Cyprus between April and November.

If you want to explore without hordes of tourists, avoid traveling to the island in July and August. Note that as the temperatures rise, so do the prices of accommodations in Cyprus.

The coastline of Cyprus is predominantly rocky with rugged cliffs rising up high in the air. The Mediterranean Sea has sculptured jaw-dropping arcs and bottomless caves. Nevertheless, if you know where to search, you’ll find some amazing beaches as well.

So now that you know when to visit, let’s check out what the best spots to position your sun-thirsty buttocks are and find out the best Cyprus beaches!

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The 12 Best Beaches in Cyprus for Any Taste

Now that you know when to visit the island, let’s explore the best Cyprus beaches for any taste!

1. Blue Lagoon Beach: The Unpolished Diamond

Blue Lagoon Beach is a spot for the most adventurous travelers.

Situated on the Akamas Peninsula, inside the National Park, it’s reachable via a boat or a bumpy ride in a buggy or an ATV.

Alternatively, you can visit the beautiful bay and its refreshing waters by hiking on the Aphrodite Trail. Start from Aphrodite’s Baths, a popular tourist attraction, and continue towards Fontana Amarosa. The coastline en route is magical. The fantastic views will make the hour-long hike pass like a breeze.

The final reward is a heavenly spot just for your sun-thirsty tushy. Your solitude comes at a price, however. There are absolutely no amenities at this beach.

🏖️ How to get there: Blue Lagoon is only reachable via boat, trekking, or riding an off-road vehicle. I recommend joining this tour to explore some of the best Cyprus Beaches.

2. Aphrodite Beach: The Birthplace of a Goddess

Located between Paphos and Limassol, Aphrodite Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful Cyprus beaches. It overlooks a rock in the water with the same name that is one of the most famous tourist attractions on the island.

Legend says that the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility – Aphrodite – was born from sea foam at this rock. Whether you believe in Greek mythology or not, visiting the pebble-stoned beach is worth of your time.

The sound of the rolling pebbles when the waves retrieve from the coast is soothing. The sunsets are mesmerizing and the atmosphere is relaxing despite the proximity of the street.

Swimming in the waters at the beach is not advisable for beginners. The waves crash at the rocks and might pull you dangerously towards them.

🏖️ How to get there: Aphrodite Beach is easily accessible by public bus and by car. But the most fun way to go there is on a guided buggy tour.

3. Lara Beach: The Protected Nesting Ground for Sea Turtles

Lara Beach lies on the western coast of Cyprus in the middle of nowhere. The access is via a dirt road. Hence, it’s best to arrive on a buggy or a quad.

The beach is a protected area as it’s the nesting ground for sea turtles. It’s also one of the most secluded and wild Cyprus beaches.

The views surrounding Lara Beach are stunning and worth the difficult access. Once you’ve positioned yourself on the fine sand, you can enjoy the peace and quiet or go for a swim. Remember to stay clear of the turtle nests.

If you’ve brought your snorkeling equipment, you won’t be disappointed by the underwater views either.

🏖️ How to get there: Located far from the main road, Lara Beach is best reached by an off-road vehicle. I recommend joining this tour of Lara Bay.

4. Coral Bay: The Horseshoe-Shaped Playground for All Ages

If you’re tired of exploring ancient ruins and the other cool things to do in Paphos, head to Coral Bay. This Cypriot beach offers what the famous for its ruins neighboring town lacks.

The sandy, horseshoe-shaped stretch of sand offers tourist amenities and enough space for sunbathing and a relaxing swim. Visiting it is a great idea for a day trip from Paphos.

Beware that seaweed grows almost everywhere in the crescent-shaped bay. The municipality makes great efforts in cleaning the beach and collecting the weeds. You can see large mountains of it on the beach, which provides an awesome playground for kids of any age. For adults, the smell can be a little annoying, though.

Sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as showers and toilets, are available for a fee at Coral Bay. And if laying on the beach or swimming becomes too boring for you, you can rent a boat and enjoy the rugged Cypriot coastline in the area.

🏖️ How to get there: Visiting Coral Bay is one of the best day trips from Paphos. It’s easily accessible by car and by public bus. However, the most fun way to explore it is on this all-inclusive yacht cruise.

5. Latchi Beach: The Small Gem Near a Vibrant Marina

The beach near the small fishermen’s village Latchi with its vibrant harbor offers sunbed and umbrella rentals.

The pebble stone beach with sandy spots provides clear warm waters, perfect for swimming. Just beware, that the water gets deep very close to the shore.

The proximity of the village ensures that you can have a scrumptious lunch or dinner with a view of the lively marina. You can also hire boats or arrange a fishing trip.

🏖️ How to get there: Latchi is accessible by car and public bus from Paphos and Limassol.

6. Pissouri Beach: Covered by Colorful Pebbles

Pissouri Beach with its smooth and colorful pebbles is a great spot for relaxation. The chill atmosphere and the reasonably priced sun loungers and umbrellas provide everything you need for a great day at the seaside.

You can go for a swim or participate in water sports. Keep in mind that the sea near Pissouri Beach is rather deep. This keeps the water temperatures lower than at other Cyprus beaches.

At the east end of the beach, there’s a designated nude area. It gets more crowded on weekends than during the week.

🏖️ How to get there: Pissouri Beach is easily accessible by car or by public bus from the village with the same name.

7. Mackenzie Beach: Watch the Jets Take Off Over Your Head

Located between the center of Larnaca and its airport, Mackenzie Beach offers what very few beaches do. The sight of low-flying airplanes moments before they land, as well as briefly after they take off, is spectacular.

Of course, if the noise bothers you, you better skip this long sandy stretch of sand. But if you decide to visit, the cool cafés, bars, and eateries alongside the beach will offer you enough comfort and culinary experiences.

The beach is perfect for swimming or walking either on the sand or along the promenade, lined with palm trees. It’s not as busy as its neighbor, Finikoudes Beach.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are available at reasonable prices. Seaweeds in the water and at the beach might obstruct your swim or walk.

🏖️ How to get there: From the Old Town of Larnaca, you can walk along the seacoast and reach Mackenzie Beach on foot. Alternatively, you can come by car or by public bus.

8. Sirens Beach: The Secret Perl of Cyprus

Sirens Beach is a rare find very few visitors to the island know about.

Located far from touristy towns, but still easily accessible from the main road, it offers a mixture of pebbles and sand to accommodate your buttocks.

The small beach is tranquil and almost empty. The available umbrellas and loungers are free of charge. That’s rare for the beaches on the island.

If you want a beach just for yourself, you’ve found the perfect spot to suntan your tushy!

🏖️ How to get there: It’s best to visit Sirens Beach by car.

9. Makronissos Beach: Water Sports Near an Ancient Burial Site

Makronissos Beach lies near Ayia Napa and Protaras, and is adjacent to an ancient burial site. The tombs and the beach are situated on a small peninsula in the shape of a fishtail.

The bay features golden sand. Its clear waters are shallow making it perfect for families with kids.

Makronissos Beach is rarely crowded and the available amenities are decent. Prices for sunbeds and umbrellas are reasonable. Parking is free with plenty of space.

There is less seaweed at Makronissos Beach than at the neighboring Cyprus beaches, making swimming much more pleasant. Participating in water sports is also something you should definitely try on this beach.

🏖️ How to get there: Makronissos Beach features a rather large parking lot, so visiting by car is a great option.

10. Nissi Beach: The Most Unique Party Vibe on the Island

Nissi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus. However, what attracts the most is not its fine white sand and Blue Flag clear waters, but its unique party vibe.

You probably don’t want to come here with your kids, as the parties in the bars near the beach are never-ending.

If you prefer to enjoy Nissi Beach without too many other tourists, you need to arrive as early as possible. As the day gets older, more people come and the music from the nearby bars becomes louder.

The eateries around Nissi Beach serve food at relatively high prices. If you want to avoid overpaying for your meal, you can buy snacks and refreshments at the nearby supermarket.

🏖️ How to get there: you can visit Nissi Beach by car.

11. Konnos Beach: The Warmest Waters in All of Cyprus

Konnos Beach is a fantastic stretch of white sand with shallow, crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming. The bay protects the beach from the winds, keeping the water temperatures pleasant even in the coldest months of the year.

The beach is quite popular and gets densely populated. If you wish to find a parking spot and rent an umbrella and sunbeds, arrive before 10:00 AM.

At Konnos Beach, you can practice different water sports. Hire a speedboat to get your adrenaline pumping. Alternatively, rent a paddleboard or a kayak and provide your muscles with a nice workout.

🏖️ How to get there: Konnos Beach is accessible by car and by public bus. But the most fun way to visit it is on this fantastic boat tour.

12. Sunrise Beach: Get a Perfect Beach Day Going

As the name suggests, Sunrise Beach is a great spot for observing the sun appear over the horizon. The best part is that not many people get up so early to enjoy the first sunrays of the day, so you can watch the spectacle in peace.

During the day, the white sand beach with clear blue waters isn’t very populated. It offers sunbeds and umbrellas at reasonable prices, as well as amenities and eateries.

🏖️ How to get there: Sunrise Beach is easily accessible by car and by public bus. The latter option involves a short walk to the beach.

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Travel Tips for Visiting the Best Beaches in Cyprus

The gorgeous island republic offers a ton of things to do. My advice is to check this one-week Cyprus itinerary before you hit the road.

Although this post is about the best beaches, don’t spend your days just sunbathing. Alternate lazy days on the beach with exploring ancient ruins and medieval towns.

Here are my best travel tips to make your visit to Cyprus even smoother:

• Keep in mind that the last five Cyprus beaches on this list are located in Northern Cyprus. To enter its territory, you’ll need an international passport. For the rest of Cyprus, EU citizens only need a valid national ID.
• Make sure you are aware of the Cyprus travel scams, which travelers have reported!
• Despite the almost all-year sunny weather, the wind might be fierce at times. Don’t risk getting ill by going in the water on windy days.
• For the latest bus timetables, ticket fares, and route planning visit Cyprus by Bus.
• Taxi fares on the island are exorbitant. Although there are state-regulated prices, taxi drivers might try to cheat you with a higher rate.
• The best way to see Cyprus is by renting a car. Just remember, that the driving direction is left. The main roads are in excellent condition and the traffic signs are also written in English. You can find the best rates for car rentals here.
• The prices for sunbeds and umbrellas are usually around €2.50/each ($2.75) on most Cyprus beaches.
• Read also: Cyprus travel resources, a collection of online resources and information about traveling in Cyprus.

FAQs About the Best Cyprus Beaches

Does Cyprus have good beaches?

Despite having a rocky, rugged coastline, Cyprus also offers amazing sandy beaches. In fact, 76 Cypriot beaches have earned a Blue Flag.

What part of Cyprus has the best beaches?

You’ll find the best Cyprus beaches in the west and south part of the island. But no matter where on the island you visit, you’ll always be quite close to a fantastic beach.

Does Cyprus have white sandy beaches?

Yes, it does! My favorite ones are Nissi Beach, Konnos Beach, and Sunrise Beach.

Is it safe to swim in the sea in Cyprus?

It’s perfectly safe to swim in the Mediterranean Sea in Cyprus. The water is clean and there are no dangerous sea animals. Still, beware of the occasional appearance of jellyfish and seaweed. Although not dangerous, they might spoil your swimming experience.

Which beach in Cyprus has the clearest water?

76 beaches in Cyprus have earned a Blue Flag award for their clean water. All of the Cyprus beaches on this list have clear waters. However, when they get crowded, the water might become unclean from all the people standing in it.

Now You Know Where to Find the Best Beaches in Cyprus

There you have it – the 12 best Cyprus beaches.

The island boasts ancient archaeological sites, mystical legends, and rugged cliffs. But it also offers fantastic beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. And now you know where to find the best spots to relax your tushy.

So, let me ask you something:

Do you think you’ll enjoy a day at the beach in Cyprus?

Let me know in the comments below.