The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a good choice if you want to laze on the beach and top up your tan. With its subtropical climate translating to endless days of summer sun, and beaches and coves – some quiet and unspoilt; others bustle with activity – the island is an unbeatable holiday destination. Here are some of the best beaches to go to.
For more Cyprus inspiration, check out our guides to the island’s best hotels, restaurants and activities.
Find a beach by area
west coast
Coral Bay
Kolpos ton Koralion, known locally as Coral Bay, is a large stretch of golden sand, lined with hotels and dotted with sunbeds in summer. It is a Blue Flag beach, about eight kilometers along the coast, due north of Paphos, in the village of Pegeia. Beach bars and restaurants offer alfresco dining, while swimmers can enjoy the clean, protected waters and lifeguards keep it safe, especially for families. Coral Bay offers some impressive headlands and sea caves to explore, plus the nearby archaeological site of Maa-Palaeokastro. This ancient Mycenaean settlement has its origins in the late Bronze Age.
How do you get there: Bus 615 from Paphos harbor or by car. Parking possible at the beach.
Porto Pomos
Famous islanders go to the beach of Porto Pomos. This beautiful but relatively unknown stretch of pebbly sand is located next to the charming little fishing port of Pomos in the Paphos district. Even city people from Nicosia come here on holiday. To reach it you drive along the Polis Chrysochou coastal road, with rugged landscape on one side and crashing waves on the other. Swimmers enjoy the clear, shallow waters, while the steep coastline makes it a popular snorkeling spot. A small beach cafe does excellent frappe and there is a restaurant famous for its fresh fish dishes.
How do you get there: Bus 643 from Polis Chrysochou or by car. Parking possible at the beach.
Northwest coast
Lara Beach
Two pristine, crescent-shaped beaches lie on either side of rocky Cape Lara on the west coast of Cyprus. They are quiet and well off the beaten track, so you will need a 4×4 type vehicle to reach the beaches comfortably as the access roads are bumpy. Lara Beach is best known for being the place where endangered hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the warmer months. A conservation group monitors the turtles and places the eggs in protective, sand-covered nests until they are ready to hatch. At that moment, baby turtles emerge from the sand and head towards the sea. Seeing the baby turtles is a humbling experience.
How do you get there: Only accessible by car, preferably 4×4. Parking on headland above the beach.
Southwest coast
The Pissouri Bay
Pissouri Bay is a bit of a contradiction. Although the bay is located in one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots along the south coast, it is also where families gather and water skiers and surfers come to enjoy their sport. Fortunately, the bay’s beach is wide and long enough for everyone to enjoy it at their own pace. Paths from the parking areas provide access, including a few designed for people who use wheelchairs. Amenities include showers. There are a handful of places to enjoy a bite to eat nearby, while some very good restaurants can be found in a nearby luxury hotel and in the village of Pissouri.
How do you get there: Bus 630 from Paphos Karavella station, 70 from Limassol station or by car. Parking possible at the beach.
South Coast
Lady’s Mile Beach
Lady’s Mile Beach is a long, gently sloping expanse of sand that can be found not far from the archaeological site of Curium between Paphos and Limassol. It is popular with city folk looking to relax, and with horse riding enthusiasts (you will often see horses and riders from the nearby riding school enjoying a ride along the coast). It is believed that this beach was a favorite of the governor when Cyprus was under British rule; it is said that he also rode his horse here. There are a few dining options, a bar and a water sports centre. Boat trips depart from here for short trips to see some impressive sea caves.
How do you get there: By car. Parking possible at the beach.
Rock and beach of Aphrodite
Despite being made up almost exclusively of rocks worn away by the sea, this beach is one of the most popular on the island. Hikers and sun worshipers alike flock here, especially when the sun sets – the sunsets here are magical. The centerpiece of the beach is without a doubt the Rock of Aphrodite, a beautiful creation of nature and one of the iconic images of Cyprus. The rock is said to be the place where Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love, rose from the sea and was born. A dramatic, rugged landscape forms the backdrop to the beach. There is a taverna nearby.
How do you get there: Bus 631 from Paphos Karavella station, 70 from Limassol station or by car. Parking possible via tunnel under the road.
Governor’s Beach
A seemingly endless series of bays with a backdrop of chalk-white cliffs characterize the southernmost coast of Cyprus, from Pissouri to Zygi. This scenery is especially evident at Governor’s Beach, which along with Lady’s Mile was a favorite of the governor when Cyprus was under British rule. Here you can sunbathe on platforms created by the rocks. Water sports opportunities abound and the rocks are popular for fishing and snorkeling. The beach has golden sand and shallow water, making it a popular spot with locals, especially those from nearby Limassol. In summer the fish tavernas here are bustling.
How do you get there: By car. Parking possible at the beach.
Mackenzie Beach
This Blue Flag beach is located south of Larnaca’s medieval fortress, the busy Finikoudes promenade and the city centre. As such, the beach is popular with locals relaxing on weekends and with holidaymakers from the nearby hotels. The beach is known for its safe, shallow waters and its long stretch of fine, clean gray sand, along with palm trees that provide a tropical backdrop. Here you can try activities such as windsurfing and sailing, or join a diving team and get the chance to see one of the most famous diving sites in the world, the Zenobia shipwreck, which lies just off the coast.
How do you get there: On foot from the Finikoudes or by car. Parking possible at the beach.
Southeast coast
Nissi Beach
Young and trendy people often flock to this beach in Ayia Napa, often after a night out. Here you will find a bustling beach full of people, sunbeds, parasols and paragliders. Add to that the mix of water skiers and windsurfers and you have a lively holiday spot, with bustling beachside bars and tavernas adding to the atmosphere. From here you can take the walking or cycling path to Makronissos Beach, a beautiful, 800-metre-long sandy beach often visited by quad bike riders. Just inland are the Makronissos tombs from early Roman times.
How do you get there: Intercity Nicosia to Larnaca bus route or by car. Parking possible at the beach.
east coast
Fig Tree Bay
This long, crescent-shaped sandy beach sits neatly in its own bay on the easternmost coast of Cyprus, near Protaras. It takes its name from the many fig trees that dot the lush, rural backdrop. The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness, safe water and eco-management program, making it one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. In fact, it is often called one of the best beaches in Europe. Water sports, sunbeds and refreshments are available. A small uninhabited island lies just off the coast and can be reached by swimming in the shallow water.
How do you get there: On foot from the center of Protaras or by car. Parking possible at the beach.
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to bring you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveler. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.