Cyprus is an island full of beautiful beaches and charming little spots where you can relax by the Mediterranean Sea. And it’s not just southern Cyprus that is exceptional in this respect, as the north hides some gems too. So which beaches in Cyprus should you pick? Which one would we deem the most beautiful? Where to go with your children? All of that and more in today’s guide.
Beaches in Cyprus
Before we begin the rundown, a word of introduction. Each of the big beaches in Cyprus is public and free. No one has the right to ask you to pay for access to the beach. Showers or changing rooms provided by the hotels are another matter.
We can divide the beaches into those on the eastern side of the island, near Ayia Napa and Larnaca, and those on the western side, near Paphos. If you’re looking for a calmer, quiet beach, we recommend hiking somewhere remote, like Akamas and its Lara Beach. If you’re more into parties and crowds, Ayia Napa and its Nissi Beach is more for you. Something for everyone. Most beaches are quite safe, so you can take your children to most of them.
Blue Lagoon (Fontana Amorosa), Akamas
As with most things Akamas, the Blue Lagoon is simply a beautiful place. The best way to get there is to get to the car park by Aphrodite’s Baths first and take a 90-minute walk from there. You can also hire a quad bike or an ATV. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles.
Latsi beach, Akamas
You can get here by public transport or by car. Latsi itself offers a small yet charming centre with plenty of restaurants and offers for ferry trips to the Blue Lagoon. The beach (again a mix of sand and pebbles) is beautiful on its own, and you have Akamas as your backdrop.
Takas Bay, Akamas
Blue Lagoon and Latsi are located at this bay. We dedicate this point to the beaches between these two spots, as they’re usually not as crowded as other places in Cyprus. The beaches here are, once more, sandy and rocky.
Paphos beach
The beach in the centre of Paphos is the most popular beach in the city. It may not be the most glamorous or deserted, but you have access to all the amenities of the town centre, bars, shops etc. Mostly sandy, still pebbly.
Coral Bay, Paphos
Located to the north of Paphos, near Kissonerga. One of the more popular sandy beaches of the western part of the island. Be careful, as it’s hard to find a spot here in the high season.
Rikkos beach, Paphos
The beaches south of Paphos are not as popular as those in the centre – which is, mind you, a good thing. Means more space for us. It’s a great sandy beach with plenty of hotels nearby, perfect for the low season.’
Lara Beach, Akamas
Our absolute favourite beach in Cyprus, mostly because it’s hard to get to it for an average beachgoer. You can drive up there with an ATV or take an hour-long walk from the car park at the White River Beach. The beach is well known mostly for its turtles, as they lay eggs there.
Aphrodite’s beach
Located near the rock of Aphrodite, where Aphrodite came ashore. A very charming pebbly beach even without the mythological backdrop, though quite popular with tourists.
Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
Likely the most popular (sandy) beach in Cyprus, located in the south-east, near Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Lots of people, lots of parties and lots of fun. There are also plenty of clubs and hotels nearby. On top of that, the views here are spectacular and the water pristine.
Paralimni Beaches
The beaches to the east of Ayia Napa are less popular, but no less beautiful. We highly recommend these beaches, as they tend to be much more peaceful and quiet. You can also visit Famagusta and its beaches when in the area.
Konnos Bay, Protaras
Another beach near Ayia Napa in Protaras, located under a large cliff. It doesn’t offer much space, but the azure waters here are beautiful and there’s always the option for hiking in the neighbouring hills for when the crowds get a bit too tight.
Golden Beach (Northern Cyprus)
Our second favourite beach in Cyprus. If you’re looking for the edge-of-the-world vibe in Cyprus with barely any beachgoers, this is the perfect place. Not only is it one of the most beautiful sights in Cyprus, it’s also usually empty. It sits at the very tip of the Karpas peninsula. The journey from Larnaca to here takes over 2h30min and over 2h from Ayia Napa. We recommend saving a whole day for this beach, especially as you’ll be able to visit the wild donkeys at the monastery on the way. The beach is, of course, in the northern Cyprus, so you’ll need car insurance at the border.
Finikoudes, Larnaca beach
A sandy beach in the centre of Larnaca, perfect for fun lovers and good restaurants. It is located in the very centre of the city close to the promenade and hotels. Often filled by beachgoers from Larnaca.
Cape Greco
Perhaps not exactly a traditional beach, but still a beautiful place to visit on the coastline.
Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)
The last beach on our list is in Protaras. It’s got beautiful sands and great clean water. There are also lots of hotels and clubs nearby if that’s your vibe.
Map of beaches in Cyprus
1) Blue Lagoon/Fontana Amorosa, Akamas
2) Latsi Beach, Akamas
3) Takas Bay, Akamas
4) Paphos Beach
5) Coral Bay, Paphos
6) Rikkos Beach, Paphos
7) Lara Beach, Akamas
8) Aphrodite Beach
9) Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
10) Paralimni Beaches
11) Konnos Bay, Protaras
12) Golden Beach (Northern Cyprus)
13) Finikoudes, Larnaca beach
14) Cape Greco
15) Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)
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