When I first landed in beautiful Cyprus, I expected Mediterranean charm — blue seas, whitewashed houses, and maybe a few hidden coves to swim in.
What I didn't expect was how varied the island's coastlines are; some beaches pulse with summer beats and jet skis, while others are quiet stretches where the only sound is the sea brushing the shore.
Before setting off, I'd spent a good amount of time figuring out where to base myself — hopping between coastal towns after reading a handy guide on the best areas to stay.
That little bit of planning paid off; each region had its own personality, from lively beach towns to peaceful harbour villages.
Over a few weeks, I road-tripped across the island — from Ayia Napa's turquoise bays to the untamed west coast near Akamas — chasing the best beaches in Cyprus.
And honestly? This island blew me away. Between the beaches, villages, and ancient ruins, there's always something new to uncover.
Here are 10 of Cyprus's best beaches that completely redefine what a Mediterranean escape means.
10 Best Beaches In Cyprus
1. Nissi Beach – Ayia Napa
Nissi beach, Ayia Napa
If there's one name that always comes up when you mention Cyprus beaches, it's Nissi Beach.
The water glimmers in shades of turquoise and aquamarine, reflecting the morning sun perfectly, and it's shallow enough that families and local kids often wade far out without worry.
I reached around 9:30 am, just as the sun turned the sand gold. The drive from Ayia Napa town took about 10 minutes, and even that short ride felt like anticipation building up.
By 10 am, beach loungers were filling up, and music from nearby bars was starting to pulse.
While tourists flock here for the beach parties, many locals still come early in the morning for a peaceful swim before the crowds arrive
There's a small islet you can wade to when the tide is low, and it's the perfect spot to look back at the coastline shimmering in the morning light.
There's no entry fee, but sunbeds and umbrellas go for about €2.50 / USD 2.70 each.
The beach comes alive around 11 am, with parasailers overhead and families splashing in the shallows.
If you're looking for something more active, you can also join a local tour which includes snorkelling stops around the Blue Lagoon and other coastal highlights near Ayia Napa — a fun way to mix a little adventure into your beach day.
I stayed until about 4 pm, long enough to grab a smoothie from one of the kiosks and soak up the lively vibe before the late afternoon party crowd arrived.
Tip: Get here early, especially in July and August. Before 9 am, you can have the beach — and the water — almost all to yourself.
Book your Blue Lagoon tour here
Location
2. Fig Tree Bay – Protaras
Fig Tree Bay, Cyprus
From Ayia Napa, it's about a 25-minute drive east to Fig Tree Bay — and it's one of those beaches that makes you stop mid-sentence the moment you see it.
Golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a tiny islet you can swim or kayak to — no wonder this ranks among the best beaches in Cyprus. I arrived around 2 pm, when the water had warmed to that perfect “I could stay here forever” temperature.
There's no entry fee, but expect to pay around €15 / USD 16 for a set of loungers in the premium zone (closer to the water).
I spent 3 hours here — swimming, snorkelling, and lying on my towel watching kids build sandcastles that melted back into the tide.
The water stays calm even in the afternoon, and visibility is excellent for snorkelling. I spotted schools of tiny silver fish darting between rocks just off the islet.
If you'd like to see more of the coast, you can also join this Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Cruise, which sails from Protaras and stops at the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove for snorkelling.
Best time to visit: Early morning or just before sunset — between 8 am to 10 am or 5 pm to 7 pm — for the softest light and quieter moments.
Book your Glass Bottom Boat Dolphin Cruise here
Location
3. Coral Bay – Peyia
Coral Bay beach, Cyprus
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When I think of family-friendly Cyprus beaches, Coral Bay always comes to mind.
It's about a 20-minute drive from Paphos town, and the bay often looks its best when the sun sits high — the water takes on a silky shimmer and the gentle curve of the shoreline keeps waves calm.
Soft sand and shallow water make it an easy place to settle into, and the promenade is lined with beach cafés perfect for casual lunches.
I rented a sunbed and umbrella for €2.50 / USD 2.70 each and stayed until 2 pm, alternating between swims and people-watching.
Around 1 pm, families began to fill the shoreline — kids squealing with laughter, locals chatting under straw umbrellas. The atmosphere was pure Mediterranean joy.
I loved how easy it was to unwind here — the calm water, soft sand, and cheerful energy of families made it one of my favourite spots to just slow down and soak in the Mediterranean vibe.
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4. Pissouri Bay – Limassol District
Chilling at Pissouri Beach after the trail
Halfway between Limassol and Paphos lies a beach that stole my heart for its serenity — Pissouri Bay.
It's about a 35-minute drive from Limassol, and the moment the bay comes into view, the contrast with the busier eastern coast is obvious.
The sand is a mix of fine pebbles, and the cliffs behind glow amber when the light hits them in the afternoon.
I spent a long stretch swimming, then stretched out on my towel watching paragliders drift slowly across the ridge.
Sunbeds are around €2.50 / USD 2.70 each, and the beach stays peaceful even through the high season. I stayed until 4:30 pm, leaving just as the sky began to soften.
Pro Tip: Bring water shoes if you prefer sandy footing — and stay for the sunset if you can. The cliffs light up in pink and gold.
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5. Konnos Bay – Between Ayia Napa & Protaras
Konnos Bay feels like it belongs in a painting.
Tucked between forested cliffs, it's about a 15-minute drive from Ayia Napa, and even the descent to the water is a highlight — a winding road that reveals more turquoise at every turn.
Despite its beauty, the bay can be surprisingly peaceful in the mornings.
Locals paddleboard across the sheltered water, couples drift in for relaxed swims, and the whole place has that soft, quiet energy that feels almost hidden.
Parking near the cliffside café is limited, so coming earlier in the day definitely helps.
The water is calm and shallow — perfect for paddleboarding or snorkelling. Sunbeds go for the usual €2.50 / USD 2.70, and it's easy to spend a few hours here without noticing time pass.
Highlight: The way sunlight filters through the cliffs and hits the water, turning it into a shimmering palette of blues.
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6. Makronissos Beach – Ayia Napa
If you love Nissi's scenery but not its crowds, Makronissos Beach is your escape.
Just a 12-minute drive from central Ayia Napa, I reached around 9 am and almost had the entire beach to myself.
Soft golden sand, crystal water, and a mellow vibe — I could've easily spent all day there. I strolled the shoreline for 20 minutes, watching joggers pass by and small boats idle offshore.
I stayed until 11:30 am, just before the beach started filling up. There's a small kiosk nearby for snacks and cold drinks, with prices around €3–4 / USD 3.30–4.40.
It's calm, scenic, and feels more local than Nissi, even in summer.
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7. Lara Bay – Akamas Peninsula
Lara Bay, Cyprus
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For the wilder side of beautiful Cyprus, I woke up early — 8 am sharp — and set out from Paphos in a 4×4.
The drive took about 1 hour 20 minutes, winding through rough dirt roads into the Akamas Peninsula.
When I arrived, it felt like another world. No umbrellas, no kiosks, no crowds — just pure nature.
Lara Bay is known for its turtle nesting grounds, and depending on the season (May to August), you might even spot tiny hatchlings making their first crawl to the sea.
With no facilities at all, it's one of those beaches where you bring everything: water, food, shade, and plenty of patience for the dirt road.
It's the kind of place that encourages you to do nothing but sit on the sand, swim, and savour the quiet — hours pass easily without you realising.
Entry is free, and facilities are nonexistent — so bring water, food, and shade.
Tip: Visit in the morning before the heat builds and bring a 4×4 — regular cars struggle on the dirt road.
Location
8. Governor's Beach – Between Larnaca & Limassol
White Stone, Governors Beach, Cyprus
By the time I made it to Governor's Beach, I'd already explored plenty of Cyprus' coastline — but this one immediately stood out for its contrast.
White cliffs plunge into dark grey sand, creating a striking scene that becomes even more dramatic as the afternoon light softens.
Sunbeds and umbrellas here are slightly pricier, around €7.50 / USD 8.25 for two beds and one umbrella, but the scenery makes it worth it.
I spent the afternoon wandering along the rocks, climbing one of the low cliffs for a panoramic view of the coastline, and watching couples below taking photos as waves lapped at the sculpted limestone.
Best time: After 3 pm, when the sun hits the cliffs sideways and the water turns deep blue.
Location
9. Finikoudes Beach – Larnaca
If you prefer convenience, Finikoudes Beach is the most accessible of all Cyprus beaches.
Right in the city centre, it's an easy stroll from most guesthouses and hotels — within minutes, you're on the sand with the palm-lined promenade behind you.
A frappe in hand and a sunbed secured, it's the perfect spot for a slow morning by the water.
The beach is clean, calm, and family-friendly, with cafés and shops just steps away.
As midday approaches, locals start to drift in for lunch, giving the promenade a lively, relaxed buzz.
If you have a bit more time, you can also join a Larnaca Sunset Cruise, which departs nearby and gives you a relaxing 1.5-hour sail along the coast — perfect for watching the sun dip behind the palm-lined skyline.
It's the easiest beach to access without a car, perfect for a quick dip before your flight or during a city stay.
Book your Larnaca Sunset Cruise here
Location
10. Mackenzie Beach – Larnaca
If you're after a beach that blends laid-back vibes with easy access, Mackenzie Beach is the one to end your Cyprus trip on a high note.
It's only about a 5-minute drive from Larnaca town or a 20-minute walk if you're staying near the promenade.
Planes glide overhead as they approach the nearby airport — close enough to make every landing feel cinematic.
The sand here is soft and golden-brown, and the water stays shallow for quite a distance — perfect for families or an easy swim.
You'll find plenty of cafés, beach bars, and restaurants lining the shore, serving everything from fresh smoothies to mezze platters.
Tip: Come early for a quiet swim, or stay for sunset — when the sky glows pink and orange behind the palm trees, and the beachfront lights start to twinkle.
Location
What To Pack For Cyprus's Beaches
After weeks of exploring, I learned that packing smart makes beach days smoother.
Bring 2 swimsuits, a light towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes for pebbly shores like Pissouri and Governor's.
A snorkel set is a must — the waters at Fig Tree and Konnos are some of the clearest I've ever seen.
Don't forget a portable umbrella, especially for wilder beaches like Lara and Golden.
And always have a reusable water bottle — beach kiosks charge around €2 / USD 2.20 for bottled water.
Where To Stay In Cyprus
Your base can change your experience entirely.
Once you've planned your beach stops, it's worth checking out where to stay in Cyprus for area-by-area tips, and things to do in Cyprus if you want to explore beyond the sand and sea.
If you're beach-hopping, I recommend staying 2–3 nights in Ayia Napa or Protaras, then moving west to Paphos or Limassol to experience a different side of the island.
Ayia Napa & Protaras: I stayed at Nissi Beach Resort in Ayia Napa and loved being right by the sand and the party‑beach energy. Nearby in Protaras, Capo Bay Hotel was a perfect pick — calm, classy, and just a short walk from the shoreline.
Paphos: For more history and slower pace, I based myself at Regency Boutique Hotel in Paphos — the ruins and coastal views made it a peaceful, beautiful retreat.
Limassol: I stayed at Sir Paul Hotel in Limassol — a charming boutique spot in the old town with vintage design and just the right balance between city energy and seaside calm.
Larnaca: I stayed at Sun Hall Hotel, which sits right on the Finikoudes promenade — waking up to palm‑lined views made city life feel seaside-chill.
Renting a car gave me freedom to move between coasts — most drives are under 2 hours.
Best Time To Visit Cyprus's Best Beaches
If you want warm weather and clear water without crowds, May to June or September to mid-October is ideal.
July and August are lively but hot — up to 35°C / 95°F — while late spring and early autumn balance perfect weather with fewer people.
I visited in late May, and it felt like the island was just waking up — early swims, quiet cafés, and sunsets that turned the horizon copper.
Weather In Cyprus
Cyprus gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, which makes it one of the most reliable beach destinations in Europe.
- Summer (June–September): Hot and sunny, around 30–35°C / 86–95°F.
- Spring (April–May) and Autumn (October–November): Pleasantly warm 22–28°C / 72–82°F, fewer crowds.
- Winter (December–March): Mild 15–20°C / 59–68°F, better for hiking than swimming.
Evenings near the coast can be breezy — pack a light jacket for strolls between 6 pm to 8 pm.
Quick Tips On Visiting The Best Beaches In Cyprus
- Go early: Most beaches are quiet before 9 am.
- Parking: Expect €2–3 / USD 2.20–3.30 per day at organised beaches.
- Public beaches are free: You'll just pay for loungers (€2.50 / USD 2.70) and umbrellas.
- Bring cash: Some local cafés don't take cards.
- Respect wildlife: Don't disturb turtle nests at Lara Bay.
- Hydrate: Always carry water — the heat builds quickly after 11 am.
Once you've had your fill of the island's beaches, there's so much more to see — from mountain villages to sea caves.
Cyprus isn't just a destination — it's a feeling.
From the sunrise stillness of Konnos Bay to the windblown cliffs of Governor's Beach, this island has a rhythm all its own.
Whether you're diving into turquoise shallows, chasing golden sunsets, or wandering barefoot across soft sand, the best beaches in Cyprus will remind you that beauty here isn't just seen — it's felt.
So pack your swimsuit, rent that car, and let beautiful Cyprus surprise you — one wave, one sunset, one perfect beach at a time.
