Cyprus has beaches for almost every kind of holiday, from soft, pale sands and shallow family bays to turtle-nesting shores, watersports hubs, and quiet coves beneath cliffs. Better still, the island makes it easy to combine time beside the sea with ancient ruins, mountain villages, and lunches in coastal tavernas.
The best beaches in Cyprus stretch from the clear waters around Ayia Napa and Protaras to the wild Akamas Peninsula and the broad bays west of Limassol. Families can paddle at Coral Bay or Fig Tree Bay, couples can retreat to Konnos Beach, while more adventurous travellers can kitesurf near Paramali or explore the protected coastline around Lara Beach.
Planning a beach holiday in Cyprus? These are ten of the best Cyprus beaches for families, couples, swimming, scenery, and watersports.
Map of the Best Beaches in Cyprus
The Best Beaches in Cyprus
Best for history: Kourion Beach
Kourion Beach lies west of Limassol, beneath one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus. Explore ancient mosaics and the Greco-Roman theatre in the morning, before heading down to the coast for a swim.
Sand and pebbles cover the broad, kilometre-long shore, while white cliffs rise behind the water. The beach also provides showers, changing rooms, sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, and seasonal lifeguard services.
Although the sea often looks calm, winds can strengthen during the afternoon, so check conditions before swimming or windsurfing.
Kourion easily ranks among the best beaches in Cyprus for travellers who want more from their day than sunbathing alone.
Best for kitesurfing: Paramáli Beach
Paramali Beach occupies an undeveloped stretch of coastline between Limassol and Pissouri. Its exposed position attracts steady winds, making it popular with experienced kitesurfers.
A mixture of sand and pebbles cover the shore, while farmland and low hills create a much wilder backdrop than the organised beaches around Ayia Napa. Facilities are limited, though, and conditions can sometimes feel too breezy for casual swimming.
Bring water, food, and everything else you need for the day. Also respect any signs or seasonal restrictions, as turtles use parts of Cyprus’s southern and western coastline for nesting.
Paramali suits experienced watersports enthusiasts rather than families looking for a conventional resort beach.
Best for wildlife: Lara Beach
Lara Beach lies on the Akamas Peninsula in the Paphos region. Its remote golden shore provides an important breeding site for sea turtles, making it one of the most remarkable beaches in Cyprus for wildlife.
Unsurfaced tracks make the journey more challenging than a typical beach trip. Many visitors may find it better to join an organised excursion, or travel in a suitable vehicle after checking local access conditions.
Once there, follow all signs and keep away from marked nests. Do not move protective cages, disturb turtles, or leave rubbish behind.
Lara offers a memorable encounter with Cyprus’s wilder coast, but conservation must take priority over swimming, sunbathing, and photography.
Best for watersports and nightlife: Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Cyprus. Pale sand curves around bright turquoise water near Ayia Napa, while a small offshore islet gives the bay its distinctive appearance.
The gently shelving water and broad sandy shore make it popular by day. While, watersports, beach bars, music, and summer events create a livelier atmosphere than many other Cyprus beaches.
During peak season, Nissi becomes particularly busy. Arrive early for more space, or visit in late spring and early autumn when the beach feels calmer.
Nissi is a strong choice for groups and younger travellers seeking a lively beach holiday in Cyprus, but couples looking for peace may prefer Konnos or Pissouri.
Best for a lively family beach day: Makronissos Beach
Makronissos Beach lies west of Ayia Napa and combines pale sand with clear, generally sheltered water. Several adjoining bays give visitors more room to explore than at compact Nissi Beach.
Sunbeds, refreshments, watersports, and other seasonal facilities make Makronissos one of the best beaches in Cyprus for families who want an easy day beside the sea. However, it still attracts considerable crowds during July and August.
For a break from the beach, visit the nearby Makronissos Tombs, an archaeological site containing rock-cut burial chambers.
Arrive in the morning, then explore the quieter edges of the wider Makronissos coastline once the main shore begins to fill.
Best for classic beach scenery: Fig Tree Bay
Fig Tree Bay sits in Protaras and ranks among the best sandy beaches in Cyprus. Fine, pale sand borders clear blue water, while a small islet provides shelter and a tempting destination for confident swimmers.
The bay takes its name from a fig tree that has stood near the shore for generations. Today, restaurants, cafés, sunbeds, watersports, and accommodation surround the beach, making it convenient but rarely secluded.
Because the water shelves gently in places, Fig Tree Bay is also one of the best beaches in Cyprus for families. Nevertheless, supervise younger swimmers and assess the sea conditions before entering.
Visit early during summer, when this famous Cyprus beach quickly fills with holidaymakers.
Best near Paphos for families: Coral Bay
Coral Bay lies north of Paphos Town, enclosed by limestone headlands that shelter its golden-sand shore. Its shallow sections, seasonal lifeguards, and convenient facilities make it one of the best beaches in Cyprus for families.
Visitors can usually hire sunbeds and umbrellas or try watersports during the main season and restaurants, cafés, and shops sit within easy reach of the beach.
Coral Bay is widely considered the best beach near Paphos for travellers who want a sandy shore and plenty of amenities. It also works well for multigenerational groups because everyone can find food, shade, and activities nearby.
However, its popularity means the central section becomes busy during summer. Arrive early or walk towards the quieter ends of the bay.
Best beach in Northern Cyprus for open space: Golden Beach
Golden Beach stretches along the Karpas Peninsula in northern Cyprus. A long expanse of golden sand, dunes, and undeveloped countryside gives it a sense of scale that few other beaches on the island can match.
Facilities remain limited, which helps preserve the natural landscape but requires more planning. Bring water, food, sun protection, and anything else needed for the day.
Travellers should also check current border-crossing rules, local access guidance, and insurance arrangements before visiting northern Cyprus, particularly when taking a hire car.
Golden Beach is among the best beaches in northern Cyprus for solitude and scenery. However, its distance from the main resorts makes it better suited to a dedicated excursion rather than a casual afternoon trip.
Best for couples: Pissouri Beach
Pissouri Beach curves around a broad bay between Limassol and Paphos. Hills shelter the coastline, while the nearby village rises inland among vineyards and traditional stone buildings.
The shore combines pebbles with coarse sand, and the clear water becomes deep in places. Nearby tavernas and seasonal watersports provide enough activity without giving the bay an overly developed feel.
Pissouri Beach is one of the best beaches in Cyprus for couples who want a quieter base with restaurants, scenery, and easy access to the island’s wine-producing villages.
Stay for dinner beside the bay or drive up to Pissouri village for a more traditional atmosphere. The location also makes Pissouri a convenient stop when travelling between Limassol and Paphos
Best for walking and scenery: Konnos Beach
Konnos Beach lies between Protaras and Ayia Napa, close to Cape Greco National Forest Park. Pine-covered slopes curve around the small sandy bay, creating one of Cyprus’s most beautiful coastal settings.
The sheltered water and soft sand make Konnos attractive for swimming, while nearby paths lead through Cape Greco’s cliffs, woodland, and sea caves.
Because the bay is compact, it can become crowded during the main summer season. Visit early, or combine a morning walk with an afternoon swim once you have explored the surrounding trails.
Thanks to its scenery and tucked-away setting, Konnos is one of the best beaches in Cyprus for couples as well as active travellers.
Stay Near the Best Beaches in Cyprus
Our villas in Cyprus place some of the island’s best beaches within easy reach. Stay near Paphos for family-friendly Coral Bay and the wild coastline of the Akamas Peninsula, or choose Protaras and Pernera for easy access to the sandy beaches and clear waters of Cyprus’s south-east coast.
Our concierge team can also arrange airport transfers, private chefs, boat trips, housekeeping, and a fully stocked fridge for your arrival. Browse our collection of villas in Cyprus and find the right base for your next beach holiday.
