Paphos is home to some of the best beaches in Cyprus, with everything from family-friendly bays to secluded coves around the Akamas Peninsula. You can swim in the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, watch the sunset beside Aphrodite’s Rock, or visit protected shores where sea turtles come to nest.
Looking for the best beach in Paphos for swimming, families, wildlife, or a peaceful day beside the sea? These are five of our favourites.
Paphos’ Best Beaches
Map of the best beaches in Paphos
Best for swimming: Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon lies off the coast of the Akamas Peninsula, close to Latchi. Its remarkably clear water and sheltered setting make it one of the best places to swim in Paphos.
Reaching it is part of the adventure. The easiest option is to join a boat trip from Latchi Harbour, although the surrounding Akamas tracks can also be explored in an off-road vehicle. Once there, you can swim and snorkel in the calm water before drying off back on board. It’s also one of our favourite things to do in Paphos.
Best for mythology: Petra tou Romiou
Petra tou Romiou, better known as Aphrodite’s Rock, is one of the most famous places to visit near Paphos. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, rose from the sea foam here.
Local legend claims that swimming around the rock three times brings eternal beauty, good luck, or true love. Strong waves and currents can make swimming unsafe, however, so it is better to admire the rock formation from the pebbly shore. Visit towards sunset, when the sea stacks and surrounding coastline look particularly dramatic.
Best for a relaxing escape: Polis
On the north coast of Paphos, Polis Chrysochous Municipal Beach offers a quieter alternative to the busier beaches around Paphos Town. The shore is surrounded by natural scenery, with views towards the Akamas Peninsula and Chrysochous Bay.
The wider Polis area has one of the region’s least-developed stretches of coastline, giving it a relaxed, away-from-it-all feel. Restaurants and traditional tavernas can be found around Polis and nearby Latchi, making it easy to combine a beach day with lunch beside the sea.
Best for families: Coral Bay
Coral Bay is one of the best family beaches in Paphos. Around six kilometres north of Paphos Town, the 500-metre beach is enclosed by limestone headlands, helping to keep its clear water calm and shallow.
The golden sand has plenty of room for families, while facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, water sports, and seasonal lifeguard cover. Restaurants, cafés, and bars are also within easy reach. At the northern end of the bay, Maa-Palaiokastro preserves the remains of a Late Bronze Age settlement.
Best for wildlife-spotting: Lara Bay
Lara Beach is a remote, undeveloped stretch of sand on the Akamas Peninsula and one of the most important wildlife beaches near Paphos. Loggerhead and green turtles nest along this protected coastline, with nesting activity taking place during the warmer months.
Visitors must avoid disturbing marked nests, turtles, or hatchlings, and should follow all instructions displayed on the beach. Lara is reached along unsurfaced tracks, so a guided Akamas tour or suitable off-road vehicle is generally the most practical option. Its isolated setting and lack of extensive facilities are precisely what make it feel so wild.
Stay in Cyprus with Oliver’s Travels
Stay close to the coast with our collection of villas in Paphos and Cyprus. Many of our handpicked holiday homes place beautiful beaches within walking distance or a short drive, leaving more time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the Akamas Peninsula.
Our concierge team can also help arrange the details around your stay, including private chefs, housekeeping, local experiences, and a fully stocked fridge ready for your arrival.
