Top 10 Beaches in Cyprus

The Aphrodite’s Rock Beach (Petra tou Romiou) is situated in the Paphos district and can be easily spotted on the coastal road between Paphos and Limassol near Aphrodite Hills. It is a wonderful beach that is surrounded by large rocks and sand. There are two myths in concern to this particular beach. The first name Aphrodite’s Rock was given due to the myth of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. According to the myth, Kronos had cut off the genitals of Ouraniou and threw them in the water. It is said that the Greek goddess had then risen from the waters in the bay. The second name Petra tou Romiou was given due to the byzantine warrior Akritas Digenis. It is said that the warrior attempted to stop a raid from Arab pirates and threw a large rock into the sea. The location is quite romantic especially during sunset and is a very popular destination for newlywed couples who choose it for their wedding photos. It is the ideal place to relax, sunbathe and have a walk as it not an overcrowded beach. It is not recommended that visitors swim at this beach as the sea is rough, and climbing on the rocks is not permitted.

Konnos Bay is situated about kilometres east from the centre of Ayia Napa, amongst Cavo Greco and Protaras. It is one of the most graphic beaches on the island, it is covered with golden sand and has a length of 200 metres. The particular beach has been awarded with a blue flag with perfect swimming conditions especially for children as there are no waves at all. There are various facilities such as sunbeds for rent as well as water sports. Near the beach visitors can find restaurants and convenience stores as well as accommodation facilities. Visitors can access the beach with any kind of transport. The descent towards the beach is filled with trees, while the view from the top is breath-taking. The beach has access to the National Forest Park which belongs to the NATURA 2000 network of the European protected areas, including the nature trails and diving sties.

Nissi Beach is a famous sandy beach and it is situated 3.5 kilometres west of the Ayia Napa centre. Nissi Beach is possibly the most popular beach on the island. It is well known for its golden sand and its clear waters with a length of 500 metres and a width of 45 metres. A small island is situated towards the east side of the beach at a short distance from the coast. A unique strip of sand is created due to the shallow water between the island and the shore towards the west part of the beach. This phenomenon is remarkable and is considered a milestone for Ayia Napa as well as Cyprus in general. The islet is accessible on foot as the waters are very shallow. The facilities at the beach include toilets, changing rooms, sunbeds, umbrellas, water sport, diving facilities and organised parties, while there is also a variety of restaurants, bars and kiosks in the area. Nissi beach is a very popular destination and an amazing attraction for the younger crowds as it is used by music programs to host beach parties during the summer. Beach and foam parties are on, every week with loud music and famous DJ's. Nissi beach is the perfect place for people who love to party during the summer.

Mackenzie Beach is situated in the Larnaca district, next to the old Larnaca airport. The particular beach has been given the blue flag award as it complies with all the conditions. The beach originally received its name from a Scottish resident of Larnaca whose name was McKenzie. He had set up a temporary premise for private use on the beach. When the residents wanted to go to the particular beach they would say “Let’s go to McKenzie” and the name remained over the years. The Mackenzie Beach has thin grey sand, with a length of 1000 metres and a width of 35 to 80 metres. The sea is calm and many people visit it to walk along with beach or swim and watch the aeroplanes land at the airport. The beach has many facilities such as toilets, changing rooms and others. Lifesavers are on duty during the summer months and there are water sports such as windsurfing. Access to the beach is easy and there is parking behind the restaurants. For those who would like to dine near the sea there are many restaurants that offer a great view towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Coral Bay is situated in the Peyia area, about 12 kilometres from the town centre of Paphos. Coral Bay is considered to be the most popular choice in the Paphos area for families, young people and couples as it has clear shallow waters and thin golden sand. It is suitable for all ages and it has also gained the Blue Flag certification meaning that it meets all the rules that are required by the European Union , and it has the highest rating on the west side of Cyprus. The particular beach even has access for people with disabilities. Due to its calm and shallow waters it is the ideal beach for families with children. The beach has all the facilities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, changing rooms and water sport, while trained lifesavers are on duty during the summer months. During the summer months many beach parties are also held at the beach attracting thousands of visitors. Plenty of restaurants, taverns, bars, cafes, shops and pharmacies are located around the bay in order to accommodate all visitors. The taverns and restaurants offer fantastic meals and traditional Cypriot cuisine some even offer live Cypriot music.

Governor's beach is a very well-known sandy beach. It is located between Limassol and Larnaca and can be accessed by car, bus, motorbike or bicycle. The beach is in the community boarders of the Pentakomo village, which is located about 20 kilometres east of Limassol. It is situated at an equal distance from Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia which is what makes it an ideal destination for many sea lovers. The beach is well known for its white rocks which resemble chalk and is one of the main reasons which many people visit the area. The rocks have created large white platforms on the water which are suitable for exploring, sunbathing and jumping into the clear blue waters. To the west part of the beach, there is thin golden sand and it is ideal for children because of its shallow clear blue waters. The beach has a variety of water sports and there are many fish taverns and accommodation in the area. The white rocks which are near the beach are ideal for fishing or snorkelling. Lastly, there are lifeguards on duty between 11 am and 6pm. Apart from the beach you can also visit the nature trails through the hills. The beach received the name Governor’s Beach due to a former British governor who spent a lot of time at the specific beach

Makronissos Beach is situated 5 kilometres from the centre of Ayia Napa and is a graphic combination of three bays. The three small bays extend towards different directions, west, southwest and southeast. The southwest part belongs to the special protected area of the NATURA 2000 network. It is a golden sand beach, with crystal clear waters and medium intensity waves. It is an ideal beach for families or groups of people who enjoy a safe organised beach with blue waters. The Makronissos Beach suitable for various water sports such as water skiing, parascending, paddle boating and diving. The beach offers many facilities such as sunbeds and umbrellas, while there are also kiosks, restaurants and accommodation facilities nearby. Makronissos beach offers ideal conditions for swimming and for an enjoyable and relaxing day. Visitors can also take a walk towards the east where the Bathia Gonia beach is situated, or towards the west where the Agia Thekla beach is. Apart from the beaches, the Archaeological area of the Makronissos Necropolis is also situated in the area with 19 tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman eras which are carved in the rock.

Fig Tree Beach is situated in the area of Protaras and is one of the most well-known beaches in Cyprus. Its golden sand and clear blue waters make it a popular destination in Protaras. The beach has received its name from the fig tree that is located at the beach, which was brought by the conquerors of the east during the 17th century. The rocky islet which is located at a short distance from the coast, contributes to the idyllic landscape and at the same time is an exploration point for young and old. The Fig Tree Beach has been granted the Blue Flag award for the excellent quality of its waters as well as the title Green Beach under the eco initiative. The beach has many public facilities and offers access to the sea for visitors with disabilities. Lifeguards are on guard during the summer months and assist with the use of the special machine for visitors with disabilities. There are also many restaurants, bars and cafes near the beach. There is a municipal car park very close from the beach, which provides parking within a short walk.

The Blue Lagoon Beach is situated in the Akamas Peninsula in the Paphos district. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island as it seems to be untouched by man. It is a magical place with crystal clear water and golden sand, which resembles a large swimming pool. The water is not very deep and there is a reef perfect for those who want to go snorkelling or diving as there are plenty of fish and rocks around the area. Access to this bay is by boat or a four wheel drive car as the road is not very suitable for lower cars. There are two ways of accessing the blue lagoon, one is the coastal road of the Baths of Aphrodite, which is quite dangerous. The other way is going up to Latsi and continuing to the village of Neo Chorio towards Peyeia. At some point you will reach a junction and from there you must turn right towards Fontana Amoroza. Once you get there again turn right and follow the road to reach blue lagoon. If you love adventure there are various vehicles you can rent to get there such as jeeps, buggies, quad bikes or organized group safaris.

Lara beach is located in the Akamas Peninsula in the Paphos district. Access to Lara Beach is from Pegia and then to Agios Georgios. Lara beach has golden sand and show clear waters. The bay is in the shape of a horseshoes and has an extent of 35 metres. The particular beach is a protected area due to the fact that it is the birth ground of the green turtle and Caretta caretta. The area is quite deserted and the only habitants are wild goats, birds and turtles. Due to this the beach and the trees are intact making it a small paradise. In order to get there you will need a four-wheel drive as it is an off-road journey. Also since it is deserted you must take an umbrella as there is no shade, as well as food and drinks. There are however some things which must be taken into consideration, such as the fact that no fishing is allowed, staying at the beach at night is not allowed, and all rubbish must be collected