Cyprus is very popular with tourists not only because of the huge number of historical attractions, but also the world-famous seaside resorts: Ayia Napa, Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras, Limassol and Lathi. Many travelers are happy to return to the island every year, because in Cyprus they will find white sand beaches, clear sea and picturesque Mediterranean nature.
If we talk about the general features of the beaches of Cyprus, then it is quite difficult to single out something, since there are both quiet and secluded places where families with children and pensioners like to relax, and youth ones where music plays all night long. Below you can find a detailed description of the best beaches in Cyprus with photos.
Makronissos
Makronissos beach is located on the outskirts of the most popular resort in Cyprus – Ayia Napa. There are always a lot of people here, because there are many hotels nearby, and, moreover, it is free. Conventionally, the beach can be divided into 2 main parts: east and west. The eastern part is fine and soft sand, smooth entry into the sea and complete calm almost at any time of the year. The western part of the beach is characterized by larger sand with rocks and strong winds, which will be appreciated by surfers.
The infrastructure is very well developed: along the entire recreation area there are showers and toilets, there is a bar where you can taste fresh seafood. There is an opportunity to have fun by renting a motor boat, speedboat or catamaran. There are 2 beach equipment rental points on the beach. For example, for 2.5 euros you can rent a sunbed and umbrella, and for 20 you can rent a mini-gazebo.
Location: eastern part of Ayia Napa, 5 km from the city center.
Konnos Bay
Speaking of places where the best beaches in Cyprus are located, you can’t help but think of Protaras and Konnos Bay – a beautiful beach for a measured rest in a quiet bay. It is only 200 meters long and 40 meters wide. But at the same time, there are not many people here, so you can relax comfortably.
The sand is fine and has a grayish tint, the entrance to the water is gentle. It is worth noting that the sea is shallow near the shore, so the beach is ideal for families with children. In the western part, rocks are sometimes found and there are small rocks protruding from the water. Winds on the beach rarely blow, because it is surrounded by hills on three sides.
On Konnos Bay, you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella, as well as a shower stall and toilet (located on the outskirts). There is an entertainment center on the eastern side of the beach and several bars serving light snacks.
Location: southern part of Protaras, 2 km from the center of the resort. It is located on the border with Ayia Napa.
Landa Beach
Among the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus, tourists often refer to Landa Beach – a place in the vicinity of Ayia Napa, loved by vacationers due to the white sand and picturesque views of the bay. As a rule, there are not many people here, since most vacationers choose beaches closer to the center of the resort.
The sand is fine and clean, the entrance to the sea is sandy and gentle, suitable for families with children. Rocks and seashells are missing.
Landa Beach has toilets and showers. There is parking for guests, WiFi and several cafes. Experienced travelers say that in comparison with other beaches of Ayia Napa, the infrastructure here is less developed, but this does not affect the quality of rest.
Location: Ayia Napa. Located between the beaches of Nassi and Makronissos.
Fig Tree Bay
Fig Tree Bay is the most decorated beach in the country, because in 2011 it was recognized as the best beach in Cyprus, and in 2019 it took third place in the category “Best Beach in the world”. Despite its incredible popularity, there are not too many people here on weekdays, as it is more difficult to get here than to similar beaches of Protaras.
The sand in Fig Tree Bay is very soft and has a light golden hue. The entrance to the sea is gentle. In the western part of the beach are towering rocks, where tourists like to arrange photo shoots. The place is really very picturesque, and many tourists choose this beach precisely because of the beautiful nature.
There are no problems with the infrastructure: showers, toilets are installed, there are cafes and several hotels nearby.
Location: Protaras, 4 km from the center of the resort.
Nassi Beach
Many tourists call Nassi the most crowded beach in Cyprus, because there are a lot of tourists here at any time of the day. This is true – in order to find the best place to relax, you should come to this beach of Cyprus at 8-9 in the morning. Lovers of peace and quiet should rest here only at the beginning of the season, when there are a minimum of tourists.
Otherwise, there are no disadvantages: very clean water, fine golden sand and a lot of entertainment. In the western part of the beach there are beautiful rocks that protect Nassi from strong winds and high waves.
On the beach there is a toilet, shower (paid). Umbrellas and sun beds can be rented for 3 euros. The best night clubs in the region are located nearby (according to tourists).
Location: Ayia Napa, 6 km from the center of the resort.
Gliki Nero
Gliki Nero is a small 100-meter beach located in the east of Ayia Napa. Its width is about 30 meters. Despite its distance from the city center, Gliki Nero is well-equipped, and there are several large hotels nearby. Since the beach is located on the outskirts, there are always a few people in the eastern part, but in the western part, especially in the season, it is difficult to find a place.
The sand is soft, without inclusions of stone and seashells. The bottom is shallow, the depth begins to be felt 30-35 meters from the shore. Unlike the neighboring beaches, Gliki Nero is not surrounded on all sides by rocks, so the wind often blows here.
On Gliki Nero there are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, you can rent a catamaran. A few meters from the beach, there is a cafe and restaurant, a tour desk. There are changing booths and a toilet. In the western part of the beach you can find a small entertainment center for children.
Location: eastern part of Ayia Napa, 2 km from the center of the resort.
Vatia Gonia
Vatia Gonia (often referred to as Sandy Bay) is a beach in Ayia Napa, whose name translates from Greek as “beautiful corner”. The bay, where the recreation area is located, is only 200 meters long and no more than 100 meters wide.
The bottom is sandy, but occasionally there are rocks and algae. The sand is fine, sometimes there are shells and pebbles. The approach to the sea is gentle.
Near the beach there are many hotels, shops and cafes. There are changing rooms and toilets. Sun loungers can be rented (from 2 to 3 euros depending on the size). Vatia Gonia is suitable for families with children and married couples.
Location: Ayia Napa.
Pantachou Beach (Grecian Bay)
Pantachou Beach is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Ayia Napa, because its length is more than 500 meters. There are a lot of people here, but due to the size of the beach, it is comfortable to relax here.
The sand is golden and has a grayish tint. The sea is clear (in the morning and evening you can see cleaners from neighboring hotels), sometimes there are stones. The entrance to the water is smooth, so the beach was chosen by families with small children.
Infrastructure is developed: there is a shower, toilet, changing room and several shops with drinks and fast food. There are luggage storage facilities and a rental center (for example, you can go skydiving for 40 euros). On Pantachou Beach, as well as on the neighboring beaches, you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella for 2.5 euros.
Location: western part of Ayia Napa, close to Gliki Nero.
Mackenzie Beach
Speaking of resorts where the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus are located, it is impossible not to mention Larnaca and Mackenzie Beach – the best and most visited beach, located almost in the city center. Cafes, nightclubs and boutiques are located nearby. There are a lot of people, but their number is not comparable to the streets of Ayia Napa-there are dozens of times more tourists there.
The sand on the coast is of volcanic origin, so it gets very hot in the heat, and at two or three o’clock in the afternoon the beach is completely empty. There are no rocks or seaweed. The approach to the sea is gentle, waves are extremely rare.
According to local authorities, Larnaca will soon be as popular a resort as Ayia Napa, so they are trying to develop tourist infrastructure here. In the recreation areas there are toilets, changing rooms, showers. There is a large Parking lot for cars and shops with the most necessary things.
Location: Larnaca, 3 km from the international airport.
Silver Beach
Famagusta’s best is Silver Beach. It is very popular with tourists due to its beautiful golden sand, smooth entry into the sea (even small children can swim here safely) and beautiful views. The only drawback is garbage, which is regularly cleaned, but there are too many tourists, and some plastic bags and cigarette butts remain in the water.
The infrastructure is well developed: a huge number of sun loungers with umbrellas (the cost of a seat is 2.5 euros), several fast food shops and cafes. On the territory of Silver Beach there are toilets and a shower cabin.
Location: Famagusta.
Green Bay
Green Bay is the best beach in the country for surfers, divers and other water sports enthusiasts. It is only 60 meters long and 40 meters wide. There are not many people, so it is comfortable to relax here. Green Bay is surrounded on three sides by eucalyptus trees, acacias and flowering shrubs, which provide plenty of privacy on the beach.
The bottom is sandy, but there are often large rocks and shells. Strong winds blow at the beginning and end of the season.
The main attraction of this area is a beautiful and large-scale underwater sculpture park, which you can see by diving to the bottom (the service cost is 70 euros). Otherwise, the infrastructure is practically undeveloped – there are only a few toilets and it is possible to rent a chaise longue.
Location: Protaras, 1.5 km from the center.
The bathing season in Cyprus lasts almost 6 months, so the authorities are doing a lot to create comfortable conditions for recreation on local beaches. First of all, most of them are free. Secondly, almost the entire coast of the island is marked with a “Blue Flag”, which is the main confirmation of its cleanliness and safety. Third, the best beaches in Cyprus (many of them with white sand) are so diverse that every tourist will find a place to their liking.
According to the rating of beaches in Cyprus, the undisputed leader in the number of the most beautiful and visited is the resort of Ayia Napa – there is a large selection of places to relax for every taste. Now you know where to look for the best sandy beaches in Cyprus.
