Beautiful Beaches |
| The reliable Cyprus sunshine is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the island. And the best place to soak up the warm rays is on the beach! With a coastline measuring over 600 kilometres, there are plenty of popular and more secluded beaches to choose from.
Cyprus participates in the European Blue
Flag Campaign, which is owned and run by
the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programme works towards
sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water
quality, environmental management and
safety. The campaign also includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators. Lifeguarding service is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Below is a summary of the most popular beaches, with a complete list of Blue Flag beaches. Most of the beaches offer a range of popular water sports.
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Ammochostos |
Agia Thekla, situated 6 kilometres west of the centre Agia Napa is petite Agia Thekla.
It has a small island within its grasp and is within walking distance from the main road taking you to Agia Napa. It derives its name from a tiny old church in the area.
Landa, a 300-metre long beach is located between Makronissos beach and Nissi Bay - only 500 metres away from each beach.
Vathia Gonia, is found 400 metres east of Nissi Bay. The beach is also fully protected from winds. Sea sport facilities are provided.
Pernera, this beach stretches across 200 metres and is located between the beaches of Vathia Gonia and Katsarka.
Katsarka, a rocky beach 800 metres long, situated about 500 metres west of the fishing harbour, just before the Pernera Beach.
Pantahou, this beach stretches from the fishing harbour of Agia Napa for more than a kilometre and follows on easterly direction. Thousands of tourists visit it every year. Facilities for all sea sports are provided for and cafes, snack bars and restaurants abound in the area. The fishing harbour of Agia Napa with its small colorful boats adds character to the view and is a happy reminder of the past.
Glyky Nero, the starting point of this beach is where the Pantahou Beach ends and it extends up to the point where the sea-caves are situated.
Ammos tou Kambouri, a coastal hay beach located between Agia Napa village and the remote Kermia Beach.
Kermia, situated 2 kilometres east of Agia Napa on the main road leading to Cavo Greko, the private and remote Kermia Beach is located on the west side of the Cape.
The Palaces, one of the most intriguing landmarks of Agia Napa is known as the Palaces. Situated between Kermia Beach and Cavo Greko, the Palaces are actually an original rock formation which, over time, has been miraculously sculpted by the waves of the sea. It is not an architectural work as one might initially perceive. A spectacular sight where swimmers dive off the rocks into the crystal clear waters, the Palaces can only be reached by boat.
Konnos Bay, about 2 km north of Cavo Greko, is a superb, secluded beach with perfect swimming conditions especially for children. Clear waters, golden sands and excellent water sports facilities of all kinds.
Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is a long and wide sandy beach which stretches into clear waters. It is shallow for about 10-15 metres, then about one metre deep for a further 20 metres. Calm sea with no underlying currents, no rocks or seaweed, and therefore very popular among families. Many hotels and restaurants overlook the beach.
Green Bay in Protaras is a less known but no less charming beach. Smaller and quieter than
others in the summer. No water sports.
Sirena Bay in Protaras is a small and picturesque beach with a bar and restaurant under the trees, playing chill-out music creating
a unique atmosphere.
Nissi Beach is a sweeping bay, and the landmark of Agia Napa. It is usually packed with bathers who love the sugary sands and the calm, shallow water with a tiny island some
50-100m from the shore.
Makronissos Beach is in fact a cluster of bays. The three bays stretch out in different directions, one to the west, the second to the southwest, whereas the third one stretches in a south-easterly direction resulting in well sheltered beaches.
Blue Flag Beaches in the area: Pernera, Vryssi and Protaras are in the Paralimni area; Kermia, Ammos tou Kambouri, Glyki Nero, Pantahou, Katsarka, Vathia Gonia, Nissi, Nissi Bay, Lanta, Makronissos, Agia Thekla are in or just outside Agia Napa.
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Larnaka |
Phinnikoudes Beach is located on the palm-lined seafront of Larnaca and is the ideal place for sunbathing and chilling out. Nearby are numerous shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment within walking distance from the beach. The harbour is located nearby and there you can hire a boat there to take you out and about.
Makenzie Beach, is known for its lovely white sand and clear blue waters. There are a number of watersports facilities based here. These include scuba diving which is a very popular sport on this part of the island. Mackenzie Beach also has a large choice of excellent restaurants, which are famous for their local Cypriot cuisine and especially the fresh fish Faros Beach near the light house in Pervolia Village outside Larnaka is ideal for jumping waves, with winds mainly from the south and southwest. Huge bay with plenty of space for everyone.
Kiti Beach on the tip of Cape Kiti, overlooking the sparkling clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea is a place of untainted coastal beauty where enchanting sunsets meet sapphire blue waters.
Blue Flag Beaches in the area: Mackenzie and Phinikoudes Beaches in Larnaka itself, as well as Yanathes in Voroklini, outside Larnaka. All are marked by long stretches of sandy beach and shallow waters.
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Lemesos |
Akti Olympion is one of the most popular public beaches on the island and the only one that lies within the boundaries of the Lemesos Municipality. Measuring 2200 metres it is not only a magnet for bathers, but also a favourite venue for seaside events and activities.
Ladies Mile is a long stretch of sandy beach known for its waves on windier days which make it something of a windsurfer’s beach. Make sure to take your own umbrella as there is no shade at all, part from the restaurants that dot the beach.
Governor’s Beach is a smaller pebble beach off the Lefkosia-Lemesos highway, about 20 minutes east of Lemesos. Huge, smooth, white rocks create small private enclosures, but without shade. Take your own umbrella or you will have to escape to a restaurant.
Kourion Beach, some 20km west of Lemesos at the foot of the stunning 2nd century AD amphitheatre, is a very popular pebble beach with choppy waters. Good restaurants with fabulous sea views open only in summer.
Cape Aspro, near Aphrodite's Rock and Pissouri, combines beaches and beautiful cliff-top walks. In spring the area is covered with flowers, and around May, it is home to nesting bearded vultures.
Blue Flag Beaches in the area: Kalymnos Beach at Pentakomo; Panagies/Aoratoi at Pyrgos; Pissouri Beach at Pissouri; Santa Barbara, Loures, Vouppa, Aphrodite, Onisilos, Armonia and Castella at Agios Tychonas just outside Lemesos.
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Pafos |
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The Pafos coastline is noted for its diversity, ranging from rugged cliffs to pebble coves and sandy beaches. Bathing is only recommended in the locations listed below.
Petra tou Romiou - Birthplace of Aphrodite
25 km east of Pafos. One of the most beautiful costal areas of the island, where according to legend, Aphrodite the goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the waves at this strikingly beautiful spot.
Lighthouse Beach is easily accessible, on foot, by car or by public transportation, as there is a bus stop close by. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for hire. A bar provides a full range of refreshments.
Coral Bay, a sweeping bay you can’t miss as you drive along the coast, about 10 km outside Pafos. Shallow waters and sugary sands attract resident as well as visiting families from all over the district of Pafos.
Pomos is a small village near Polis Chrysochous. Just outside the village you will come across a small fishing shelter near a rock that hides a small bay with crystal clear waters.
Latsi fishing village is the ideal point from which to explore the nearby Akamas peninsula. The water is clear and the beaches stunning. An ideal place to swim and enjoy the beautiful waters. Blue Lagoon in the Akamas peninsula is only accessible by boat from the Latsi Marina Unspoiled, turquoise waters make it one of the best beaches on the island. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Lara Beach on the southern edge of the Akamas peninsula is a protected nesting ground for the endangered marine turtles. Visitors are urged to treat this environment with particular care.
Blue Flag Beaches in the area: Municipal Beach at Geroskipou; Pachyammos, Vrysoudia A, Vrysoudia B, Alykes, Pharos (Lighthouse) Beach, and municipal Beach in Pafos; Coral Beach and Laourou Beach at Pegia; Municipal and Dasoudi Beach at Polis Chrysochous.
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The Cyprus Tourism Organisation Public Beaches |
| The following public beaches are operated and maintained by The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), and provide full facilities including changing rooms and showers, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. Larnaka, Public Beach
10 km east of Larnaka town centre
Tel: 24 64 45 11
Lemesos, Dasoudi Public Beach
5 km east of Lemesos town centre
Tel: 25 32 32 11
Pafos, Geroskipou Public Beach
At Geroskipou, 3 km east of Pafos Harbour
Tel: 26 96 45 25
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Safety first! |
Swimming is great fun, but the sea can also be dangerous at times. Visitors are urged to note the following points, to avoid turning a holiday into a nightmare…
- Never swim on a full stomach. Allow at least two hours after a meal before swimming.
- Never swim if you have consumed any alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid swimming alone.
- Stay within the swimmers’ area. Red buoys mark the borders of this area, where speedboats and any other floating craft are not allowed to enter.
- Note that lifeguards are on duty only during certain hours, usually from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Follow the lifeguard’s instructions at all times.
Beware of swimming during bad weather conditions. Check the beach flags for guidance, but if there are no flags, refrain from swimming if the winds are stormy. Be patient, the following day is sure to be better!
Lifeguard Flags
GREEN: Good swimming conditions
YELLOW: Swim with caution, and preferably not alone.
RED: Dangerous sea. DO NOT SWIM!
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