In a nutshell
- Planning a trip to Cyprus? You’re in for a treat — the island has some seriously stunning beaches. Think white sand, turquoise coves, and great snorkeling spots.
- The best beaches in Cyprus are concentrated in the Greek part of the island, around Ayia Napa, Limassol, and Paphos.
- Which beach suits you best depends on what you’re looking for — we cover everything from lively party beaches to secluded natural bays.
- For every beach we also share a hotel recommendation. Or browse all our Cyprus accommodation tips for more options.
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cyprus on a Map
We’ve marked the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus on a map for you.
You’ll find most of them around the resort town of Ayia Napa. But there are also great beaches and coves near Limassol and Paphos!
Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
- Location: South coast, near Ayia Napa, reachable by car or bus (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Families, partygoers, water sports enthusiasts
- Atmosphere: Lively, energetic, well-developed for tourism
- Our hotel pick: SUNWING Sandy Bay Beach Village
Nissi Beach is arguably the most famous beach in Cyprus, offering around 500 meters of fine white sand and turquoise water that slopes gently into the sea.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are easy to rent on-site, and the surrounding area is packed with bars and restaurants. Water sports vendors offer everything from banana boat rides to jet skis. You’ll also find some of the finest beachfront hotels in Cyprus right here.
In the evenings, the area transforms into a party zone right on the water’s edge.
How do you get there? The beach sits on the southeastern coast of Cyprus and is easily accessible via the coastal road. There are public bus connections from Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Larnaca.
Our tip: Come early in the morning to grab a quieter spot before the beach fills up.
Fig Tree Bay, Protaras
- Location: Eastern south coast, Protaras, easily accessible (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Snorkelers, families, sunbathers
- Atmosphere: Quieter than Ayia Napa, relaxed, postcard-perfect
- Our hotel pick: Capo Bay Hotel
At around 270 meters long with crystal-clear water, Fig Tree Bay is genuinely one of the best beaches in Cyprus — the kind of scene you see on travel posters.
The beach features fine golden sand that slopes gently into the sea. A small offshore island can be reached on foot or by swimming — perfect for snorkeling. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach cafés are all on hand.
If you want to mix sightseeing with a few hours in the water, you can easily reach many top attractions in Cyprus from here, including the historic center of Famagusta.
How do you get there? The beach is on the east coast of Cyprus, easily accessible by car via the coastal road. Parking is available near the beach and there are regular bus connections from the surrounding resort towns.
Our tip: Bring snorkeling gear — there are loads of colorful fish swimming around the island.
Coral Bay, Paphos
- Location: West coast, north of Paphos, easily accessible by car (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Families, beach vacationers, those seeking comfort
- Atmosphere: Friendly, family-oriented, touristy
- Our hotel pick: Atlantica Golden Beach Hotel
This 600-meter sandy beach near Paphos is a top pick for families thanks to its gently sloping entry into the sea — little ones can wade in without any worries.
The sand is great for building sandcastles, and you’ll find water sports, sun loungers, and umbrellas on-site. Restaurants and bars are right nearby too.
How do you get there? The beach is about 15 minutes by car from Paphos. Direct bus connections run from Paphos and the surrounding area. It’s also an easy stop on a 10-day Cyprus road trip.
Our tip: Combine your beach day with a visit to the archaeological sites of Paphos — go in the morning while it’s cooler, then cool off at Coral Bay in the afternoon.
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Makronissos Beach, Ayia Napa
- Location: South coast, near Ayia Napa, several small coves (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Sunbathers, couples, photographers
- Atmosphere: Quiet to moderately busy, natural setting
- Our hotel pick: Blue Harbour Boutique
Makronissos Beach is an approximately 350-meter stretch divided into several small coves, so there’s always room to spread out and sunbathe. The beach slopes gently into the sea and is great for both swimming and snorkeling.
Sun lounger and umbrella rentals are available on-site, along with water sports. It’s also a popular departure point for boat tours — one of the most popular things to do in Cyprus.
How do you get there? The beach sits on the western edge of Ayia Napa and is easily accessible by car or public bus. There’s parking available directly at the beach.
Our tip: Explore the smaller coves next to the main beach — they tend to be much less crowded.
Konnos Beach, Cape Greco
- Location: Southeastern tip, in Cape Greco National Park (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Nature lovers, snorkelers, hikers
- Atmosphere: Scenic, tucked among beautiful natural cliffs,
- Our hotel pick: Atlantica Aqua Blue
Konnos Bay is only 200 meters long, but it’s a seriously stunning spot framed by cliffs inside Cape Greco National Park. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas at the beach and even hire small boats and kayaks.
How do you get there? The cove sits between Ayia Napa and Protaras. Parking is available above the beach, and buses run regularly from both resort towns.
Our tip: Before hitting the water, take a short hike through the national park — the views from up top are absolutely worth it.
Governor's Beach, Pentakomo
- Location: South coast, near Limassol, easily accessible by car (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Locals, walkers, photographers
- Atmosphere: Fairly quiet, natural, less touristy
- Our hotel pick: White City Limassol
Governor’s Beach is a mix of pale sand and white limestone rocks stretching about 400 meters. It’s a favorite with locals and walkers, and you’ll find far more peace and quiet here than at the bigger tourist spots. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent.
How do you get there? The beach is located between Larnaca and Limassol, easily accessible via the A1 highway. Parking is available, and buses stop near the beach.
Our tip: It’s not just the beach that’s worth your time — Limassol is generally one of the nicest places to base yourself in Cyprus.
Two Secluded, Quiet Beaches in Cyprus
Away from the well-known hotspots, there are beaches in Cyprus that are real under-the-radar finds, rarely visited by tourists. Here are our picks:
Lara Bay, Akamas Peninsula
- Location: Northwestern Akamas Peninsula (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Nature lovers, those seeking solitude, animal lovers
- Atmosphere: Wild, unspoiled, peaceful
- Our hotel pick: Eleni Holiday Resort
Lara Bay is a 1-kilometer completely natural beach with no facilities — no sun loungers, no umbrellas, nothing.
What you will find instead are sea turtles! They use the beach as a nesting site, and the nesting areas are cordoned off and must not be entered. During the main hatching season from July to August (one of the best times to visit Cyprus), you might be lucky enough to watch the tiny turtles make their way into the sea.
The water is great for swimming, though you should be a confident swimmer — there’s no lifeguard on duty.
How do you get there? The beach is in Akamas National Park in northwestern Cyprus and is only accessible by four-wheel drive. Your best option is to book a guided jeep tour to Lara Bay.
Our tip: There’s nothing here but nature. Pack water, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen!
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Ayia Thekla Beach, Sotira
- Location: Southeast coast, near Ayia Napa, less crowded (On Google Maps)
- Perfect for: Couples, those seeking peace and quiet, families
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, calm, family-friendly
- Our hotel pick: Mon Repos Hotel
The roughly 300-meter Ayia Thekla Beach is quiet and family-friendly, with shallow water and a fraction of the crowds you’ll find at the big-name Cyprus beaches in Ayia Napa.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, and there are a few restaurants nearby. It’s a lesser-known spot, but still perfectly civilized — the best of both worlds, really.
How do you get there? The beach is west of Ayia Napa and easily accessible by car via the coastal road. Public buses connect it to Ayia Napa, Larnaca, and other towns along the coast.
Our tip: After a relaxed day on the sand, head into Ayia Napa for the evening — the nightlife there is seriously buzzing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Beautiful Beaches in Cyprus
Where is the most beautiful sandy beach in Cyprus?
The most popular sandy beach in Cyprus is Nissi Beach — though it gets seriously crowded during peak season.
Great alternatives include Fig Tree Bay and Ayia Thekla Beach, both of which are a bit more relaxed.
Which part of Cyprus has the best beaches?
The most beautiful beaches in Cyprus are found mainly in the Greek part of the island, especially around Ayia Napa, Limassol, and Paphos.
Are there nudist beaches in Cyprus?
Cyprus has no officially designated nudist beaches. Public nudity is prohibited by law, and signs reading “No nudists” are posted at many beaches.
That said, there are some unofficial areas where nudism is tolerated — usually in secluded coves or quieter stretches of coastline. For example, the western end of Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula is used as an unofficial nudist area.
Are the beaches in Cyprus safe for swimming?
Cyprus beaches are generally very safe for swimmers, especially the popular spots like Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay, and Coral Bay, which are well supervised.
That said, always keep an eye out for currents and underwater hazards.
For more practical pointers, check out our Cyprus travel tips!
