Starting in May, as the beach season begins in Cyprus, the island’s coastal towns and villages begin to fill with holidaymakers. This guide highlights the top beaches across the island — from lively to secluded, sandy to rocky, and easily accessible to hidden gems — stretching all the way from Paphos to Ayia Napa.
May offers ideal conditions to enjoy the sea: the weather is warm but not too hot, and the water is already pleasant for swimming. June and July bring peak summer heat, with sea temperatures rising to 30 °C. In August, you can enjoy nearly 12 hours of daylight, although it provides little escape from the sun. The “velvet season,” as locals call it, arrives in September and early October, offering mild, sunny days perfect for a swim or a relaxed afternoon on the beach.
Since daytime temperatures often rise above 30 °C in summer, it’s important to wear sunscreen and keep your head covered. For the most comfortable experience — and a golden tan without the sunburn — it’s best to visit the beach before noon or after 4 PM.
Beach flags in Cyprus follow a simple system: red indicates dangerous swimming conditions due to strong waves or wind; yellow advises caution; and green signals safe and calm waters. Many beaches on the island proudly fly the Blue Flag, a globally recognized symbol of excellent water quality and beach services.
Paphos
Coral Bay is one of the most well-known beaches on Cyprus’s western coast. It has everything you might expect from a comfortable seaside holiday: soft golden sand, shallow clear waters, small coves, sunbeds and umbrellas (available for rent), public showers, and a water sports rental. Sea turtles are often spotted near the beach, and many visitors enjoy watching them between swims.
You can reach Coral Bay by public bus, and several restaurants are located within walking distance. Andria serves local calamari, while Spice Hut offers Indian and Chinese dishes.Coral King is known for hosting themed nights and parties, and Paragka is a beach bar where you can relax to modern music. There’s also a pizzeria and a classic Mediterranean tavern nearby.
Diving is one of Coral Bay’s key attractions. Here, you can take a supervised dive in a 7-meter-deep pool and explore vibrant marine life including fish, sea flora, and more.
For a quieter experience, Lara Beach on the Akamas Peninsula offers untouched nature and privacy. This wild beach is famous for its green turtles, which come ashore to nest in August. It’s a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving, and a scenic hiking trail runs nearby. Though Lara Beach doesn’t carry a Blue Flag, the waters are crystal-clear and the coastline is ideal for swimming.
Access to Lara Beach is only possible by car, so visitors should bring food, water, and any beach essentials with them.
In Kato Paphos, the coastal area of the city, you’ll find several organized beaches within walking distance of the city’s key historical sites. Beaches like Alykes and Vrysoudia are located right by the bus stop in a bustling neighborhood full of hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Both are Blue Flag beaches and offer full facilities including lifeguard supervision during the day.
Cydive, a well-known diving center in Paphos, runs scuba diving and snorkeling courses for both adults and children aged 8+. Trips are also available to dive sites accessible only by car or boat.
Among the beachfront dining options in Kato Paphos is Suite 48, offering Greek and Mediterranean dishes alongside fresh smoothies and juices.
The Moorings, another seafront cafe, serves traditional Greek favorites like meze and moussaka, along with a wide range of cocktails. A small playground on site makes it family-friendly.
Mar Bianco is a relaxed spot to enjoy a coffee or cocktail with sea views — perfect either before or after a beach day. Breakfasts are also available here.
Finally, Ouzeri is a classic Greek tavern known for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes served in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Limassol
is considered one of the cleanest in the Limassol area. Set against the dramatic backdrop of ancient ruins perched on a cliff, this beach offers more than just a swim — visitors can follow a scenic trail up to the archaeological site of Kourion after relaxing on the shore.
The beach is most easily reached by car, with a parking area available nearby. Umbrellas, sunbeds, and water sports equipment can be rented on-site. Thanks to favorable wind conditions, the beach is also popular among surfers and sailing enthusiasts.
There are three dining options right on the beach: Chris Blue Beach, known for its signature carrot cake and fresh seafood; Sunshine, which offers generous meat and fish meze platters alongside local wines; and Kourion Beach Restaurant, serving classic Greek dishes.
In the heart of Limassol lies Akti Olympion Beach, a long, wide city beach stretching 2 kilometers. It's easily accessible on foot, by bus, or by car. The water here meets Blue Flag standards, and lifeguards are on duty during the day. The surrounding area is filled with hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
For food and drinks, Baraki Enaerios serves large mussel portions and Mediterranean cuisine, while To Theatraki café offers Greek-style coffee as well as espresso and cappuccino.
Within walking distance, you’ll also find Benzai sushi bar, Starbucks, Como Osteria (an Italian restaurant with kid-friendly options and wines by the glass), Lido Café, Croissanterie (a local favorite for its fresh pastries), and La Mer, one of the top-rated seafood restaurants in Limassol.
Dive In is a well-established scuba diving school in Limassol, offering courses for both beginners and experienced divers. Kids aged 8+ can try the Bubble Makers program, which includes a pool session. More advanced divers can take part in excursions to the sunken Zenobia wreck, explore underwater caves, or dive at Aphrodite’s Rock — all trips start from Limassol.
Halfway between Limassol and Larnaca lies Governor's Beach, a striking coastline known for its white cliffs and shallow waters. The beach’s underwater grottos attract snorkelers and fishers alike, and a hiking trail runs nearby along the shore. Its shallow, calm waters are ideal for families with young children.
Several local taverns and restaurants are located right next to the beach, along with a small camping area for those who want to stay closer to nature.
Larnaca
McKenzie beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Larnaca — it’s easy to reach by car or public transport from anywhere in the city. A unique highlight here is the close proximity to Larnaca International Airport: beachgoers often enjoy watching planes descend just overhead while floating in clear, calm waters.
Watersport enthusiasts will find plenty to do: catamarans, banana boats, and windsurfing gear can be rented directly on the beach.WindSurfCityCyprus offers equipment rental and lessons from experienced instructors. In the evenings, McKenzie Beach transforms into a lively venue with beach parties, music, and dancing.
Dining options by the sea include Mare Сafe, specializing in Greek seafood, and Zakos, offering a wide selection of both fish and meat dishes. Nightlife seekers often head to Ammos , a well-known local hotspot hosting concerts and themed events.
If you’re in the mood for meze, the long-standing Adonis restaurant (open since 1975) is a cozy family-run place that also showcases a nostalgic photo collection from its guests. Fans of Japanese cuisine can check out Lush Beach Bar Resto or the Rebuke Lounge, both located nearby.
CTO beach, also known as Pyla Beach, is a family favorite, situated close to the city center. It features a kids’ playground, volleyball and handball courts, and a Watersports center where visitors can try parasailing, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing, and more.
Alongside the beach are various traditional restaurants, plus the Golden Tulip Hotel, home to four restaurants serving Greek and international cuisine. One of them, the Ouzeri Tavern, is open seasonally in summer. Guests can also enjoy refreshing drinks and live sports broadcasts at one of the hotel’s three bars.
Phinikoudesis Larnaca’s most iconic city beach, running along a lively promenade filled with cafes, restaurants, and tourist shops. A small marina nearby offers boat trips and excursions, and the firm sand along the shore makes this spot great for jogging when the beach isn’t too crowded.
Dining along the Phinikoudes Promenade includes options like Maqam Al Sultan for Lebanese cuisine, Sushi La for sushi rolls and take-away meals, and Ocean Basket, a popular seafood restaurant offering platters, soups, and fresh salads. For live music and a wide beer selection, visit Savino Rock Bar , or drop by The Meeting Pub for a game of billiards or to catch a football match. The Brewery is a welcoming choice from morning to night, serving breakfast, coffee, lunch dishes, and of course, beer.
Fast food chains like TGI Friday's, Mc Donalds, and Pizza Hut are also within easy walking distance of the beach.
Ayia-Napa and Protaras
Konnos Bay is a small, scenic beach nestled at the base of Cape Greco. The winding road down is short and picturesque, but the walk back up can be exhausting on hot summer days. Thanks to its sheltered location in a narrow bay, the water here is calm and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you bring a mask or diving gear, the surrounding coral reefs offer plenty of marine life to explore.
Cape Greco is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, and Konnos Bay is one of the best spots to appreciate them. Visitors can also hike through the Cape Greco National Park, home to hundreds of plant species, coastal trails, and viewpoints — one of the paths leads to the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite.
Nissi beach , located in Ayia Napa, is a favorite among younger crowds. Its long shoreline, soft white sand, and vibrant turquoise waters make it one of the most photographed beaches in Cyprus. However, due to its popularity, it can be difficult to find available sunbeds during peak season.
Watersport facilities are available on-site, including rentals and diving lessons. Lucky Diversoffers introductory scuba diving experiences as well as guided dives for certified divers.
There are several dining options just steps away from the beach at Nissi Beach Resort. For example, Symposion Restaurant offers a wide selection of international cuisine, Kalimera serves rich breakfasts, and The Pool Restaurant specializes in traditional Cypriot dishes. For drinks and beachside cocktails, Amethystos Bar is a great place to relax in the afternoon or evening.
Fig Tree Bay beach, located in Protaras, is another beloved beach destination. It takes its name from a lone fig tree growing near the coast. Visitors renting a sunbed receive unlimited Wi-Fi access, and a small islet just offshore makes for a pleasant swim.
A scenic, well-lit seaside promenade stretches along the beach, perfect for evening strolls. On the far end of the beach, you’ll find a watersports rental center, and two diving schools —Dragon Divers and the Poisedon — offer programs for beginners and certified divers alike.
