The best beaches in Cyprus can be found across the island. Ayia Napa and Protaras are famous for white sand and clear turquoise water, while Paphos offers a mixture of sandy beaches, bays and dramatic coastline. Limassol has convenient city beaches and distinctive coastal spots, while Larnaca combines accessible beaches with a lively seafront.
Cyprus is surrounded by beautiful coastline, but not every beach is the same.
Some have soft golden sand and shallow water that are perfect for families. Others are quieter, with rocky coves, clear water and beautiful natural scenery.
Then there are the lively resort beaches, where you can spend the day swimming before heading to a beachfront restaurant.
We’ve explored beaches across Cyprus, and we’re still finding new ones to enjoy.
So whether you’re looking for somewhere to relax, a family-friendly beach, somewhere to snorkel or simply a beautiful place to watch the sunset, start here.
One of our favourite things about Cyprus is that you don’t have to choose between the beach and everything else.
You can swim in the morning. Explore an ancient site in the afternoon. Have lunch in a village. Then watch the sunset beside the sea.
So don’t just find a beach and stay there for your entire holiday. Explore the coastline.
The Paphos coastline offers a mixture of sandy beaches, rocky swimming spots, sheltered bays and quieter coastal escapes.
Coral Bay is one of the area’s best-known beaches and is particularly popular with families. There are plenty of facilities nearby, making it an easy choice for a full day by the sea.
However, don’t stop at the most famous beaches.
Explore the coastline around Paphos and you’ll find smaller beaches, coves and swimming spots that offer something a little different.
Further afield, the coastline towards Akamas and Polis becomes increasingly natural and wild.
If you’re looking for the classic Cyprus beach experience, the east coast is hard to beat.
Ayia Napa and Protaras are home to some of the island’s most famous beaches.
Nissi Beach is probably the best known, with white sand, clear turquoise water and its famous sandbar.
Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is another favourite, with beautiful clear water and a small island just offshore.
But there is much more to discover.
Makronissos Beach, Konnos Bay and the coastline around Cape Greco all offer something different.
And don’t forget the smaller coves.
Some of the best swimming spots are found away from the main resort beaches.
Limassol has a long coastline, so there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Some are close to the city and easy to combine with restaurants, shopping and an evening out. Others are further along the coast and offer a more relaxed experience.
One of the most distinctive is Governor’s Beach, where bright white limestone cliffs contrast with the deep blue Mediterranean.
Then there’s Pissouri Bay, further west, where the surrounding hills give the beach a completely different character.
Whether you want a convenient city beach or somewhere to escape for the day, the Limassol coastline has plenty to explore.
Larnaca offers some of the easiest beaches to combine with exploring the city.
Finikoudes Beach sits right in the heart of Larnaca, beside the famous palm-lined promenade. It’s surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shops, making it easy to spend a few hours by the sea before exploring the city.
Then there’s Mackenzie Beach.
It’s a long sandy beach with plenty of restaurants and cafés along the seafront.
And there’s a rather unusual attraction. Aircraft! Because Mackenzie is close to Larnaca International Airport, you can watch planes approaching overhead while sitting on the beach.
Further along the coast, you’ll find more beaches and quieter places to explore.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Ayia Napa and Protaras are particularly famous for their white sand and clear turquoise water, while Paphos and Limassol offer a wider mixture of beaches and coastal scenery. Larnaca is excellent for easily accessible beaches close to the city.
There are family-friendly beaches across Cyprus. Beaches with shallow water, easy access and facilities nearby can be particularly suitable for families. Cyprus Island has many Blue Flag Beaches.
The east coast around Ayia Napa, Protaras and Cape Greco is particularly well known for its clear turquoise water. However, there are excellent swimming spots around the rest of the island too. In fact, in 2026, Cyprus was top of the EU water quality tables with an average of 98% clarity.
All Cyprus beaches are public and therefore free to access. The cost of sunbeds and umbrellas is set by the Cyprus Tourist board and is €3.50 per sunbed and €3 per parasol in 2026. Some beaches also have charges for parking or additional facilities.
Summer is the obvious choice for warm sea temperatures and beach days. However, spring and autumn can be excellent if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
