As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has plenty of beaches to choose from. The sandy shores of the eastern coast are a paradise for sun worshipers and beach babes, while the choppier waves on the west coast attract surfer dudes and water sports enthusiasts.
Many of Cyprus’ beaches have been awarded coveted Blue Flag status, too. The Blue Flag certification recognises the environmental quality and water cleanliness of a beach, as well as the areas commitment to eco-tourism. Cyprus’ beaches also continuously rank highly when measured against other seaside spots in Europe.
But with so much choice, which beach should you head to when holidaying in Cyprus? As I found out when visiting the country at the end of April, some of the “beaches” can be a bit hit or miss – though awarded a Blue Flag, they weren’t the kind of beach you could spend the day building sandcastles or paddling with kiddies. So here’s an overview of the beaches I visited while staying in the south of Cyprus for a week…
Coral Bay, Paphos.
If you’re looking for a beach in Cyprus that’s suitable for everyone, the gorgeous Coral Bay is the perfect choice. For those with kids, when the tide is out the little ones can play safely in the shallow waters, while adults can enjoy lounging in the sun (or the shade of a parasol) on a sun bed. And those with a penchant for water sports can spend hours out at sea trying the various activities on offer, including jet skis and pedalos.
With golden sands nestled in a medium-sized cove, protected from strong currents by the surrounding limestone cliffs, Coral Bay is one of the best sandy beaches in area. So just about anyone and everyone (locals and tourists alike) flock to the horseshoe-shaped cove in the summer season. Luckily, the stretch is long enough to also accommodate those looking for a little respite away from the crowded hustle and bustle in the spots directly below the beach bars.
To get there from Paphos just jump on the bus – it’s 1.50€ each way. Hiring a sun lounger will cost you 2.50€, and a parasol a further 2.50€.
Fig Tree Bay, Protaras.
Aptly named because of the idyllic fig trees that line the edge of the beach, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is one of the most popular beaches on the west coast of Cyprus. And it’s not hard to see why; the soft white 500m stretch of sand here is breathtakingly beautiful.
Fig Tree Bay was revered as the third best beach in Europe by TripAdvisor in 2011, and it has also been awarded a Blue Flag. The islet has shallow waters and picturesque paddling pools, making it an ideal place for children, though venture a little further out and it’s deep enough for kayaking and jetskis. And for the history buffs, in 2010 an ancient Greek tomb containing four coffins was found on the road leading to the beach, thought to have been untouched for thousands of years.
Protaras is about a 2-hour drive from Paphos, but there is plenty of free parking once you get there. Unfortunately the day my friend and I visited it was a little overcast (though this didn’t stop us going a bit pink). After a few hours of chilling, we headed up the cliff to find a beach bar, where we had amazing cocktails and ice cream sundaes, before exploring Protaras a little more.
Faros Beach, Paphos.
Faros Beach, also known as Lighthouse Beach, gets its name from the lighthouse which is situated high up on the rocks behind it (accessible once inside the Paphos Archeological Park). It’s a small beach, located to the west of Paphos, which can be accessed easily by car or bus. Or if you’re walking or on a bike, you can take the scenic coastal path (it was about a 15-minute walk from the Kissos Hotel, where I stayed in the centre of Paphos).
As with any lighthouse location, the coast here is very rocky, so I wouldn’t plan a whole day at Faros Beach. It’s definitely worth a visit at sunset for the amazing views though. There are a small number of sunbeds and parasols on the beach, as well toilets, showers and changing rooms. However I didn’t use these when I visited. Instead, I sat watching the sun go down, enjoying a few cans of Cypriot beer Keo while listening to a 90s playlist pumping from the beach bar’s stereo. It was the perfect evening.
Have you been to Cyprus? Which beaches have you visited? Let me know your recommendations by leaving a comment below.
Oopah, Wow those cocktails, or are they smoothies, whatver they look refreshingly delishs. And My superpower is beach combing…What beautiful photoes. Make me wanna go on the yatching holiday this summer!
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They were ice cream cocktails Julie – they were amazing (and gone in about 2 minutes haha!). I’ve never been on a yachting holiday, but I wouldn’t say no 😉 x
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We stayed neat Paphos a couple of years ago. Such an idyllic place. We came back with some lovely memories.
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That’s so good to hear – I loved it too, it was perfect for a bit of R&R x
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Many more other sandy beaches with clear waters like Nissi Beach, Macronissos in Ayia Napa and the Sunrise in Protaras just to name a few.
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I haven’t heard of the Sunrise beach, that sounds pretty – I would love to have visited more beaches, but as staying in Paphos, with car hire only for a few days, these were the most accessible in the short time frame x
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This is great timing as I’m off to Cyprus at the end of June, so thanks for the tips. Jo x
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Oooh really? Where will you be staying? Have you got much planned already? x
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I haven’t been to Cyprus but now I really want to go and get one of those amazing looking drinks!
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They were sooooooo good! We drunk them in about 2 minutes, though only because they were ice cream cocktails and were melting fast 😉 x
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I’ve never been to Cyprus but you have made it look very tempting! Maybe one day…
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You should go if you ever get the chance Victoria – the kids would love Coral Bay beach 🙂 x
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Oh my gosh! How beautiful is Cyprus! I would love to visit one day!
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If you ever get the chance, please go Sarah – it’s beautiful 🙂 x
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My best friend is from Cyprus and I would really like to go, she is from Larnaca . In terms of the beaches here they are all stunning but I am intrigued by the lighhouse beach, especially how beautiful it looks as the sun is setting x
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The lighthouse beach was beautiful for the sunset, but I think if you spent the whole day there you’d be a little bored – it’s more of a beach for locals to hang out, than tourists to sunbathe. And I wouldn’t recommend swimming in the sea there (I certainly didn’t), as it looked really rocky! I’ve heard great things about Larnaca, so maybe next time 😉 x
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I have never been to Cyprus but wow, all these beaches look just stunning. I love that tip of the day sign too! Kaz
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Yeah, it’s a cute sign isn’t it 😊 x
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This is so tempting! We might make a small trip to cyprus by the end of August. Saving this for later on.
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Ooooh let me know if you go – I’d love to see your pictures and hear what you thought of the island x
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Coral Bay looks amazing, that is where I will be staying next month, my brother is getting married there.
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Ooooh you lucky thing Emma – it’s beautiful, you’ll have a fantastic time x
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I’ve stayed in Paphos, it’s a great area in Cyprus. We did the Troodos mountains when we went to which was very interesting
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I heard about the Troodos mountains, but didn’t get up to visit them sadly 😦 Maybe next time… 😉 x
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I love Cyrus, Coral Bay is one of my favourite ever beaches! Ive only been to Cyprus once but would happily go back…especially now I’ve seen those ice cream cocktails.
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Coral Bay is beautiful isn’t it?! I’ve only been to Cyprus the once too, but I’d definitely go back 🙂 x
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Beautiful photos. I went to cyprus when I was young with my parents but I don’t really remember it. I would love to go back and have a beach holiday. xx
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Ahh you definitely should Anna, it’s such a lovely country – ideal for a bit of rest and relaxation! x
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Cyprus has some lovely beaches, last year we stayed at Protaras and used to go to Fig Tree. I love all your photos so very pretty.
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Ahhh so nice to hear from someone who’s been to Fig Tree – the weather was a bit rubbish the one day that we went, but all the other pictures I’ve seen of it, when the sun is out, look amazing ❤ x
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I’ve never been to Cyprus but it looks lovely, not too crowded! Some lovely beach shots there too! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
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I went out of season, so it might be a bit busier now – but the beaches were beautiful x
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oh gosh that looks stunning, my sister lived in Cyprus for a while and loved it!
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Oh really? Whereabouts did she live Deb? I loved Paphos, it was beautiful x
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I’ve never been to Cyprus but the beaches look lovely.
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They were beautiful Jenny x
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I’ve never been to Cyprus but it looks beautiful. I love that quirky sign, I love little things like that.
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Yeah me too Emma – it’s the little details that make things memorable 🙂 x
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Those beaches look so nice, and quiet too. My kids could happily play on that all day!
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Yeah, with the exception of the lighthouse beach, I think they’re all suitable for children x
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I do love Cyprus – I’ve been there at least three times so far – my last time with my husband and kids and the time before on a girls’ holiday -that’s the great thing about the destination – it appeals to both singles, couples and families – of all ages. Lovely, informative post!
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You’re so right Lauretta – it’s the perfect destination for young, old, solo travellers, couples and families 🙂 x
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I do love the beaches there. I have visited a few beaches but I don’t remember all the names of them but Sandy beach was quite nice.
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I’ve not heard of Sandy beach Melanie, but thanks for the recommendation – I’d love to head back to Cyprus x
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omg imagining the sea waves
smelling fresh air
so good
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Hehe Cyprus is a beautiful place – you should visit if you can x
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Never been to Cyprus and these photos definitely make me wanna go -it looks so stunning, bet you had an amazing time! xx
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I had the best time, thank you Shelley x
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Cyprus is firmly on my to visit list – this is a great post x
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Ahhh that’s great to hear, thanks Sarah x
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A beautiful set of pictures to demonstrate the beauty of your surroundings. I can’t get over the vivid blue in the early photos and the stunning sunset at the end
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The sunsets are beautiful at Lighthouse Beach aren’t they? x
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I’d love to go to Cyprus, so many friends have told me it’s simply beautiful. It looks just the perfect place for a relaxing summer holiday, and I’m sure the food is amazing too.
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The food there is spectacular – I did a whole blog on it actually: https://alwayscarryon.com/2017/05/09/eating-out-in-paphos/ enjoy x
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Take me to Coral Bay, Paphos because I feel I belong there! Lol. What a beautiful country Greece is, I hope I get to experience it in my lifetime. The beaches look so serene1
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They really are – Cyprus is an amazing place x
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Wow, your images really paint a picture of the place. I’ve never been to Cyprus, but now it’s definitely on the list!
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You should definitely go there if you can! It’s beautiful x
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I didn’t know that Cyprus had so many stunning beaches! I’d love to go there one day!
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Yeah, it’s a beautiful island! x
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I’ve been to a few but can’ remember all the names. I went to Fig tree bay and one in Napa and maybe one call Sandy beach I think.
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I didn’t venture to Napa – maybe next time 😉 x
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Ooo you’ve made me want to visit Cyprus now! Lovely photos x
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Thanks Hannah! x
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Oh I would love to go to Cyprus! It looks absolutely stunning but I havent had the chance yet!
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Fingers crossed you get there one day! x
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I’m reading a lot about Cyprus at the moment and it’s definitely going on my to do list. I’ve never been, though my parents went yearly for a long time after I left home. I think Fig Tree Bay look gorgeous from your photos – like a properly happy village!
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Definitely one of the more family friendly beaches – I hope you get there soon! x
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The description and photos on this post are just so beautiful. I’ve always wanted to travel to Cyprus and now you’ve twisted my arm and made me more motivated. It really does look so appealing.
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Thanks Tom – I hope you make it there at some point! x
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Just when I was thinking how much I wanted to go on holiday 😩. Gorgeous photos! I could do with going to a beach right now. ☺️
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Haha! Sorry Paighton, but thanks! x
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My dad lives in Ipsos in Cyprus which means that we tend to use the swimming pool as the beaches are a drive away. Great tips though
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I’ve not heard of Ipsos – whereabouts is it on the island? x
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These photo’s are breathtaking my aunt and a friend went to cyprus I really want to go there now.
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Thank you so much Taslyn – it’s a beautiful country! x
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Beautiful pictures, made me want to jump on a plane, right now!! We had a great time when we visited years ago. I must renew our passports.
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Ahhh where did you stay when you visited Claire? x
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Lovely photos. Never been to Cyprus before. Would love to visit one day.
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Thanks! I hope you get to go one day! x
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Love the sunset photos, stunning! Cheers to the evening.
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Thanks David!
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I really want to visit Cyprus! Those beaches look gorgeous! Nothing better than a relaxing beach holiday during the Summer
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I haven’t been to Cyprus but would love to, these look lovely beaches
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I used to go to Cyprus every single summer as a kid so I’ve been about 14/15 times, always to Paphos and I loved it, but I’ve not been back for almost 15 years so I really want to see how it’s changed x
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I’d love to go to Cyprus, although I do think I’d need to time my visit for a milder period, as I’ve heard the temperature can get pretty high!
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Wow, what beautiful beaches! One of Jack’s friends visits Cyprus every year to see his family and I’m so jealous – such a beautiful country.
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I have never been to Cyprus but WOW all of these beaches look beautiful. I love spending the day down at the beach relaxing in the sun and dipping my feet in the water on a hot summer day!
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Oh wow these all look stunning! I have never been to Cyprus although it is somewhere we have talked about visiting in the future.
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Oh wow look at that stunning coastline and blue sky – what a dream. Perfect location for a solo, couples or family break away in the sunshine
Laura x
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