The beaches in Cyprus are one of the strongest points in favour of the island. More than 50 beaches on the island have been assigned the “Blue Flag” – a sign testifying the highest standards of quality and safety. Cyprus has a wide variety of beaches, and everyone can find an option that is suitable for them, urban and wild, with pebbles or sand. You have only to choose from …
All the beaches on the island are municipal. This means that the entrance to any beach, including hotels’ beaches, are absolutely free. At the same time, there is th option to pay for additional services: deck chairs, umbrellas, towels (at beach hotels). Additional services at the beaches belonging to the hotels, as a rule, are free for guests.
Conventionally, the beaches on the island can be divided into the following categories: wild, city and hotel beaches. The wild beaches are usually located away from the tourist areas, and additional services are absent; you can enjoy the beauty of pristine nature, peace and quiet there.
The city beaches are the most popular with tourists as they are located within walking distance of most of the small hotels and apartments. The service on these beaches is minimal and you will be charged for all the extras. For example, renting sun beds and umbrellas cost around 2-2.5 euros per lounger and the same for an umbrella.
The highest level of service at the beaches belong to the hotels, but the price level is relevant here. For example, a visit to the beach and swimming pools with the provision of sunbeds and towels at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol will cost 30 euros per person per day. Some hotels offer loyalty cards, whose owners can not only enjoy the gym and swimming pools but also the sun beds and the sea. Club cards can often be purchased for the entire year, for the season, or even for a month.
Paphos beaches
The best sandy beaches in Paphos are located in Coral Bay (Coral Bay), at a distance of approximately 10 km from the city center. The beaches are located in two adjacent coils (points A and B on the map). Here, the warm water and the gently sloping bottom will no doubtly appeal to those who go on holidays with their children. The city beach offers rental sun beds and umbrellas, showers, toilets and changing rooms – free of charge. In the small cafes nearby you can buy soft drinks and ice cream; there are several taverns as well. At the long bay (point B) is the terminus of bus 615, and the beaches here are part of the two hotels.
Loved by locals and a place to relax, is the national park on the Akamas peninsula (about 25-30 km distance from Paphos). Here you can find a series of semi-wild beaches and their pristine beauty preserved. Lara Beach is one of the most popular beaches (point C).
In the city, pay attention to the municipal beach near the hotel Alexander the Great (SODAP Beach, Point D) with the sandy bottom, the necessary premium services and a convenient pay-parking.
At the end of the tourist area in Paphos there is the sandy beach Atlantida (point E), with a gently sloping sandy bottom, sunbeds and umbrellas and a free parking. The Atlantida eponymous fish tavern serves fresh fish and excellent local wines.
The most popular among holidaymakers is the beach Petra tou Romiou (point F), located in the birthplace of Aphrodite. I do not know whether it makes sense to swim at this beach: the service here is minimal and there are no sun loungers and umbrellas. Usually, a lot of tourists are on the beach and go swimming, but due to underwater currents, it is very dangerous.
Next, on the road to Limassol note two bays with wonderful beaches: Pissouri (Pissouri Bay, Point G) and Avdimou (Avdimou Bay, Point H). There you will find a pebbly shore and shallow sandy bottom. The beaches are very deserted on weekdays, and only at the weekend do locals visit them. In Pissouri good tavernas work during summer time.
In Avdimou you can take advantage of the beach club Zias Beach, with its sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and a café. Last summer, we ended up with information about the unfairness towards the local staff. We hope all defects will be corrected in the coming season.
Limassol beaches
Kurium beach is at a distance of about 20 km from Limassol and is an incredibly beautiful beach (Kourion Beach, Point I). The sea is sometimes rough, but since the beach is very shallow, the waves do not rise high. During the summer, children and adults enjoy the warm sea, bouncing happily on the waves.
Not far from the center of Limassol you encounter Lady’s Mile Beach (Lady’s Mile, point J). It got its name during the British rule. Lady – was the name of the horse of the governor, who liked to walk along the side of the sea. The beach stretches nearly 8 km long and, despite the high popularity among the locals, you can always find space for you and your family at Lady’s Mile Beach and enjoy a relaxing holiday.
The urban beaches in Limassol are mostly sandy and pebbly. Dassudi beach(point K) is one of the best city beaches.Here you will find good restaurants, parking and water sports.
Almost immediately out of Limassol (towards Larnaca) the Governor’s Beach (Governor’s beach, point L) is located. In the days of the British rule the governor’s country housewas located here. This secluded nook with dark gray sand, is amazingly combined with picturesque white cliffs. Located just above, are the seemingly unpretentious taverns where you can taste the wonderful local cuisine.
Larnaca beaches
Virtually the only beach in the center of Larnaca is the Finikoudes promenade (point M). The beach is protected from the waves by low stone embankments. Here it is necessary to swim with caution because of the large amount of sea urchins. As a rule, Larnaca beaches are crowded with tourists during summer time.
On the west side of town the beach Mackenzie (point N) is located, which has been awarded a “Blue Flag”. However, the beach has a negative feature – it is located at a short distance from the airport, so it is quite noisy.
Ayia Napa and Protaras beaches
The best beaches in Cyprus with turquoise water and bright sand are in Ayia Napa and Protaras. If you are looking for privacy, go to the cozy beach of Ayia Thekla (Agia Thekla Beach, Point O), which is located 5 km from Ayia Napa.
Directly in Ayia Napa note Nissi Beach (Nissi Beach, Point P) and Makronisos (Makronissos Beach, Point Q). They are located in a beautiful bay with very warm water and are popular among both tourists and local people. It is here where the residents flock to in the summer at the weekend and during their holidays in Cyprus.
Protaras beaches are worth paying attention to: Fig Tree Bay(Fig Tree Beach, Point R) and the sandy Konnos (Konnos Beach, Point S). Adjacent to the resort there is the picturesque place Cavo Greco (point T). Entering the water here is very simple. This place is considered one of the best in Cyprus 
for snorkeling and scuba diving, as the water here is very clean and serene.
The beaches in Cyprus are very diverse, and everyone can find a place that suits their taste and mood. In the area of Protaras, Ayia Napa and Larnaca , beaches with fine golden sand and a shallow sloping entrance to the sea dominate the landscape, perfect for families with children. In the district of Limassol you will find sandy beaches with gray sand of volcanic origins,as well as quite a number of pebble beaches, mostly located in the city. Paphos beaches are suitable for lovers of secluded relaxation. They tend to be rocky; because of the rocky coast of the entrance to the sea it is not always a comfortable place to be. However, you can find beautiful bays where you can befriend the warm and gentle sea.
