The top 10 best beaches in Cyprus

Those in search of the best beach in Cyprus can’t go wrong at idyllic Fig Tree Bay, in the resort town of Protaras. Its shallow, sheltered waters are snorkelling perfection – often so calm you can spot the colourful fish by just standing in the shallows and looking down – and even in the height of summer when the shoreline is packed, it’s worth winkling your way in just to get a dip in the glorious sea. Families with young children will appreciate the sandy shallows, while older kids might like to try watersports or snorkel to the small, rocky islet to see the most colourful marine life.

Close to Larnaca city centre, the salt lake and the airport, Mackenzie Beach is popular but nowhere near as packed as its neighbour Finikoudes Beach. This long, sandy stretch has abundant loungers and umbrellas, offers great swimming, and is backed by palms and small play areas for children, not to mention beach bars and cafés. Keen divers can book an excursion to the nearby Zenobia wreck site, while families with young kids will enjoy soaking up the sun and the relaxed atmosphere, watching planes swoop low over the sea.

Lara Bay feels like a true celebration of Cyprus’ wild and rugged nature. This is a world away from the manicured beach resorts, and you won’t find any loungers or facilities here. At the back of the beach, vegetation-covered dunes roll down into a caramel-coloured sandy shore with barely a soul in sight. Turtles lay their eggs here, but the nests are clearly marked by volunteers, so you won’t accidentally disturb them. Accessed via a somewhat rugged lane, this is a perfectly peaceful adventure just waiting to be discovered.

This spot is more about the epic photo opportunity than the beach. The pebbly cove is lovely for swimming and ideal for breaking up your road trip with a cooling dip, but the real attraction is Petra Tou Romiou (or Aphrodite’s Rock). The jutting white boulders are particularly stunning at sunset, so get your camera and your best pose ready. For a different view, head to the art installation by Costas Tsoclis on the coast road, designed to showcase the scenery through a different lens – it just so happens to make for a fantastic Instagram photo.

Rugged and well hidden, with greenery running right down to the shore, Paramali Turtle Beach is one of Cyprus’ better-kept secrets. It’s tucked off the main road between the village of Avdimou and Limassol. There are no facilities here, and you’ll need to bring food or drive to the nearest village for refreshments, but it’s a very popular beach with walkers, kite-surfers and peace-seekers. You can organise an excursion with a nearby kite-surf school or bring your own gear and enjoy the great conditions and empty expanses. It’s a popular turtle nesting beach, but the nests are well marked, so you won’t damage them.

Looking to swap bustling beaches for a more local experience? Porto Pomos is calling. The absence of glistening sand means this destination has stayed under the radar, dotted with just a handful of loungers and one hut serving up Cyprus’ famous iced frappes. Behind the beach sits the well-loved, no-nonsense Kanalli fish restaurant, plus parking too. The cove is a mix of pebble, shells and coarse dark sand, with a sheltered pebble-bottom bay. The adjacent beach is even quieter, and just down the coast in Pomo proper, you’ll find wild Tpoulorotsos Beach for another back-to-nature seaside day.

The tranquil waters of Konnos are a dream for swimmers – and especially families – looking to make the most of Cyprus’ warm and welcoming sea. Sheltered Konnos Bay lies on the edge of Cape Greco National Park, around five kilometres from the resort town of Protaras. You can park at the top of the gentle cliffs (there’s a bus stop too) alongside an array of restaurants, and then descend the well-trodden paths and steps to the beach below. It’s a bustling but beautiful family paradise with clean, clear water that’s begging you to jump in.

Nissi Beach is a long-time favourite with tourists and locals alike. A short hop from Ayia Napa, it’s known as the beach that never sleeps, hosting live music and lined with bars and facilities. What originally made this beautiful bay popular was its glorious white sand and incredibly clear sea – perfect for snorkelling, swimming or lounging on an inflatable. The tiny islet of Nissi perches in the bay, walkable via a sand bar at low tide or easily swimmable otherwise, so you can explore the craggy island and its fascinating rockpools.

Near Latsi (or Latchi) on the lush Akamas peninsula lies one of the island’s prime snorkelling and swimming spots: the Blue Lagoon. This aptly named bay is a slice of heaven with its cerulean, shallow and sandy-bottomed waters. People usually visit on arranged boat tours for direct access to the sea, but you can also reach the rugged beach via a slight scramble to the base of the cliff, which isn’t tall or steep. At the bottom, small, peaceful pockets of sand are tucked between white boulders.

If you want a quiet day with plenty of space to spread out your towel, make a beeline for the vast sandy expanse of Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula. This beach is in Northern Cyprus, so you’ll need your passport to cross the Green Line, and you may need to double-check that your travel and car insurance are valid here. On arrival, you’ll find miles of golden sand with a few relaxed beach bars tucked between the rolling dunes, and a wide bay for swimming. If you’re looking for total seclusion, head towards the ends of the bay to bag a huge stretch of sand all to yourself.