The Best Beaches
★★★ Nissi Beach
Cyprus's most famous beach — and one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean. 500 meters of white powder sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a small offshore rock island (Nissi) that can be waded to at low tide. In summer: DJ sets, foam parties, and an international crowd. In the off-season (April, October): paradisiacally quiet and almost empty.
The bay is sheltered, and the water is usually calm and shallow — perfect for swimming. At the eastern end: a natural bridge (rock bridge) for photography.
3 km west of Ayia Napa center. Sunbed + umbrella: 7.50€. Beach bars with food and drinks. Parking (free, but fills up early). Bus 101/102.
★★★ Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)
Regularly voted the best beach in Europe (TripAdvisor). 500 meters of golden sand, protected by offshore rocks, crystal-clear, shallow water. The namesake fig tree still stands on the beach. Ideal for families: shallow entry, no waves, water sports, lifeguards.
Protaras, central. Sunbed + umbrella: 7.50€. Restaurants and kiosks on the beach. Parking (3€/day). Bus 101.
★★ Konnos Bay
Hidden in a bay between pines on the edge of the Cape Greco National Park. Smaller (150 m) but beautiful: golden sand, turquoise water, surrounded by green hills. Less crowded than Nissi Beach, but still full in high season. Good snorkeling at the rocks.
Between Ayia Napa and Protaras, at Cape Greco. Sunbed + umbrella: 7.50€. Kiosk with snacks. Steep access via stairs. Parking above.
★★ Makronissos Beach
Three adjacent sandy bays, 5 km west of Ayia Napa. Quieter than Nissi, but just as beautiful. Shallow, warm water, ideal for children. Nearby: ancient rock tombs from the Hellenistic-Roman period (freely accessible).
5 km west of Ayia Napa. Sunbed + umbrella: 7.50€. Tavern on the beach.
★ Sunrise Beach (Protaras)
Long sandy beach in the center of Protaras, named after the spectacular sunrises. Less photogenic than Fig Tree Bay, but more space and good tourist infrastructure.
★ Landa Beach (Golden Beach)
Between Nissi and the center of Ayia Napa. Quieter, more local, with an excellent tavern right on the beach. Shallow, clear water.
