Cyprus – the best beaches

Cyprus has been famous in ancient mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The island is, in recent times even more famous as a beach destination par excellence with its innumerable beaches with pristine sands with a golden hue and its crystal clear waters. With a major part of the year filled with sunshine, Cyprus is frequented year long by thousands of beach travelers.

Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Turkey. Cyprus is the third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia. Even though the geographical location of this island nation is in Asia, politically, it is a European country and is part pf the European Union.

After gaining independence from The United Kingdom in 1960, Cyprus has been a sovereign republic. The north and south parts of Cyprus are separated, but relations are easing up now. Both North and South Cyprus are perfect beach destinations.

Cyprus beaches

With the exception of the centrally located Nicosia, the capital city, all the other major cities are located in the coastal regions.

Paphos, Limassol and Lamaca are the main beaches on the South coast. Famagusta is located in the East while Kyrenia is to the North.

Many of the Cyprus beaches are sandy with a golden hue, while others are a bit pebbly. There are a variety of hidden coves and bays along with golden sands stretching delightfully long.

Cyprus is a popular with the water sports aficionados as well, with plenty of diving, snorkeling, and sailing. Cyprus is part of the European Blue Flag Campaign, which grades the quality of beaches. Only beaches with a strict adherence to quality and ecology get the “Blue Flag” waved in approval.

The following are the best Cyprus beach locations:-
Agia Napa beaches

Years ago Agia Napa had a reputation as a party location, some what similar to Ibiza, now it is a perfect location for every one, including families. Excellent beaches with blue waters and golden sands, the beaches are excellent to swim, take in the sun or play water sports in.

Nissi Beach
Nissi beach is very popular with the crowds. The soft sands along with the clear waters make it the ideal location for families with children. A small island is located about 50 to 100 meters from the shore and people love swimming up to the island.

Makronissos Beach
About 3 km from the center of the town is the Makronissos beach, which slopes gently into the sea. With excellent facilities, restaurants and water sports, this is another great beach.

Other Blue Flag beaches in and around Agia napa include Ammostou Kambouri, Kermia, Katsarka, Lanta, Agia Thekla etc
Larnaca beaches

Finikoudes beach
Finikoudes means palm tree and is located in the center of Larnaca. It has many excellent cafes, restaurants and bars at convenient locations with great sea views. The facilities are also pretty good and have changing rooms and rest rooms. Sun beds, beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented. The beach has soft sand and the waters are shallow and gentle. Parents can rest easy while the children are in the water.

There are many hotels, resorts and apartments near the beach. Accommodation will not be a problem with so many places to stay.

McKenzie beach
The McKenzie beach is a much visited Larnaca beach, due to its snow white sands and blue waters. Facilities are readily available. Restaurants and bars are numerous in the McKenzie beach.

Kiti beach
The Kiti beach is located on the tip of Cape Kiti.

Faros beach
Faros beach is an ideal location for those who like spacious beaches. It is located just outside Larnaca in Pervolia village.

Finikoudes, Mc Kenzie and Yanathes in Voroklini are the Blue Flag beaches.
Paphos beaches

Aphrodite Beach
25 km east of Paphos, the Aphrodite beach is legendary and famous through out the world as home to the waters from where Aphrodite emerged. This is a location that is well loved by the honey mooners. People also come here in the hordes to get married.

Lara beach
The Lara beach is located on the southern edge of the Akamas peninsula, and is famous for its marine turtles. The turtles lay their eggs on the beach, so it is important that one does not tread on these.

Agios Georgos Beach
This beach is located next to a majestic Byzantine church. There is a famed sea food restaurant in Agios Georgos.

The main Blue Flag beaches in Paphos are Geroskipou, Pafos, Vrysoundia A and B, Pachyammos, Pharos beach, Coral bay, Polis Chrysochou beaches and Laourou beach.
Limassol beaches

Ladies’ Mile beach
Easily accessible and popular with families, the Ladies’ Mile beach is 4 kilo meters west of Limassol and is about ten minutes far by car from the main part of Limassol. The beach with its shallow and calm waters is perfect for children.

Kourium beach
The Kourium beach is famous for its majestic cliffs and the Greco Roman Amphitheater. Kourium beach is located about 18 kms from Lemesos. The sea is rather turbulent at times, and is excellent for sailing and hand gliding.
The no 91 bus from Lemesos will take you to Kourium.

The Blue Flag beaches are Pissouri beach, Santa Barbara, Loures, Vouppa, Aphrodite, Onisilos Kalymnos beach at Pentakomo, Armonia, Panagies at Pyrgos and Castella at Agiaos Tychonas Beach.

Protaras beaches

Protaras is located on the South eastern coast.

Fig Tree Bay, Sirena Bay and Konnon Bay are the popular local beaches in Protaras. Pernera, Vryssi and Protaras in the Paralimni region are Blue Flag beaches.

Lara Bay

Lara bay on the west coast of Cyprus is famous for its secluded and unspoiled beaches.

Latchi and Polis beaches on the tip of the Akamas Peninsula are two excellent locations.

The Turtle beach where endangered turtles lay eggs is another place worth of note. The area has rather a rough terrain and is suited for S U V s.