Sun & Sea Tourism Cyprus
Few feelings can compare to that of sinking your toes into warm sand… of the sun kissing your skin, and your senses taking in the fresh, salty breeze and the endless views of glittering blue waters.
This idyllic scene is one that can be enjoyed for the most part of the year on the island of Cyprus, and one that offers a myriad of experiences, from the total relaxation of sunbathing with drink in hand, to the thrill and challenge of trying a new water sport..
From secluded bays, to lively resorts and sandy beaches to rocky coves, the island’s expansive coastline is home to a variety of different-style beaches; each unique in its appearance and the facilities it offers.
And aside from lazing on hot sands, the crystal depths of the Mediterranean Sea can be appreciated both on and in the water, after all, even the Goddess of Love – Aphrodite herself – was born of the sea foam in Pafos (Paphos)!
Take a stroll to a backdrop of sea and bobbing boats at one of the quaint piers, marinas and harbours…. try your hand at reeling in the ‘catch of the day’ on a fishing trip, or discover the coves and caves of the different coastal areas on a boat trip. By venturing further still with a short cruise to a neighbouring country, you can beautifully combine two holidays in one.
For the more daring visitor, the island’s ideal wind and water conditions open up endless possibilities for exhilarating sports such as windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing, whilst beneath the foam, a whole new underwater world invites you into to discover a diver’s paradise of world-ranking wrecks and diverse marine life.
So, whether you prefer to be lounging on hot sands, riding the waves, or taking in the views from a porthole, Cyprus is the perfect destination for all the very best of sun and sea.
Pissouri Beach – Blue Flag
The naturally stunning resort of the greater Lemesos (Limassol) area.
Located 30km west of Lemesos [midway between Lemesos and Pafos (Paphos)], Pissouri Bay is the tourist resort of the village of Pissouri. The coast has seen its popularity soar thanks to its stunning, natural beauty and the resort facilities now found in the area.
The beach has fine, golden sands, multicoloured small pebbles, and its clean waters are relatively calm. Its surroundings are further enhanced by the spectacular white cliffs of Cape Aspro (Cape ‘white’) on either side, making it one of the most picturesque coastlines on the island.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, showers, sun beds, umbrellas, water sports and a beach volleyball court. There are five public footpaths, with two of them offering disabled access.
The west end of the bay leads to the headland of Asprorotsos (‘white rock’) that protrudes from the sea. At its end, there are small, sandy coves. The views from the top are spectacular, whilst you may also get a glimpse of the wild birds that visit the area, including falcons. The beach is often a breeding ground for sea turtles.
The nearby area has a variety of restaurants, cafes, kiosks and shops. The village of Pissouri itself is also worth visiting and retains its charming, traditional character.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from April – October.
Access is easy by foot, bike, bus or car with car-parking facilities available.
Santa Barbara Beach – Blue Flag
A beach that offers snorkelling and ancient history.
Located at the famous coastal resort of Agios Tychonas in the Lemesos (Limassol) district, the beach of Santa Barbara is peaceful and chic.
Comprised of sand with some rocks, the clean seawaters are further enhanced by an artificial reef, with the ancient Amathounta port offering excellent opportunities for snorkelling. There is a scenic footpath that leads westwards, passing the ancient city and the port of Amathounta.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, showers, changing rooms, sun beds and umbrellas. There are a variety of accommodation, restaurants and kiosks in the general area.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from April – October.
Access is easy by foot, bike, bus or car with car-parking available.
The beach also offers disabled access.
Vrysoudia A Beach – Blue Flag
Pafos’ (Paphos’) main, organised coast.
Located in the heart of the tourist area of Kato Pafos – off of the main road of Poseidonos Avenue – the 300-metre long beach of Vrysoudia A is one of the main organised beaches of the area.
The sands are deep, golden and the clean seawaters here are calm and shallow, making it a popular choice for all, including families with children.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, showers, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas, dustbins, recycling bins and water sports. There are also a variety of restaurants, fish taverns, cafes, bars, kiosks, convenience stores and accommodation in the area.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from April – October.
The beach is a great starting point to explore some of the area’s most famous attractions, including the Medieval castle and its picturesque harbour, Pafos mosaics and the archaeological site of Tombs of the Kings.
Access is easy by foot, bike, bus or car, with car-parking available and a bus stop nearby.
Amphitheatre Diving Site
Location: Coral Bay, Pafos (Paphos)
Type of dive site: Shore
Depth: 4-12 metres
Visibility: 20 metres
Access: From the shore just past the headland at Coral Bay, a short walk down the rocks
Qualification Required: Open Water (OW)
Features: There are interesting rock formations, holes, arches and overhangs to explore, and an abundance of marine life that includes groupers, eels, trumpet fish and cuttlefish.
Interesting Facts: The dive takes its name from the natural formation that was cut out of the rock by sea currents, and resembles an amphitheatre in its shape.
Pyla Beach
Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) district of Pyla, along Dhekelia Road, the beach of Pyla offers a complete day out for all the family, thanks to a host of facilities and the amenities of the surrounding area.
Set amidst an expanse of greenery, the sands are fine grey and the clean waters are calm and shallow, making the beach popular with all, including families with small children.
Facilities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas, a children’s playground, beach volleyball and beach tennis courts, beach bars and water sports. Beach tennis tournaments are held on the sands, and beachgoers can watch the regular summer events – and sometimes participate in them. There are also a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, kiosks, convenience stores and accommodation along Dhekelia Road.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from June – October.
Access is easy by foot, bike, bus or car, with car-parking facilities.
The beach also offers disabled access.
Konnos Beach – Blue Flag
A little piece of island paradise.
Situated 4 km east of the centre of the popular resort of Agia Napa – on the road between Cape Gkreko and Protaras – the 200-metre long beach of Konnos is one of the most picturesque on the island.
The last beach delineating the boundaries between Agia Napa and Paralimni, Konnos is small and idyllic, and covered in fine golden sand. Its calm and crystal clear seawaters are sheltered from heavy winds.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas, a beach bar with music, and water sports facilities. There is also a transit point for small boats as the adjacent beaches provide bays for anchoring boats and diving. There are high-end hotels overlooking the beach, and restaurants and convenience stores nearby.
The path towards the beach takes you through pine trees and greenery, whilst the view from the top is truly breathtaking. The beach offers access to all that the National Forest Park – which is on the Natura 2000 network of European protected sites – offers, including hiking and diving.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from April – October.
Access is easy by foot, bike or car, and there are car-parking facilities
Vathia Gonia Beach – Blue Flag
Coast of calm seawaters with a lack of winds.
Located 2.2km west of the centre of the popular resort of Agia Napa, the 300-metre long beach of Vathia Gonia is a beautiful coastal stretch that is located 400 metres east of the more crowded Nissi Bay.
As a sandy beach with a natural rocky bay, it is covered in fine, golden sands, and its crystal-clear seawaters are relatively calm. There is a complete lack of headwinds at the beach.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas and water sports facilities, whilst there is accommodation and a variety of restaurants located close by. An innovative system (Seatrac) that offers autonomous full access to the sea for the disabled, is installed on the beach.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from April – October.
The coast is separated by a pedestrian path, which links the beach to Agia Napa’s picturesque harbour in one direction, and Makronisos beach in the other, where the Makronissos Tombs (archaeological site) can be found.
Access is easy by foot, bike or car, and there are car-parking facilities.
Agia Thekla Beach – Blue Flag
A beautiful natural beach.
Located 6,5 km west of the centre of the popular resort of Agia Napa, the 300-metre long beach of Agia Thekla is a beautiful coastal stretch that is located within the SPA (special protected area) of the Natura 2000 network.
As a sandy, natural beach, it has a rocky bottom covered in fine, golden sands, and its crystal-clear seawaters are relatively calm.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas and water sports facilities, whilst there is a convenience store located close by, and the general area has a variety of restaurants and kiosks.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach from April – October. The beach offers a special wheelchair at the lifeguard tower to help disabled persons enter the sea with assistance from the lifeguards.
The beach is named after the saint Agia Thekla, to whom the nearby carved temple and the new white church are dedicated. A pedestrian path takes you on a leisurely stroll from the beach either to the picturesque fishing harbour of Potamos tou Liopetriou in one direction, or the beach of Vathia Gonia in the other.
Access is easy by foot, bike or car, and there are car-parking facilities.
