Shades of Blue

Text: Isabela Foustanou
 

Ayia Napa - Protaras

Nissi Beach

The island’s most photographed beach, with its golden sand and turquoise waters, is named after an islet near the coast. It is fully organized while you will find many options for food and drink amongst its restaurants, cafés and bars with great views.

Makronissos Beach

This lovely beach, a picturesque combination of three bays, is famous for its fine golden sand. Its waters are gradually deepening; it features a diving center, a variety of water sports, a beach volley court and an archaeological site at the edge of the peninsula.

Green Bay Beach

Do you want to avoid the bustling beaches? You are in the right spot! This blue diamond of Cyprus is located in a cove surrounded by acacia and eucalyptus trees as well as golden limestone rocks. In the center of the bay, in a narrow strip of golden sand, sun loungers and umbrellas are spread out, while the sea bottom is ideal for diving.

Fig Tree Bay

Crystal clear shallow waters, fine golden sand and a place amongst the 25 best beaches in the world, according to the Travelers Choice Awards 2017 run by TripAdvisor! Underneath the coastal pedestrian street there is an ancient tomb of the Hellenistic period, which is visible through a glass part of the street.

Konnos Bay

It is said that the verse “At the hidden seashore”, which Seferis mentions in his poem “Refusal”, refers to this little bay. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and rocks, Konnos Beach with its turquoise waters and fine, soft, dark sand is considered one of the most picturesque and beautiful beaches of Ayia Napa. It is organized, has a pavilion for drink and light food, and offers a large number of services, such as water sports.

Photography: Romos Kotsonis

Ayia Thekla Beach

A beautiful coastal strip with golden sand within the protected area of ​​the NATURA 2000 network. This organized beach was named after Ayia Thekla, to whom the neighboring stone carved temple and church were dedicated to.

Landa Beach

This large and organized beach with fine golden sand and calm crystal clear waters is located between the Nissi and Makronissos Beaches. After your swim, you can enjoy your picnic in a specially designed area.

Cavo Greco

If you are a fan of wild landscapes and sea caves, then you are on the right beach. Particularly disorganized and with unlimited view of the Mediterranean blue, it is ideal for sunbathing on top of the rocks (there are stairs for easier descent) and for diving.

Limassol

Lady’s Mile Beach

An endlessly organized beach with shallow, clear blue waters and dark sand that hides countless shells within! Its name derives from a horse ridden in the area by a governor during the British occupation. Its crystal clear waters and virgin environment compose an idyllic scenery, while the wider area is famous for its fish taverns. Located just one kilometer from the beach is one of the most important wetlands in Europe (Aliki Akrotiri).

Kourion Beach 

This large and wide beach, offering a sense of absolute freedom, consists of sand and pebbles. It is especially popular with families due to its shallow water, but also amongst windsurfers due to the strong winds in the wider region. Kourion is nearby and carries all the royal and ancient history of the island with its famous Greek-Roman amphitheater.

Governor’s Bay Beach

The sandy coves with shallow water have turned it into the most favorite destination for families, whereas its imposing white rocks are the ideal spot for fishing.

Pissouri Beach

A beach that stands out for its diversity: fine sand, pebbles, greenery and impressive rocks make up a wonderful setting for a relaxing day. There are many taverns, cafés and restaurants nearby.

Dasoudi Beach

It holds the title of the most famous beach of Limassol, with its rich vegetation reaching down to the sand. Sandy beach and an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Larnaka

Phinikoudes Beach 

The most popular beach in the area with its palm trees lining the coastal road in a way resembles Miami. The sand is fine, its waters calm and shallow, while it stands between the marina with its quay and the fishing harbor on one side and a second pier and the Medieval Castle on the other. It is equipped with facilities that offer all amenities, accessible to disabled people, offers a wide range of activities and the privilege of being a breath away from the heart of the city!

ΜΑCKENZIE Beach 

This magnificent one-kilometer long beach is characterized by its crystal clear shallow waters and a lush green surrounding area. It is fully organized with sun loungers, umbrellas and a range of cafés, bars, restaurants and clubs – including some of the island’s top nightlife venues. Water sports, playgrounds, and an outdoor gym have turned it into the ultimate attraction for families.

Kastela Beach

Fine sand, shallow water and countless “breaths” of greenery are the characteristics of this small tropical beach. It is located next to the fishing harbor of Psarolimano.

Yannades Beach

A sandy beach located near the village of Voroklini, is awarded the Blue Flag and is considered ideal for snorkeling, spearfishing and diving. You will find many options for eating, drinking and water sports along the coast.

Faros Beach

The famous beach of Pervolia village with sandy, calm, shallow waters and lush vegetation is an ideal choice for families. It is partly organized and not crowded!

Pafos

Lara Beach

If you love pure nature, this magnificent beach with golden sand and crystal clear waters will delight you. Completely untapped, as it is part of protected area, it is mainly inhabited by wild goats, birds and sea turtles that visit it in order to give birth. To reach this paradise you will need an all-wheel drive car or a quad bike. Umbrellas, sun loungers, fishing and remaining beyond sunset are prohibited. Everything else is open to dreaming...

Photography: Rommos Kotsonis

Coral Bay Beach

This multi award-winning beach is located in the village of Peyia and is considered as one of the most beautiful in the area. Blue, shallow waters, thick sand and high quality services make it a popular choice – especially for families with children. The two limestone capes that surround it and the plentiful greenery, enhance its beauty even more.

Blue Lagoon Beach

Bright blue waters and golden sand make up the setting of this untouched paradise that nurtures the sense of isolation and absolute tranquility. “Naked”, without umbrellas nor sunbeds and “dressed” in colors that reminisce of the Caribbean, it will reward you with the most intense clear blue you will see in Cyprus. Access to the spot is possible only by an all wheel drive car or by boat.

Sea Caves Peyia

This rocky beach, where Monachus monachus seals were once seeking shelter for reproduction, sums up the beauty of the natural landscapes of Pafos. Its high cliffs are ideal for bold climbers, while the crystal clear waters of the caves are supreme for adventurous diving. This beach is only accessible by sea. Since any shade is hard to come by, make sure you have a hat and water with you.

Aphrodite’s Rock Beach

According to Lonely Planet, it features –not by chance– as one of the most romantic spots on the planet. Myth, tradition, natural beauty, the sun, the sea and the blue skies “play” between them, creating a truly dreamy spectacle here. This beautiful beach of Cyprus with its fine pebble, where the goddess Aphrodite emerged according to mythology, has received a multitude of awards for its crystal clear waters.

Baths of Aphrodite Beach

It is located with a green filled environment, next to the bath named after the goddess of beauty. It is rocky with some scattered parts of golden sand, partially organized and ideal for couples and families looking for a quiet day at the beach.

Vrisoudia Beach

Due to its magnificent view of Pafos Castle, fine golden sand and clear blue waters, it is one of the most famous beaches in the area. It is fully organized and it features an innovative system that enables disabled people to access the sea independently.

Geroskipou Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches in Pafos. Its golden sandy beach with few pebbles, its calm crystal clear and shallow waters and its excellent organization featuring water sports and a playground for kids, assert it as one of the best choices for families.