Are you in search of much more of a holiday? Are you searching for history and culture, fun, new friends, great food, and adventure? But, above all, are you in search of a zen oasis with magnificent sandy beaches? Then Cyprus will conquer your heart forever!
Cyprus is known for its golden beaches and exciting coves, captivating visitors with their unbelievable beauty.
Cyprus beaches are for sure some of the most magical places on Earth. The intense color of the sea, rocks, the smell of the seaweed, and sand. And we mean a lot of sand! This will create an atmosphere that is nothing but a pure dream come true for any lover of the sun and summer.
And, shhhhh…we have a secret to tell! Here are the best 15 secret beaches on the island you have to include in your Cyprus itinerary!
Most of the beaches in this post are hidden gems and not that easy to reach by public transport. If you want visit most of them, save time and be flexible, you should rent a car in Cyprus, like we did.
ZAPALO BEACH (EPISKOPI BAY)
The place is actually called Trypiti, but you will remember it by its common name, Zapalo beach.
Zapalo beach is located in the Area of Episkopi bay. This 800 m sandy beach is a large bay wrapped with cliffs, white rocks, and amazingly crystal-clear water. The view from the very top is stunning. The very first thing you will see are the rocks and the remains of an ancient port and peers under the water. You will feel just like you are looking down at history. The bay is still used by the local fishermen. This will be a good opportunity for you to get acquainted with the local fishing customs.
How to get to ZAPALO BEACH
the easiest way to reach the beach is through Curium road. Use the old road Limassol-Paphos (B6) towards the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates. Once you pass the sign, turn left and after 250 m and drive towards the sea. There will also be an Iron bar there, where you can park and continue to the beach for about 20 minutes on foot.
Where to stay near Zapalo Beach?
In this region, we suggest that you stay in Pefkos Hotel or in Apollonia Resort. Both of them are in Limassol.
LARA BEACH (AKAMAS – PEGEIA)
If you are a wildlife lover seeking a quiet oasis where you can enjoy both the beach and rare species, the Lara beach is your destination. Very remote and secluded is what makes this beach particularly beautiful.
The greatest beauty of it is that you can reach it only by driving. Due to an uneven and dusty road, preferably 4WD. The beach is known for its glittering silver sand. It is also a habitat for nesting green turtles and loggerheads. The Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station is nearby. You may want to visit that too before you stretch at the beach. This beach is certainly one of the best choices if you have kids with you.
How to get to LARA BEACH
Lara Beach is located at the Akamas Peninsula, the district of Paphos. Driving is easy, to Pegia and then to Agios Georgios. Keep in mind that it is a dirt road.
Where to stay near Lara Beach?
The closest accommodation to this beach is Palates Hotel or Droushia Heights Resort (a true hidden gem!). Both of them are located in Droushia, about 10-12 km from Paphos.
PACHYAMMOS BEACH (PACHYAMMOS VILLAGE)
The beach is located in Nicosia, in the vicinity of Pachyammos Village. It is a true little heaven of tranquility. This is a peaceful beach and usually very quiet. So if you are looking for a calm and romantic day or a relaxing night outside, this is where your perfect spot is.
There will be enough time to stroll around and visit the nearby Church of Agios Rafael. This place is a top-rated pilgrimage destination. The common belief is that it has healing powers.
How to get to PACHYAMMOS BEACH
The arrival, finding parking, and walking to the beach is all effortless as it is located right in front of the city center and hotels in Paphos.
ALAMINOS BEACH (ALAMINOS VILLAGE)
Almost totally hidden, this beach is certainly not one of those you will accidentally stumble across. Instead, you will need to know where to look to find it. Not easy, but it will for sure be worth the effort.
Hidden from all sights, this beach is wonderful for swimming and pure relaxation. A place like this does not require any luxury. The luxury there is nature itself. However, there is a small stand with drinks and umbrellas for hire.
How to get to ALAMINOS BEACH
Getting to Alaminos Village is relatively easy. You just need to drive to Alaminos Pangasinan and then grab a boat from Barangay Lucap.
A tip: Go to the Aldiana Zypern tourist area. There will be a path of about 1 km leading right to the beach.
Where to stay near Alaminos Beach?
The closest big city to this beach is Larnaca. There you can find great accommodation deals!
FIREMAN’S BEACH (KAPPARIS BEACH)
Fireman’s beach is located near the coastal front of the popular tourist resort of Protaras. This small and isolated beach is relatively easy to find. It is at the very end of only a 1 km long road. It is called “MIADU” because of a nearby Motorized Immediate Action Unit, therefore got a nickname “Fireman’s beach,”
This beach is top-rated among foreign visitors, but locals too who want to escape the crowds. The beach is best known for its crystal-clear water and golden sand. The area around the beach has a solid offer of different restaurants you can choose from for a meal. Access to the beach is easy by foot, bicycle, or car.
How to get to FIREMAN’S BEACH (and where to stay there)
Drive from Kapparis to Protaras, the main road, about 7 km, and only 8 minutes drive. Park by the resort and keep walking about 1 km. You could stay in the Ayia Napa hotels, as the city is just a couple of minutes drive from the beach.
PARAMALI BEACH
If you thought all of Cyprus’s beaches are all relaxing and call, well, you are wrong. Here is one for true adrenaline junkies! Unfortunately, no signs are pointing to the beach, so not too many people know about it.
That is why it still remains one of the most unspoiled ones. This pebble and sand beach is also home to nesting turtles. Due to its offshore winds, it is also a perfect kite surfing hotspot.
How to get to PARAMALI BEACH
To find this pristine beach, you need to head to Paramali and then turn off at the Balti House. Keep going on the dusty road towards the sea, and you will find it easily.
Where to Stay near Paramali Beach?
The closest city to this great beach is the famous Limassol. So you can easily find a great stay there.
GOLDEN BEACH
If there is a beach that truly deserves this name, then it is this one. Golden beach is located in the heart of the favored luxury Larnaca bay. It is the best of all beaches for secluded surroundings.
This beach is a long stretch of pure honey-colored sand and as fine as the flour can be. There are not too many visitors around. This is a true and peaceful spot to unroll your towel and simply enjoy.
How to get to GOLDEN BEACH (and where to stay there)
Finding this beach may be the easiest of all. It is located at the very heart of Larnaca bay. It is in the vicinity of hotels and only 14km away from the international airport.
GOVERNOR’S BEACH
Reach this one, yet another magnificent beach. There you will see for yourself how beautiful natural settling and intervention by the human hand can make a perfect balance. The beach consists of two parts. Governor’s, with its special dark and gray sand. The second part is Kalymnos, some 200 m to the west, and made of a very long and narrow stretch of sand.
The whole coastline is divided into several beautiful beaches separated by natural white rocks. The easter part, however, will welcome you with more shades and greenery under the eucalyptus trees.
How to get to GOVERNOR’S BEACH
Drive along on the Limassol to Nicosia highway. Turn off at the sign for Governor’s beach. There will be a sign to your left by the restaurant, but don’t use that. Rather proceed straight on the dirt road. It is faster, and the road is in good condition. It ends right at Agios Georgios Alamanou.
Where to stay near the Governor’s beach?
This amazing spot is located exactly between Limassol and Larnaca. Both of them have affordable hotel deals:
AKROTIRI COVE Beach
If you are a nature lover, you will simply adore this beach. Take your time and explore the area thoroughly, as this beach is a true hidden gem. This is also one of the beaches where full respect needs to be paid to the sensitive ecosystem.
This beach is the nesting and breeding ground of the Green marine turtles and Caretta Caretta. The cove is untouched, surrounded by dunes and wonderful water.
How to get to AKROTIRI COVE
Start at the Old Limassol Port and head west on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue. Drive for about 8 km until you reach the Zakaki roundabout. Take the 2nd exit and drive for another 5.5 km through the village of Asomatos.
At the T-junction, turn left, and drive on for about 5 km until you reach the SBA checkpoint. Here you will need to turn right and follow the asphalt road for about 1 km until you find the sign for ‘Akrotiri Fishing Shelter.’ Turn left and follow the dirt road for about 1 km. Veer right for a further 1.5 km, where you will find The Akrotiri Cove to the right of the fishing shelter.
Where to stay near AKROTIRI COVE Beach?
As the beach is about only an 8 km drive from Limassol. We suggest that you find a stay in the city (and enjoy its lively vibes!)
PISSOURI BEACH – CAPE ASPRO
You will find out for yourself that this is without any doubt one of the most spectacular places in the whole Limassol district. It is a complex of 5 different trails stretched through the area. It is located among the cliffs with some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the country. The views are particularly nice in the spring and summer months.
The trail to Cape Aspro is the most amazing one of all. However, this unique landscape is also a big hiking area. Depending on which part you want to go to, be prepared to hike for up to 10 kilometers.
How to get to PISSOURI BEACH
Take the Limassol – Paphos highway, and then exit for Pissouri village. Keep driving through the village towards the CYTA telecommunications station. It is located on Kolokotronis Road, about 2.5 km south of the main village church. A large onsite antenna will be a good orientation landmark. You can park near the CYTA station and then keep walking towards the desired part of the place.
Where to stay near Pissouri Beach?
The beach is about half an hour’s drive from either Limassol or Paphos. Check their current deals.
SIRENA BAY PROTARAS
Sirena Beach is located between Pernera and the chapel of Ayia Triada. It is known as one of the most graphic beaches you will ever see. It is a tiny and isolated bay, only 5 m wide and 50 m long. The beach is hidden by the reeds and almost forgotten in time. The name of the beach comes from a café bar located in it.
Before, it was known as the “Beach of Mynas,” named after a Byzantine lord who lived in the area. The beauty of the bay is elusive. It is quiet and relaxing. It is perfect for both couples looking for privacy and families with children.
How to get to SIRENA BAY (and where to stay there)
Despite the fact it is wrapped with secrecy, the beach is relatively easy to find. It is located in the middle of the Ayia Napa hotels region and Protaras. Use the map, or simply ask one of the kind and helpful locals.
ASPROKREMMOS – YIANNAKIS BEACH
Are you in search of not only a beach but wonderful panoramic ocean views too? Then this is the right beach for you. It is just perfect for both relaxing and long walks. It is not so remote as others on this list. The beach has a good offer of bars and restaurants nearby. Be it a day or night, this beach is for sure a great place to spend time at.
How to get to YIANNAKIS BEACH
Finding this beach is very easy. To reach it, you have to take the route leading to the monumental bath of Aphrodite. After that, then simply walk down to the beach.
Where to stay near YIANNAKIS BEACH?
This great beach is about half an hour’s drive from either Limassol or Paphos. Check their current deals.
NISSI BEACH
After visiting it, you will have to agree that this beach rightfully carries the title of one of the best beaches in Cyprus. It is famous for its dazzling white sand and turquoise water.
Nissi beach is ideal for sports lovers. If you are especially keen on waterskiing, sand volleyball, and windsurfing, this place full of activities is the right one for you.
How to get to NISSI BEACH (and where to stay there)
Finding the beach will be very easy for you. Especially if you are staying anywhere in Paralimni, Protaras, or Ayia Napa. Simply go to Nissi Avenue and take a short walk down to the beach.
MAKRONISSOS BEACH
If you search for a beach with a somewhat buzzy vibe, Makronissos is where you need to go. Azure water with chalk-white sand surrounded by rock formations is simply breathtaking.
It may get busy at the peak of the season. However, we have a solution for that, too – explore nearby archeological site Makronissos Tombs. Alternatively, you can simply move to the west side beach, which is a bit quieter.
How to get to MAKRONISSOS BEACH (and where to stay there)
Finding this beach will not be difficult as it is just a short ride from any of the Ayia Napa hotels. Simply follow the Agia Thekla road until you get to the beach. You will see it on your right-hand side.
FIG TREE BEACH
Maybe the least secret on this list, yet, it is a must-see beach while you are in Cyprus. It is named after a solitary fig tree standing there since the 17th century. A tree is a silent witness of the times and people gone by.
Listed as one of the 50 best beaches in the World, this beach with soft champagne-color sand and limpid water will for sure charm you. It does get busy, so it is recommended to get there early in the morning. However, the place is perfect for enjoying your day. Simply relax or gaze at the tiny rocky island in the middle of the bay.
How to get to FIG TREE BEACH (and where to stay there)
This beach is also effortless to find. Simply go to the resort of Protaras on the southeastern coast of Cyprus. You will be wowed with 500 m of sand beach in front of you.
Final Thoughts about Cyprus Secret Beaches
We know it is not easy to choose the ideal travel destination. Especially if you are not traveling alone. Still, we recommend using Cyprus as the joker up your sleeve!
Cyprus leaves a spectacular impression on anybody who has visited it. The beauty, passion, and sincerity – Cyprus is just all of that.
You will remember the scents and flavors of Cyprus. And you will remember those most amazing beaches, and also its greatest waterfalls! You will remember probably the kindest people on the planet.
We gave you 15 “best of the best.” However, with so many more beaches to explore, one simple holiday in Cyprus is never enough.
These are for sure the most wonderful waters of the world where you, the beach lover, will be spoiled. Plenty of options that our mother Earth has served here will always be calling you to come back.
And you will be back for sure!
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