The best beaches in and around Ayia Napa and Protaras
Last verified 19 October 2026
The south east corner has the sandiest coast in Cyprus. Most beaches here are pale or golden sand shelving gently into clear water, which is why the area fills with families from June to September. The sea stays above 22°C from June to November and reaches about 27°C in August, so the swimming season runs well into autumn.
Almost every beach listed here is organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas and lifeguards in season. Every beach on this page was on the 2026 Blue Flag list for the Ayia Napa and Paralimni Deryneia municipalities. For quiet water, go early in the morning or out of the school holidays. For wilder coves, walk into the Cape Greco park.
For the rest of the area, see our Ayia Napa and Protaras hub.
West of Ayia Napa
Agia Thekla. The furthest west of the Ayia Napa beaches, towards Sotira, named after the small chapel on the rocks above it. Golden sand, calm water and a shallow seabed that suits small children. The beach lies inside a Natura 2000 protected area, so stay off the dunes and vegetation. Lifeguards, showers, toilets and changing rooms.
Makronissos. A white sand beach west of Ayia Napa with calm, very clear water. The smaller bay next door, known as Small Makronissos, is sheltered enough to feel like a lagoon. Lifeguards, showers, toilets, a canteen and a diving centre.
Ayia Napa town
Nissi Bay. The best known beach in Ayia Napa, named after the small rocky islet about 50 metres offshore. Pale sand and shallow, turquoise water. It is the busiest beach in town in high season, lined with beach bars and water sports. Lifeguards, toilets, showers and parking.
Landa. A sheltered bay of golden sand with calm water. Lifeguards, showers, toilets, changing rooms and parking, plus a floating wheelchair for assisted sea entry.
Ammos tou Kambouri. A small beach in Ayia Napa framed by rocks. Lifeguards, a canteen and accessible facilities. Kayak trips to the sea caves start from here.
Pernera (Ayia Napa). Not to be confused with Pernera in Protaras. A small beach close to the harbour, reached along the seafront path, and home to MUSAN, an underwater sculpture museum you can snorkel or dive over. Lifeguards, showers, toilets and changing rooms.
Cape Greco and Protaras
Konnos. A small, secluded bay between Cape Greco and Protaras, with fine golden sand and pine trees around it. The water is sheltered and calm, which makes it good for families. Lifeguards from April to October, sunbeds, a café and parking. Marked paths lead from here into the Cape Greco park, including one along the coast to the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi.
Fig Tree Bay. The main beach of Protaras, about 500 metres of golden sand named after the fig trees near the shore. An uninhabited islet sits just offshore and shelters the bay, and the water out to it is shallow enough that many people swim across. It is the busiest beach in Protaras. Showers, toilets, changing rooms and parking, with a promenade behind.
Pernera (Protaras). A small bay at the northern end of Protaras, about a kilometre from Fig Tree Bay along the promenade. Golden sand and shallow water, and usually less crowded than the main beach. Lifeguards, sunbeds and parking.
Kapparis. A small golden beach about seven minutes’ drive from central Protaras. Popular with locals as well as visitors. A coastal walking path passes through it.
Practical
Sun and heat. From June to September the sun is fierce by mid morning. There is little natural shade on most of these beaches, so bring or rent an umbrella and drink more water than you think you need.
Sea safety. Swim between the lifeguard flags where they are posted and follow the lifeguards’ instructions. Do not jump or swim off the rocks around the sea caves: conditions there change quickly.
Boats and jet skis. Swim inside the buoyed swimming areas. Outside them, boat trips and jet skis move fast.
Turtles. Turtles do nest on parts of the Cyprus coast. If you find a marked or caged nest on any beach, leave it alone and keep lights off it at night.
Hire cars and tracks. If you go looking for the smaller coves in the Cape Greco park, some are reached by unmade tracks. Check whether your hire agreement covers unsealed roads before you drive one. See car hire at Larnaca airport.