Beaches in Ayia Napa
The good news is that all beaches in Cyprus and Ayia Napa are public and FREE to access – there are no roped off sections or private beaches like you find in some countries. Although many hotels have their own sunloungers on the beach these are available for public use, and only in areas just above the sand can private areas be found.
You are free to bring your own beach equipment along – if not you can expect to pay €2.50 per sunbed and umbrella – not bad value in comparison to some other countries. In the last year Ayia Napa introduced WiFi on all beaches, which you can access free of charge for a couple of hours and then at a small cost for longer
The Rating System for beaches in Ayia Napa:
I’ve divided my ratings into five categories, each with a score out of 5. Given that to some relaxation might be important and for others not you may disagree with my “winner”, but I hope this format assists you in seeing what’s on offer!
- Sand and Water quality (cleanliness, volume of stones)
- Swimming/snorkelling
- Facilities (toilets, showers, access)
- Eating/drinking options
- Relaxation (how loud or busy is it)
The Beaches in Ayia Napa
Below is a list of all beaches (going from East to West). Believe it or not there are at least 16 in the municipality itself (although the first and last are “shared” with the neighbouring municipalities. Click on the name to link straight through to Google Maps – if I’ve missed any you think should be included or even disagree, just add a comment!
Konnos Bay, Ayia Napa/Protaras
Konnos Beach – stunning cove at the foot of sandstone cliffs and a nature reserve, and regularly voted one of the top beaches in Europe. Can get busy at times in the summer, but there’s no roads or bars to disturb you
- Sand/Water: 5
- Swimming: 5
- Facilities: 3
- Eating/drinking: 3
- Relaxation: 3
Kermia Beach – also known as Limnara, and little known other than to those in the hotel directly backing it. It can be accessed from the coastal path by foot, but parking is tricky
- Sand/Water: 4
- Swimming: 4
- Facilities: 2
- Eating/drinking: 2
- Relaxation: 4
Ammos tou Kambouri Beach – small beach hidden east of town near newly developing villa communities. Best reached by car, which is why it’s a locals favourite
- Sand/Water: 3
- Swimming: 3
- Facilities: 3
- Eating/drinking: 2
- Relaxation: 4
Glyki Nero Beach – also known as Maistrali, and the first of the major tourist beaches at the foot of the hotels. SE facing so quite sheltered if the wind is blowing
- Sand/Water: 4
- Swimming: 4
- Facilities: 4
- Eating/drinking: 3
- Relaxation: 3
Limanaki Beach, Ayia Napa
Pantachou Beach – also known as Limanaki (Harbour) Beach, this is the largest beach in town and easy to get to as it’s right in the heart of the resort. Busy in high season and some scattered rocks but generally an excellent sand beach
- Sand/Water: 4
- Swimming: 4
- Facilities: 4
- Eating/drinking: 4
- Relaxation: 2
Loukkos Tou Mandi Beach – very rocky foreshore that although called a beach is not really one – a platform allows bathers access to the water. Very close to large car-park and the harbour amenities
- Sand/Water: 1
- Swimming: 1
- Facilities: 2
- Eating/drinking: 4
- Relaxation: 1
Katsarka Beach – very small and quiet beach with rocky foreshore
- Sand/Water: 2
- Swimming: 2
- Facilities: 2
- Eating/drinking: 2
- Relaxation: 4
Pernera Beach – medium sized beach that’s tucked out the way in front of some hotels. The sand here is very coarse, and so walking barefoot or into the sea is not always easy. Normally quiet.
- Sand/Water: 2
- Swimming: 3
- Facilities: 2
- Eating/drinking: 3
- Relaxation: 4
Vathia Gonia Beach, Ayia Napa
Vathia Gonia Beach – also known as Sandy Bay, a large very sheltered (and sandy unsurprisingly) cove with lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. There are some small stones in the shallows, but generally a good beach for families as it remains shallow for some distance. As the cove is so sheltered the water can sometimes be a bit murkier depending on the wind
- Sand/Water: 4
- Swimming: 4
- Facilities: 4
- Eating/drinking: 5
- Relaxation: 4
The Island at Nissi Beach
Nissi Bay – the most famous beach in Napa and perhaps Cyprus. Quieter at the Eastern end in front of the Nissi Beach Resort, and party central at the Western end by the Nissi Beach Bar. Plenty of facilities although the standards can be a bit hit and miss when it’s packed on the weekend. Gorgeous views and a small island which shelters a large shallow and crystal clear stretch of water
- Sand/Water: 5
- Swimming: 5
- Facilities: 3
- Eating/drinking: 4
- Relaxation: 2
Latchi Adams Beach – small beach directly in front of the Adams Beach Hotel
- Sand/Water: 4
- Swimming: 4
- Facilities: 3
- Eating/drinking: 3
- Relaxation: 3
landa Beach, Ayia Napa
Landa Beach – large South facing beach with plenty of space although few eating/drinking or kiosk options currently
- Sand/Water: 5
- Swimming: 3
- Facilities: 4
- Eating/drinking: 2
- Relaxation: 4
Makronissos Beach East
Makronissos Beach East – gorgeous curve of sand that’s sheltered in the SW winds, and popular with both tourists and locals alike. Can be a bit of a hike from the car park when busy to the far sourthern (best) end, but well worth it. superb toward Cape Greco
- Sand/Water: 5
- Swimming: 5
- Facilities: 3
- Eating/drinking: 3
- Relaxation: 3
Makronissos Beach West – also known as Dome Beach after the hotel behind it, and the west (normally windier) facing twin at Makronissos
- Sand/Water: 4
- Swimming: 3
- Facilities: 3
- Eating/drinking: 3
- Relaxation: 3
Makronissos “1” Beach – more often known as Makronissos Beach Club after the club/bar behind it. Although currently something of a local secret, it’s bang next to the new Marina so is suffering from noise right now during the construction
- Sand/Water: 4
- Swimming: 3
- Facilities: 3
- Eating/drinking: 3
- Relaxation: 2
Ayia Thekla Beach, Ayia Napa/Liopetri
Ayia Thekla Beach – a personal favourite. Quiet, and used mainly by locals or visitors with access to a car. Shallow lagoon to swim in and a good restaurant
- Sand/Water: 5
- Swimming: 4
- Facilities: 4
- Eating/drinking: 4
- Relaxation: 4
The Winners
Both achieving 21 points are Ayia Thekla and Vathia Gonia. These beaches are quite different, and reflect the diversity of beaches available to you. Personally I visit at least 5-6 of the beaches on this list during a holiday because I like different things on different days – sometimes having a restaurant or bar is important, and on other days you want a nice view or good swimming. The important thing is that there’s plenty of choice!
And finally….
A top tip to save you money – on many beaches you’ll find the kiosks or restaurants are expensive should you be looking for items like water or snacks to take away. Walk to the nearest main road and you’ll save money for sure at the first shop you come to!
1 comment
Will find your Ayia Napa beach ratings very useful when we next visit Cyprus ( yipee, on Sunday). We have tended to mix and match the Pernera and Protaras beaches but will be interested to give some of the many Ayia Napa beaches a try this time.