Cyprus Beach Holidays
Written by E. E. Kane

If you are a beach enthusiast, consider Cyprus, where pleasantly hot summers are guaranteed, and not one drop of rain falls between June and mid September. The Cypriots are friendly, the lifestyle is easy-going, and the food is delicious. A visit to Cyprus' beaches, even if you only get to one or two, is a must. Once you have swum in the Cypriot Mediterranean, you will want to come back every year.



The most popular beach resort in Cyprus is Ayia Napa, on the eastern end of the island, along the southern coast not far from Cape Greco. Ayia Napa is very popular with the British and European tourists, as well as many local college students. It has a fast-paced nightlife, and pristine beaches.

Travel west, and stop in at the Larnaca beach, beautifully restored with a paved and lantern-lit drive between the beach and the restaurants, shops, and hotels of downtown Larnaca. Visitors to Cyprus will recognize Larnaca as the main arrivals airport for the southern Greek side of the island. Upon leaving the airport, you can be on the beach in minutes.

The city of Limassol also has some great beaches, as well as an established tourist area. The city has a beautiful walking path alongside the beach that goes from Dassoudi Beach to the Amathus ruins. This walkway extends past most of Limassol's tourist beachfront and hotel district.

While staying in the Limassol area, be sure to take in Lady's Mile, a quiet beach on British airbase property that is open to the public. It features long smooth beaches and a few taverns with rental beds and volleyball nets. Its calm waters are ideal for small children. This is the beach where the locals take their families.

Between Limassol and Paphos, stop at Kourion Beach where visitors never fail to be impressed with the sheer cliffs to the west of the beach. Also called Curium beach, it is known for its mix of pebbles and sand, and great waves for boogie boarding. The water becomes a bit too rough for swimming after noon. In the afternoon, try hang-gliding from the cliffs above, where you could also explore 2nd century Roman ruins.

Traveling west along the coast, stop at Pissouri Beach, a nice little coastal village cove which has been built up with hotels and cottages for tourists craving a seaside getaway. All manner of watersports are available in Pissouri, as well as seafood restaurants and souvenir shopping. In spite of the buildup, the sandy beaches are relatively serene.

On your way to Paphos, be sure to stop at Aphrodite's Rock, where, tradition says, the Greek goddess, Aphrodite was born of the foam of the sea. You may even want to swim in the clear waters near the rock, but be prepared – there are no facilities for swimmers.

The beaches on the west of the island near Paphos are not as gentle as in other locations, but travel north to Akamas, and you will find sea turtle nesting grounds. Time it right (around September or October) and you may be able to observe baby sea turtles struggling to the sea for their first swim. Polis, even farther north, also offers nice beaches and vacation spots.

Most beaches in Cyprus have no entrance fees. Look for the blue flag awarded by the EU for clean, environmentally aware beaches – 49 beaches in Cyprus won this award in 2006. The southern, Greek-speaking side of Cyprus is friendly, with plenty of activities for singles, couples, or families. Best of all, Cyprus enjoys constant summer sun, so don't forget to pack plenty of sunscreen.