10 must-visit beaches in Ayia Napa
Renowned for their crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and vibrant Mediterranean energy, the beaches of Ayia Napa are a must-visit destination for your summer holidays!”
From end to end, Ayia Napa is wrapped in endless blue with its breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters, making it a reference point worldwide. Among them is Nissi Beach, ranked among the top 10 beaches in Europe and the top 25 in the world according to the travel platform Tripadvisor. Additionally, 16 of Ayia Napa’s beaches have secured a Blue Flag in 2024. Most are fully equipped with brand new sunbeds and umbrellas, lifeguards, parking areas, upgraded sanitary facilities such as toilets, showers, and changing rooms, and offer facilities for people with mobility difficulties and free Wi-Fi. While we’ve selected and recommended ten of the best beaches in Ayia Napa, there are many more to explore:
Named after a beautiful rocky islet located fifty metres from the shore, Nissi Beach is probably the most famous beach in Cyprus. Its exotic beauty, blonde sand, and turquoise waters attract visitors from every corner of the world. It’s particularly popular with young people for its party atmosphere and with families for its sand and shallow waters. The beach is awarded a Blue Flag every year. In 2024, Tripadvisor named it one of the top 25 beaches in the world and the 7th best in Europe. Additionally, the insurance company Quotezone has named it the best beach in Europe!
Services: Supervised by lifeguards, with toilets, changing rooms, showers, watersports, restaurants, beach bars, cafes, a beach volleyball court, and parking.
Tip: Swim to the picturesque island for the best summer selfies and enjoy the view from the top.
Shaped like a mermaid’s tail, Makronissos Beach is famous for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Awarded the Blue Flag, it offers an idyllic setting that reflects Mediterranean beauty. Tripadvisor ranked it as the 18th best beach in Europe.
Services: Supervised by lifeguards, with toilets, changing rooms, showers, a beach volleyball court, a diving center, water sports, and a canteen.
Tip: Swim to the bay of small Markonissos located just a few metres next to the main beach which looks like a blue lake.
One of the most youthful beaches in Ayia Napa, Pantachou Beach is awarded a Blue Flag and stretches 1.2 km from the harbour of Ayia Napa to Glyko Nero Beach. It is well organised with sunbeds and umbrellas and is full of contrasts. The western end near the harbour is very busy with restaurants and trendy beach bars, while the other end is calmer and ideal for families or relaxation.
Services: Lifeguards, restaurants, beach bars, changing rooms, toilets, showers, water sports, parking, tennis and volleyball courts, and facilities for people with mobility difficulties.
Tip: Stay on the beach until late to watch the beautiful sunset with the picturesque harbour of Ayia Napa in the background.
Named after the Cypriot word “landa,” meaning “calm waters,” this beach perfectly lives up to its name. Located in a bay with golden sands that protects it from the winds, Landa Beach is organised with sunbeds, umbrellas and a laid-back beach bar with gazebos. Its shallow waters and prevailing calmness make it ideal for family getaways. The beach is awarded the Blue Flag every year.
Services: Lifeguards, changing rooms, showers, toilets, a volleyball court, a beach bar, water sports, parking, and accessibility for people with mobility difficulties (floating wheelchair).
Tip: Enjoy the sunset while taking a sip of your favourite cocktail at the atmospheric beach bar
A small, quiet, pebbly beach surrounded by rocks, Ammos tou Kambouri Beach is ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation. It features luxurious wooden sunbeds, umbrellas, and family beds. The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and is certified as a “Plastic Free Beach,” offering facilities to avoid the use of single-use plastics.
Services: Lifeguards, a large parking area, a canteen, and accessibility for people with mobility difficulties.
Tip: Bring your sea mask to explore its magnificent seabed.
This is a man-made beach located in front of the villas of Ayia Napa Marina. This sandy beach is protected from the waves as it has a breakwater and is ideal for relaxation and tranquility as it does not get as busy as the other beaches of the area. Especially during the busy months of July and August, it’s perfect for spending quiet moments with a book.
Services: Showers, changing rooms, a high-end beach bar-restaurant, and parking.
Tip: The sunset with the chapel of Ayia Thekla in the background is magnificent.
A beautiful small cove with crystal-clear waters and a rocky sunbed, East Beach is located near the commercial area of the Marina and between the Blue Flag awarded beaches of Ayia Thekla and Makronissos.
Services: You can scan a QR code to order food and drinks from the Marina’s restaurant. The beach also has a large parking area.
Tip: If you enjoy fishing, bring your equipment and fish from the rocks like the locals do.
Sandy and awarded a Blue Flag, Vathia Gonia Beach is a natural lake located in a cove that protects it from the winds. Its shallow waters make it suitable for families with children. The beach is equipped with beds and umbrellas and offers independent access to the sea and other areas for wheelchair users.
Services: Lifeguards, restaurants, beach bars, water sports, showers, changing rooms, toilets, and parking.
Tip: If you enjoy exploring the seabed, bring the appropriate equipment.
Pernera Beach-MUSAN Underwater Museum
Renewed with wooden beds and straw umbrellas, this sandy beach with crystal-clear waters is an oasis of tranquility. Awarded a Blue Flag, it is also home to the jewel of Ayia Napa, MUSAN, the Underwater Sculpture Museum, where you can dive and admire the underwater sculptures.
Services: Lifeguard, parking, showers, toilets, changing rooms, and an open area with fitness equipment.
Tip: At sunset, take a walk along the scenic walkway in front of the beach towards the harbour of Ayia Napa. It’s a stunning route you will never forget.
This picturesque beach, located in Sotira, is named after the chapel perched on a rock. It features sandy shores with a rocky seabed covered in fine, golden sand. The crystal-clear waters are relatively calm and have been awarded a Blue Flag. The beach is part of the protected NATURA 2000 network and has shallow waters, making it suitable for families with children. There is also a small island opposite the beach that you can walk to.
Services: Lifeguards, restaurant, toilets, changing rooms, showers, and access for people with reduced mobility.
Tip: Climb the picturesque chapel of Ayia Thekla at sunset to take the most enchanting selfies.
