5 Incredible Beaches in the Famagusta Area
The Famagusta region has some of Cyprus’s best beaches, with the majority scattered in various coves along the shoreline in Protaras, Paralimni, and Ayia Napa.
The following beaches are some of the most beloved for locals and visitors alike, and they fill up quickly in the summer season, so it best to get there early to get a spot with an umbrella and sunbeds.
1. Ayia Thekla Beach
About six kilometres west of the coastal town of Ayia Napa, in the town of Sotira, you will find this beautiful sandy beach, within walking distance from the main Ayia Napa road. Taking its name from the quaint church of Ayia Thekla right above it, the 300-metre long beach is a designated Special Protected Area as part of the Natura 2000 network, and it’s great for families due to its shallow waters.
Specially trained lifeguards are stationed on the beach at certain times during the spring, summer and autumn months. Special wheelchair and assistance for disabled persons to enter the water is provided by the lifeguards on duty.
Other facilities include toilets and changing rooms, sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach is easily accessible by foot, car or bike, and parking is provided. Visitors can take a short walk to the picturesque fishing harbour of the Liopetri River nearby, where you can enjoy fresh fish at one of the local restaurants.
2. Nissi Beach
Perhaps the most famous – and preferred – of Cyprus’s beaches, frequented by locals and visitors alike, the blue-flagged Nissi Beach is the island’s poster child: golden sand, shallow aquamarine waters, and – in summer – more baking bodies than the eye can see!
Located right off Ayia Napa’s eponymous Nissi Avenue, the beach is easily accessible by regional public transport, and is also served by various bus and taxi routes from other cities on the island. And once there, there’s no shortage of things to do: the 600-metre coastline boasts excellent swimming, a variety of water sports from certified specialists, shops (offering everything from plastic lilos to sunhats), and several bars and restaurants.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are hotly-contested throughout summer (many people plump for a towel at the water’s edge!), and lifeguards are on duty from April, May, September and October, from 9:00 to 17:00, and in June, July and August, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Younger crowds will be attracted to Nissi’s all-day party atmosphere: at night, the waterfront becomes a dance party, hosting a variety of events throughout the summer. In the winter months, however, it’s a bit of a ghost town, with only the bravest of souls venturing into the sea!
3. Konnos Beach
Right between Ayia Napa and Protaras, Konnos Bay (blue-flagged) is a little off the beaten track but nevertheless one of Cyprus’s best beaches. Amazing shallow blue waters in a typically Mediterranean cove, Konnos is the perfect mix of a sandy and rocky beach, with the shore blending fine white sand, with large rocks in and out of the water,
Offering a small restaurant, sunbeds, and umbrellas, the beach is served by lifeguards from April, May, September and October from 9am to 5pm, and in June, July and August from 10am to 6pm. The beach front restaurant (which also sells sun cream and the like) is shaded but, like the facilities, is often crowded and difficult to get to in the height of summer.
Although relatively small, Konnos also boasts a host of water sports, and is part of the Cavo Greco hiking route which takes in both the beach front and a number of small seaside caves in the area. Cliff Bar, which belongs to the hotel above the bay, may be a long climb but offers some of the best sunset views – and cocktails – on the island.
The beach is catered to by public transport, an option which may well be preferable to driving oneself: the twisting road down to the beach is difficult to navigate and parking is extremely limited.
4. Protaras Beach (Fig Tree Bay)
Photo by Agis Agisilaou
Located in the tourist resort of Protaras in the popular holiday town of Paralimni, the popular beach – better known as Fig Tree Bay – boasts fine, golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It takes its name from a single, solitary fig tree that has been there since the 17th century.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas and water sports facilities, whilst the general area has a variety of accommodation, restaurants and kiosks.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach in April, May, September and October, from 09:00 – 17:00, and in June, July and August, 10:00 – 18:00. The beach also offers disabled access, including a special wheelchair at the lifeguard tower to help disabled persons enter the sea with assistance from the lifeguards.
Access is easy by foot, bike or car, and there are car-parking facilities.
5. Makronissos
Located five kilometres east from the coastal town of Ayia Napa, this 350 metre beach is part of a cluster of three bays near the Archaeological site of Makronissos tombs.
With fine, golden sands and relatively calm, crystal clear waters, the small bays extend in different directions; out to the west, the southwest and the southeast. The south-western part is a designated Special Protected Area as part of the Natura 2000 network.
Facilities on the beach include toilets, changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas and water sports facilities, whilst there is a convenience store located close by. The general area also has a variety of restaurants and kiosks.
Lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at the beach in April, May, September and October, from 09:00 – 17:00, and in June, July and August, from 10:00 – 18:00.
Access is easy by foot, bike or car, and there are car-parking facilities. Waves are moderate. Water sports, sun bed and umbrella hire are available on site. There are accommodation facilities, restaurants and a convenience store nearby.
