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Best Beaches in Paphos
One of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe, Paphos is the sunny paradise sat on Cyprus’ west coast. Renowned for the golden sands of the beautiful beaches that line the shore, there’s nothing better than lounging by the Mediterranean Sea on a beautiful Paphos beach.
If you’re looking for swimming opportunities at the various Blue Flag beaches, renowned for the fantastic water quality, safety and cleanliness, you’ve got plenty of options different options to choose from when you fancy a dip in the warm ocean waters. With year-round sunshine, secluded spots and big family friendly beaches, you may also end up sharing the sands with nesting turtles, who call the shores of Cyprus their home during the summer months.
So, if you’re interested in what the best beaches are in Paphos, read on for an insight into the best, most beautiful and most popular sandy beaches on Cyprus’ sunny west coast.
Coral Bay
When it comes to Blue Flag beaches in Paphos, you’ll struggle to find much better than the famous Coral Bay beach, nationally recognised as Cyprus’ ninth plastic-free beach. Perfect for family friendly fun, the soft sands and calm ocean waves of this seaside paradise are just a stone’s throw from the public parking, restaurants and bars that make Coral Bay so popular.
Why visit Coral Bay?
There are plenty of reasons to visit Coral Bay if you’re looking for some seaside fun. With sunbeds and parasols available for hire, you can relax by the ocean for a small hourly fee, perfect for when you fancy a splash about in the sea or fancy architecting a sandcastle or two without worrying that your towels are going to fly away and get covered in sand. To get the heart pumping a little more, there are a myriad of water sports on offer, with equipment available to be rented from 11am – 6pm every day throughout the busy season. Alongside the nearby cafes, restaurants and bars, be sure to visit Coral Bay and enjoy relaxing on one of the best beaches in Paphos.
Facilities & accessibility
When visiting Coral Bay, rest assured that all the facilities you need are nearby, with plenty of car parking and public transport links nearby, leaving the beautiful stretch of sand just a stone’s throw from where you park up or have been dropped off. With shower and restroom facilities also accessible, rest assured that all your needs are catered for at Coral Bay.
Best for
Simply put, Coral Bay is one of the best beaches in Paphos for a family day out by the sea, with a plethora of places to grab a bite to eat or drink just a short walk from the soft sands. Enjoy the sunbeds, parasols, soft sands and warm water that’s great for swimming in and you’ll quickly realise why Coral Bay is a favourite of tourists and locals alike.
Insider tips
Regular beachgoers always recommend that drivers get to the parking spots early, as they can fill up quite quickly. It is free to park in the designated carparks around the beach, but they do operate on a first come, first served basis.
Nearby villas & accommodation
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Geroskipou (Riccos) Beach
Just off the coastal town of Geroskipou you can find Geroskipou and Riccos Beach, a long stretch of sand that has plenty of sunbeds, nearby amenities and space to sprawl out and relax in the sun. With waters perfect for paddling in, enjoy soaking in the gorgeous sun whilst staying cool with a splash about in the calm Mediterranean waves – exactly what you want from a Paphos beach!
Why visit Geroskipou Beach?
With sand stretching well beyond half a kilometre, there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a relaxing moment by the sea. If the sand starts to get on your nerves, there’s plenty of sun loungers and parasols to hire, the best way to get cosy as you doze off listening to the ocean waves.
Facilities & accessibility
With plenty of places to park nearby, public facilities such as toilets, a playground and even an outdoor gym, alongside the local bars that line the boardwalk, you won’t find many beaches in Paphos that are better equipped than Geroskipou. The beach is a steady slope down to the ocean, making it easily accessible for most people.
Best for
If you’re after a good beach to bring the family to after a day out in Paphos, Riccos and Geroskipou are fantastic choices due to their ease of access, large amount of sand and amenities. A beautiful stretch of sand, it’s easy to lose track of time as you relax by the ocean here.
Insider tips
To guarantee the best sunbed or spot of sand, it’s best to arrive to the beach early. Not only will you be able to claim the best place to relax, but you’ll also benefit from the chilled out, tranquil morning vibes that makes an early trip to the beach so worth it.
Faros Beach (Lighthouse Beach)
A beautiful blend of natural beauty and rich history, the golden sands of Faros Beach are a perfect example of what one of the best beaches in Paphos looks like. Nearby to fascinating archaeological sites, the famous Paphos lighthouse and just down the road from a shopping mall. Soft sand, tons of space and warm waters make Faros Beach a great spot to unwind by the ocean and bask in the scorching Cyprus sun.
Why visit Faros Beach?
There’s something for everyone around this gorgeous stretch of sand, whether you enjoy volleyball, archaeological adventures, water sports or simply just relaxing by the sea. Just a short drive from Paphos’ bustling centre, enjoy this quieter and more secluded beach that lies just away from the buildings that sprawl out from the city’s metropolis. If the sand gets a little too coarse and rough and irritating, you’re just a short walk from the historic House of Dionysus, a beautiful, ancient villa from the 2nd century, known for its colourful mosaics of Dionysus.
Facilities & accessibility
Getting to Faros Beach is exceedingly simple, with a car park right next to it and a bus stop just up the road. With a snack bar that serves food and drink alongside arranging sunbed and parasol hire, public toilets accessible just off the boardwalk and a gradual sandy slope down to the Mediterranean Beach, Faros Beach is truly one of the best beaches in Paphos for anyone and everyone.
Best for
Truly immerse yourself in Paphos’ culture with a trip to Faros Beach, where the warm Mediterranean Ocean meets soft sands that lie just a stone’s throw from historic archaeological sites. If you want to discover first hand what the ancient villas in Cyprus looked like whilst also relaxing by the sea, look no further than this coastal Paphos paradise.
Insider tips
Time your trip to Faros Beach to align with what you’re looking for! If incredible views are what you’re after, golden hours don’t get much more scenic than here. Weekdays are traditionally quieter, and weekends are always busier, great for meeting locals and other tourists for games of volleyball or relaxed chats. Spring and Autumn are the best months to visit if you want to avoid the crowds whilst still enjoying the warm waters of the Mediterranean Ocean.
SODAP Beach / Vrysoudia A & B
SODAP Beach, also known as Vrysoudia, is just outside the heart of Paphos and provides locals and tourists alike with a picturesque spot to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Ocean. Whether you’re looking for rest, adventure or just a bite to eat, you can find it all here, cementing SODAP Beach as a contender for one of the best beaches in Cyprus.
Why visit SODAP Beach?
SOPAD Beach is the perfect place to unwind after a long morning or afternoon exploring Paphos. Just outside the centre, you can easily drive from the shops and restaurants to the municipal parking that resides right next to the sand, or alternatively you can make the most of the local bus links, with a stop just up the road from the path to the beach.
Facilities & accessibility
Though there is disabled parking which you can use for free just by SODAP beach, there are steps down to the beach that may be difficult for a wheelchair user to navigate. There are plenty of public facilities around this stretch of sand, with everything ranging from public toilets, a beach club, ice cream, bars and restaurants.
Best for
Swimming and sunbathing are what most locals enjoy taking part in at SODAP Beach, but with a range of water sports on offer, a beach bar and even an array of famous rocks nearby, there’s something for everyone to be found and enjoyed at this beautiful Paphos beach.
Insider tips
If you don’t fancy spending too much money on food at the nearby restaurants, bringing your own packed lunch to enjoy on the sands is the perfect way to have a bite to eat by the sea without breaking the bank – just be sure you don’t tuck in before going swimming!
Nearby villas & accommodation
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Lara Beach
Secluded, great for swimming and with a chance of seeing turtles? Say no more. Lara Beach is a literal “off the beaten track” stretch of sand that lies to the north of the Paphos Region, popular for its quiet and laidback vibe that locals, tourists and turtles all enjoy.
Why visit Lara Beach?
The reasons to visit Lara Beach are almost endless! R+R probably tops the list, as this secluded sandy beach in Paphos is the perfect place to lie down, soak up the sun and doze off to the sound of the Mediterranean waves slowly rolling in. Throughout May to August, you can observe the local loggerhead turtles as they claim the sands as their own throughout their hatching season, a very special time for these beautiful, endangered creatures.
Facilities & accessibility
Just up the road from the beach, you can find parking and the information centre, which has accurate updates on the local turtle population and safety advice whilst enjoying the beach.
Best for
Nature lovers will be quick to fall in love with this seaside sanctuary, with stunning views, rare wildlife and of course the beautiful Mediterranean Ocean all on offer.
Insider tips
Lara Beach has very specific rules to follow during the turtle hatching season. You can find up to date information at the information centre throughout this time, but be sure to leave the beach an hour before sunset to allow the turtles to safely reach the beach to lay their eggs free from any disturbances. Be aware that driving to the beach is a bit of an offroad adventure – so come prepared!
Alykes Beach
Right in the heart of Kato Paphos you’ll find Alykes Beach, with its very small stretch of sand and its rocky run to the ocean just off the concrete coastal walkways. A nice laidback spot to enjoy soaking up the sun whilst only a stone’s throw from all the amenities of Paphos, you can quickly pop by this cute little beach for a sunbathing session before heading into any of the nearby restaurants and bars.
Why visit Alykes Beach?
Restaurants, bars, water sports, local attractions, you name it, it’s all near Alykes Beach, making this tiny stretch of sand a great spot to soak up the sun whilst on a day out around Paphos. After a little lie down on the sand whilst working on your tan, you can follow the concrete walkway to the Happiness Stones of Cyprus, the rocky Municipal Baths and even a public outdoor gym, all the whilst treated by fantastic views of the Mediterranean Ocean.
Facilities & accessibility
Just off the concrete walkway that goes all the way down the coast and just around the corner from public toilets, a raised observation platform and plenty of restaurants, Alykes beach is one of the best beaches in Paphos in terms of facilities and accessibility.
Best for
Alykes Beach’s fantastic location is what gives it its fame, as it can be found just outside Paphos’ centre on the coastal walkway. If you’re after a laidback man-made coastal haven, be sure to visit this beautiful little beach by the boardwalk.
Insider tips
If you’re planning on wading out into the warm waters of the Mediterranean Ocean, it’s best advised to bring water shoes along with you, as the shoreline around Alykes Beach can be fairly rocky.
White River Beach
Sat on Cyprus’ west coast is White River Beach, a beautiful and serene spot that will leave you wondering if you’ve just found the best beach in Paphos. Known for the famous “White River” that trickles all the way down from the Troodos Mountains in winter and spring, if you visit in summer you’ll be faced with a riverbed of smooth stones and sand, a memory of the water that made its journey to the ocean just months prior.
Why visit White River Beach?
If serene spots by the sea are what you’re after, White River Beach is one of the best beaches in Paphos to kick back, relax and appreciate the beautiful nature that surrounds you. Away from the hustle and bustle of it all, embrace the beautiful beach life that people from all over Cyprus travel for. Not only will you be wowed by the fantastic scenery, but you might even spot a turtle or two if you come to visit during the summer. Calling the stones and sands their home throughout their nesting period, loggerhead turtles are another reason to come and visit this beautiful coastal paradise.
Facilities & accessibility
White River Beach is another off the beaten track paradise as you’ll have to traverse through the rugged roads and tracks to reach the sea. There aren’t any facilities nearby, so be sure to bring any food and drinks you need to spend your day relaxing by the sea.
Best for
Wildlife and nature lovers will fall in love with White River Beach thanks to its rugged coastal charm and relaxed, untouched by tourism vibes. Unwind by the ocean and immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds you, from the stone towers at the top of the beach all the way to the waves of the Mediterranean Ocean that roll onto the shore and crash into the rocks, pick out a spot, settle down and enjoy taking it all in – the perfect way to spend a few hours on Cyprus’ sunny coast.
Insider tips
As you first step foot on the beach, you’ll notice lots of stone towers built up by visitors – a tradition for people who make the journey to the sands. If you get involved with the tower building, be sure to construct your pillar on the stone rather than the sand, as this will keep the local turtles safe during their nesting season. Also to truly appreciate White River as one of the best beached in Paphos, be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as there is little to no shade around the area.
Nearby Villas & Accommodation
With everything from lively sandy beaches surrounded by all the amenities you need, to secluded coves that nesting turtles call their home throughout the summer months, there’s nothing quite like visiting any of these beautiful Paphos beaches on a hot, sunny day. Be sure to visit as many of these stretches of sand as you can, as each one will offer a different experience, and then you can form your official opinion on what is the best beach in Paphos.
FAQs
Are there sandy beaches in Paphos?
Simply put – yes! There are plenty of sandy beaches that line Paphos’ coast. From the famous Coral Bay to the popular hotspot of Alykes Beach, there are plenty of stretches of golden sand that have risen to fame with tourists and locals alike.
What is the best beach in Paphos for families?
There isn’t one outright answer when you want to pick out the best beach in Paphos for families, but one of the most accessible is Geroskipou, which you can find just out the centre of Paphos. Make the most of the cafes, bars, public facilities and huge amount of sand when you come to relax on this family friendly beach.
Where can I see turtles in Paphos?
During the summer months, the local population of loggerhead turtles make their way to the sands of plenty of local Paphos beaches, where they will remain until the end of their hatching season. Some of the best places to spot these beautiful animals are White River and Lara Beach.
Are there quiet or secluded beaches in Paphos?
There are plenty of quieter and more secluded beaches in Paphos, ranging from the off the beaten track adventure of a trip to Lara Beach, to the slightly less out of the way but just as quiet stretch of sand known as White River Beach.