Paphos has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, making room for a wealth of glorious beaches. It’s the perfect place to stay for beach lovers. The wildest, most remote stretches hug the Akamas Peninsula, where sea turtles come ashore to nest. From electric-blue bays to sheltered shallows and escape-it-all hideaways, here are the five best beaches in Paphos.
Best for swimming: Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is a vast pool of teal water that is calm and clear. Luckily it can only be reached by 4WD or boat, which helps to keep away the masses. If you don’t fancy the bumpy journey down a long dirt road, sign up for a boat trip from the harbour at Latchi – one of our favourite things to do in Paphos. You can dive off the deck into the balmy waters, before sunning yourself back on board.
Best for Greek legends: Petra tou Romiou
If you ask anyone what to do in Paphos, they’re likely to say visit Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou). According to legend, the Greek goddess of love and beauty rose from the sea and came ashore here. It’s believed if you swim around the rock three times, you’ll be blessed by eternal beauty – although the turbulent sea prohibits this. The pebbly beach overlooks the picturesque stack jutting out of the Mediterranean; best appreciated at sunset. The views are great from the café here too.
Best for a relaxing escape: Polis
On the north coast of Paphos, the little port town of Polis sits on the banks at the point where the Chrysochou river spills into the bay. Its unspoiled stretch of coast is home to a sandy beach with views of the Akamas Peninsula. There’s a campsite here for people who want to stay overnight, plus a clutch of restaurants serving Cyprus cuisine. It has a nice escape-it-all vibe.
Best for families: Coral Bay
This horseshoe-shaped cove bites into the west coast of Cyprus, six kilometres north of Paphos Town. Steep limestone cliffs shelter the bay, making it calm enough for safe swimming. Water-sports facilities include water skiing and diving, plus there are inflatables for younger ones. Parascending is also on offer. Thatched parasols and sunbeds dot the beach, which is lined by restaurants and bars. It’s one of the best beaches in Paphos for children. While it is quieter outside of peak season, even in the summer it’s possible to stake a claim on a patch of sand. A 13th-century BC settlement, Maa-Paleokastro, can be found at the northern end of the beach.
Best for wildlife-spotting: Lara Bay
Further north along the coastline, Lara Bay is a remote sliver accessible only by 4WD. It’s one of the best beaches in Paphos for natural wonders: this untouched beauty provides an ideal habitat for nesting loggerhead and green turtles from May to August. While you must not disturb the creatures or the nests, the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station welcomes visitors who want to see rescued hatchlings paddling about in large tanks and to learn about its environmentalism.
Map of Paphos beaches
The local’s guide to authentic Cyprus
Some of our luxurious and stylish villas in Cyprus have been chosen by our experts with one thing in mind… proximity to Paphos beaches! Why spend a good portion of your holiday hunting for beaches, when you could have one within walking distance?! We’ve also got a concierge team who can help you sort out any added extras, like local in-house chefs, maid service or even just ensuring you have a fully-stocked fridge upon arrival!
