The Cyprus government supports the Blue Flag programme, which promotes clean and environmentally friendly beaches. This program is owned and operated by an independent, non-profit organization called the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). On the basis of implementing safety measures, quality of service, principles of water quality and environmentally friendly wastewater management, in addition to its unspoilt natural beauty, I have made a modest selection of 7 beaches.
Beaches listed as family-friendly have been awarded the Blue Flag award, while the remaining beaches have been selected primarily due to their stunning natural beauty.
Family beaches:
1. Dhekelia Beach (Larnaca) – located in the village of Oroklini in the Larnaca district. This is one of those beautiful, eco-friendly gems offering clean waters, sandy surroundings, safe surroundings (lifeguards), disabled access, bars and restaurants and is easily accessible on foot, by bike or by car. Additional attractions are offered in the form of water sports, such as: diving, windsurfing, fishing, etc.
2. McKenzie Beach (Larnaca) – located in the municipality of Larnaca, the beach begins shortly after leaving Larnaca airport and unfolds in front of you as you drive in the direction of the city. The beach is a quieter version, compared to Phinikoudes Beach, which is the main beach facing the promenade. McKenzie Beach is known for its white sand, shallow and clean sea. A wide selection of restaurants, taverns, water sports facilities (diving, surfing) are offered with a good selection of small hotels and private apartments nearby.
3. Fig Bay (Protaras) – based in the Protaras district. This beach is named after the British in memory of a centuries-old lone fig tree that grows just above the beach. This is a very popular beach in the Protaras district, for those who know it. It was not signposted from the nearby roads, so look for signs indicating the location of the Hotel Salparo apartments and bringing you closer to the beach. The beach offers facilities for water skiing, paragliding or you can simply enjoy its clean waters blending into the sandy surroundings.
4. Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa) in a quiet Nissi Bay there is a magnificent sandy beach with calm, clean and striking turquoise waters and great views. Geographically it is configured in such a way that it is sheltered from the wind. Being only three kilometers from Ayia Napa, it is much quieter than the city beach.
Beaches type “Nature at its best”:
5. Bay of Lara (Pafos) – located where the hand of the developer has not yet fully reached – on the north-western coastal side of the island, on the Akamas peninsula. Lara Bay is situated on the Paphos side, approximately 8 km from Ayios Georgios. It can only be accessed by 4×4 or by hiking. This is ‘nature at its finest’, an almost deserted sandy beach. It is one of the few remaining refuges for the nesting of the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle. The beach is restricted in the height of summer as the turtles nest. Not recommended for children.
6. Coral Bay (Pafos) – is one of the best known beaches in Western Cyprus. Being located in the Peyia Township of Paphos, the beach is around a ten minute drive from Paphos. The beach has a beautiful long curved stretch of golden sand that tumbles between two headlands. The shallow, calm waters offer a safe bathing environment for novice swimmers and children. For those looking for an aquatic adventure, well-equipped diving, water skiing and canoeing clubs are available.
7. “Relax” Beach (Pomos): This tiny Cyprus beach is tucked away opposite the equally small fishing port of Pomos with its even smaller but colorful fishing boats. Small but perfectly formed between the rocks, the only other visitors you’ll likely see will be some locals outside of the busy summer months. Two taverns on either side of the bay offer a selection of fresh and delicious fish dishes. Driving up to Mansoura, on a clear day, breaks the view into a spectacular landscape of Morpou Bay and the Kyrenian Mountains in the distance.
