Natalie From golden sands to seaside experiences, the best coastal towns in Cyprus are massively underrated. Naturally, being an island, there is a wide variety, and regardless of whether you want lovely beaches just to relax, or to set up a home in a town with a strong sense of community, you will find the coastal destination that matches your lifestyle preferences.
During winter, most coastal towns dial down a notch or two, but come spring, they soon burst into action as tourists descend for the sun, sea, sand sand lifestyle. Whether you want to buy a holiday home, an investment property or somewhere to live permanently, the following places are worth considering.
About the Best Coastal Towns in Cyprus
1: Pervolia Village: The Perfect Setting
In the Larnaca district, Pervolia village sees the population rise to roughly 5000 people during summer, but the relaxed atmosphere remains low-key with distinct communities. Home to Faros Beach, it is the perfect place to lay back on sun loungers and enjoy the numerous days of sunshine. The beachfront location is just a 15-minute drive from Larnaca airport, and for quality of life, expect oodles of peace and traditional cafes. Golfing enthusiasts will also love this destination since within a short drive are numerous courses. The local council has also invested into a coastal path to capture the best of those sea views.
2: Pissouri Picturesque Village with Stunning Views
Pissouri has two distinct parts in the Limassol area: the village and Pissouri Beach. The small population, never exceeding 1500, makes this an ideal community since residents consist of Cypriots and many Brits. Once unheard of, over the last ten years, new developments have attracted attention, and this looks set to continue with ample land for building. Also known for the 19th-century church, residents can enjoy ample shops and tavernas in the main centre and around the beach. This is where to find tradition but also enjoy modern facilities within a short drive.
3: Pomos for Breathtaking views
This ideal destination for embracing authenticity promotes Cypriot villages at their best. Mediterranean village life is low-key, peaceful, and quiet on the rugged coastline. It is not one of the larger communities, but that is the charm. In addition, the port area is popular, mainly for fresh fish catches, which generally end up in restaurants. The Akron Pomos cape, only two kilometres away, is ideal for sunsets and stunning sea views. The beaches are great for children, and the village is steeped in old world charm.
4: Ayia Napa for Lively Nightlife Scenes and Sandy Beaches
If beach parties, beach clubs, and lively streets are your idea of fun after dark, then the warm waters of Ayia Napa are the place to head to. The vibrant nightlife centres around Ayia Napa Square, where the party atmosphere continues until the early hours. Having said this, Ayia Napa deserves credit for its beautiful coastline, which has many famous beaches like Makronissos Beach and Nissi Beach. Head further east, for Cape Greco National Forest Park or the historic town aspect, Ayia Napa monastery is a big attraction. Expect excellent restaurants and overall, a central location with lively atmospheres.
5: Protaras Beach Resort for Blue Waters
Previously, Protaras tourist resort was called the land of windmills, but these days, the town earns more fame for its beautiful beaches, including Green Bay Beach and the Fig Tree Bay area. Sitting next door to Ayia Napa, while it has looked towards tourism inspiration, it maintains a less party reputation and is more family-oriented. Also, being close to Cape Greco National Park, diving in Green Bay and Cyclops is popular. Along with Aynia Napa, Protaras boasts of many blue-flag beaches. Excellent transport links take locals to nearby towns, and Ayia Napa is just a 20-minute drive away.
6: Paphos for Historic Sites
For its rich history, Paphos delivers in abundance alongside the famous Aphrodite nature trail. With Kato Paphos being known as the UNESCO old town, nearby restaurants and taverns serve delicious local cuisine to immerse yourself in island living truly. Archaeological sites include the Nea Paphos and Paphos Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings, Paphos Castle, and Saint Neophytos Monastery, to name but a few. Within a day trip, there are plenty of nearby attractions for history enthusiasts. Within a short drive, Lara Beach, and Coral Bay Beach (Blue Flag) have a lot of fame. These superb beaches have esteemed reputations for pristine waters and white sand and become a nature hotspot during hot summers.
7: Limassol Coastal City for Culture
Featuring the 5-kilometre Lady’s Mile Beach and excelling in cultural events and water sports, Limassol is more a city than a town. Yet attracts many tourists and expat communities. With the ancient city roots stemming between the old port and castle, this Cypriot city has a prime southern coastal location. The area is separated into the Kato Polemidia, Mesa Geitonia, Agios Athanasios, Germasogeia, and Ypsonas municipalities, and roughly 13% of residents are registered as foreigners. Experiencing slightly higher temperatures, the esteemed reputation of this larger city speaks volumes.
8: Larnaca and the Palm Lined Finikoudes Beach
Sitting on the southern coast, this is another destination that excels in golden sands like McKenzie Beach. Additionally, as the third largest city, Larnaca earns fame for Salt Lake, which attracts flamingos in winter. Finikoudes promenade fronting the shallow water is the heart of the city centre, and tourism accounts for roughly 75% of workers. Breaking down into Skala, Prodromos, Faneromeni, Drosia, Kamares, Vergina and Agioi Anargyroi districts, Larnaca is a must-visit destination with plenty of museums, arts, and culture. Larnaca is an excellent place to consider for families looking at international schools.
9: Kyrenia: The Charm of North Cyprus
The heart of North Cyprus, Kyrenia town (Girne), displays modern and traditional contrasts when sitting in a restaurant or tavern or exploring Kyrenia harbour. The town’s modern hotels and restaurants highlight tourism industries, while old cobblestoned pathways highlight the traditional side. The breathtaking old Kyrenia Harbor, fine examples of a Byzantine/Crusader castle (Saint Hilarion Castle or the Buffavento Castle), and bars and restaurants are here, which stretches from the villages of Karşyaka to Atalköy. Many homes are close to some of Kyrenia’s most well-known landmarks, including the castle. Kyrenia (Girne) is where you can appreciate the natural beauty of Kyrenia Mountain.
10: Iskele – Rising in Popularity
Iskele is rising in popularity as a place to invest or purchase real estate. Abundant in natural resources like minerals, water, and land, friendly locals add a warm atmosphere to the community spirit. For house hunters, numerous options also present good potential for the future since the small town is expanding. The Iskele Peninsula’s golden beaches and turquoise waters rank among the best, especially on the eastern side, and sea turtles flock to the sandy coastlines’ pure, clean water, returning annually to lay their eggs. The area, divided into three sub-districts, İskele, Mehmetçik and Yialousa, the fishing village of Boğaz next door, is another destination that seems to exist in a world of its own.
11: Esentepe – North Cyprus
Esentepe village in Northern Cyprus offers coastal views and lush landscapes. For relaxation and cultural exploration, expect friendly communities, golf courses, and proximity to historical sites. Esentepe, on the north coast, east of Kyrenia (Girne), in the foothills of the Five Finger Mountains, provides breathtaking views and peaceful countryside settings. Visitors enjoy several attractions, including championship golf courses at the Korineum Golf Resort. The village is near Alagadi Turtle Beach, where loggerhead and green turtles’ nest, and the historic Buffavento Castle, portraying the island’s past. It is an excellent place to explore mountain villages.
12: Peyia Near Akamas Peninsula National Park
Sitting southwest of Akamas Peninsula National Park and belonging to the Paphos district, the turquoise water of this area has become a hotspot with British buyers, many of whom own holiday homes. The neighbouring village of Kathikas, which is home to Sterna Winery, makes this a cute little enclave that attracts nature lovers and those who love azure waters. Maybe the fame of this charming town is because, in 2019, international singer Shakira bought a beachfront property here, proving the worth of this attractive destination. Coral Bay and Lara Beach are nearby for excellent beaches, but check out Maniki and Corallia Beaches for incredible sunsets.
13: Tala
Wake up each day to the stunning Mediterranean Sea right from your cosy abode in Tala, a quaint town tucked away in the Paphos district. Perched on the Troodos Mountains, Tala’s location vastly differs from fast-paced city life. During the British Colonial Period, Tala was popular with well-off British expatriates, so the fame isn’t a new attraction, just a revival of the past. Tala is home to approximately 3,000 residents per the last census, and there is a blend of local Cypriots and expatriates, providing multicultural blends.
Need to Know – The South and the North
Put aside beach bars and golden sandy beaches for a moment because where you go, will dictate your travel plans. South Cyprus is the Republic of Cyprus, an internationally recognised EU member state governed by Greek Cypriots. North Cyprus, is a self-declared state recognised only by Turkey.The UN Buffer Zone (Green Line) separates the two areas, with border crossings allowing movement between them.
South Cyprus: For the south, Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is the gateway, with flights to and from central European, Middle Eastern, and international destinations. Paphos International Airport (PFO) is smaller but popular with tourists visiting the western and southern parts.South Cyprus is Greek, as seen in the language, and the Euro (€) is the currency. South Cyprus has more developed tourism infrastructure, luxury resorts, and international hotel chains, particularly in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Limassol, and Paphos. It also features ancient Greek and Roman ruins, like Kourion and Paphos’ archaeological sites, alongside Byzantine churches.
North Cyprus: Ercan Airport is the air travel hub here. Please note that passengers must go via Turkey first for many flights to Ercan International Airport. North Cyprus is Turkish, hence the language and the Turkish Lira (₺) as currency, although the Euro and British Pound are widely accepted. Less commercialised North Cyprus offers peaceful atmospheres, with attractions like Kyrenia (Girne) Harbour, Bellapais Abbey, and the Karpas Peninsula, known for their wild landscapes. There are also Ottoman and medieval influences, with landmarks like Kyrenia Castle, St. Hilarion Castle, and Selimiye Mosque (formerly St. Sophia Cathedral) in Nicosia.
Nicosia, the capital city, splits into South Nicosia and North Nicosia, with the UN Buffer Zone (Green Line) running through the centre. The town blends ancient and modern influences, featuring Venetian walls, Ottoman-era buildings, Byzantine churches, the famous 16th Buyuk Han, and contemporary shops, cafés, and museums.
Key landmarks include Ledra Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue with a border crossing; the Cyprus Museum, home to significant archaeological artefacts; and Selimiye Mosque, a former Gothic cathedral in the northern part. Despite the division, Nicosia remains a vibrant cultural and economic hub, offering visitors a fascinating mix of history, architecture, and daily life from Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
People Also Ask
What are the most beautiful seaside towns in Cyprus?
Ayia Napa, famous for its golden beaches and clear waters, earns a steady stream of tourists and house hunters. At the same time, nearby Protaras is a suitable alternative for a less party atmosphere. Larnaca, one of the oldest cities, offers a scenic palm-lined promenade and the historic Church of Saint Lazarus. Further west, Limassol stands out with the lively marina and a charming old town filled with cafes and boutiques.
For authentic experiences, Pissouri offers breathtaking sea views between Limassol and Paphos. Latchi attracts nature lovers near the Akamas Peninsula with the stunning Blue Lagoon. At the same time, Polis, a short drive away, has laid-back vibes and is near the mythical Baths of Aphrodite. Lastly, Pomos, a small fishing village on the rugged northwest coast, enchants visitors with dramatic cliffs. Whether seeking vibrant resorts or secluded retreats, Cyprus’ seaside towns offer something for every traveller.
Which part of Cyprus has the nicest beaches?
Around Ayia Napa and Protaras, the southeast coast excels in beautiful beaches, with powdery white sand and stunning coves. Fig Tree Bay in Protaras features shallow, calm waters, perfect for families and children, while Nissi Beach attracts visitors with a small islet reached on foot, and nearby Konnos Bay, with lush greenery, offers more secluded settings. While the island has breathtaking coastal spots, the southeastern region consistently stands out for the dreamy, postcard-worthy coast.
Where is the prettiest part of Cyprus?
The Akamas Peninsula, in the northwest, is beautiful. This protected nature reserve includes rugged cliffs, lush forests, clear waters, and breathtaking coastal scenery. The Blue Lagoon is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and the Baths of Aphrodite are a legendary site linked to Greek mythology and mystique. Scenic hiking trails, like the Aphrodite and Adonis Trails, offer panoramic views and unspoiled landscapes, and unlike more developed parts, Akamas remains largely untouched, making it an ideal tranquillity destination.
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