A guide to the best beaches in Paphos

Visit Cyprus

Fall under Aphrodite’s’ spell and become infatuated with Paphos’ fifty kilometre stretch of golden coastline. With a staggering 27 beaches hugging the mainland, this ancient city is a water-baby’s paradise with endless amounts of snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Dive in and visit five of the best beaches in Paphos. 

1. Coral Bay

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iStock Shinedawn

Less than a twenty minute drive from the city centre, feast your eyes on one of the most beautiful beaches in Paphos. Coral Bay’s golden sands have been awarded a blue flag year after year and continue to delight punters with sparkling, calm, shallow waters ideal for families with small children. Located in the Peyia region of Paphos, the beach boasts a ton of facilities including sunbeds, restaurants, authentic fish taverns, accommodation and cafes for you to feed your appetite after all that swimming. Bookended by a pair of limestone headlands, the sandy oasis is surrounded by lush greenery making it a real sight for sore eyes that you don’t want to miss out on seeing.  

2. Alykes Beach

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iStock Oleh_Slobodeniuk

Sitting right on the doorstep of Paphos town, Alykes beach is probably going to be your first port of call when you visit the city. Easily accessible and in such close proximity to most of the area’s tourist accommodation, you can literally roll out of bed onto the sand. Offering a little something for everyone, at this beach you can lounge on sunbeds, cocktail in hand or sit by the sea building sand castles with your kids. Situated right beside the harbour in Kato Paphos, Alykes is monitored by lifeguards throughout the summer season and features its own beach club where you can indulge in local cuisine whilst watching the sun disappear into the horizon. 

3. Latchi

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Located in the coastal town resort of Polis Crysochous, the raw, natural beauty of Latchi is well-worth the 45 minute drive from Paphos town. Set against the backdrop of the quaint fishing village, enjoy the unique panoramic view in one of the only spots in Cyprus where the mountains meet the sea. Escape the blazing afternoon sun under one of the many umbrellas on offer and cool off with a cold brew at one of the many neighbouring bars and restaurants. Featuring an innovative system which grants full sea access to disabled people this beach ensures absolutely everyone can enjoy its sandy pebbled shore. 

4. Faros

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iStock Dzmitrock87

Hidden in the west end of Paphos, Faros beach is a little slice of sandy heaven with its incredible views and warm, shallow waters. Family friendly and easily accessible, this beach oozes a more peaceful vibe with naturally stunning surroundings and a plethora of walking trails. With all the facilities you could want including restaurants, changing rooms, showers and convenience stores, you can spend all day catching the sun here. Positioned near to some of the city’s best attractions such as the medieval castle, harbour, Pafos mosaics and famous archaeological site, the Tomb of Kings, the beach is a great starting point for a day of exploring. Cornered in by lush green vegetation, this is definitely one to add to the list of the best beaches in Paphos. 

5. Lara Bay

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iStock Michele_Caldarisi

A beach with a difference, Lara Bay rounds up the list of where to go to sunbathe in Paphos with its picturesque shores and turtle conservation site. Completely natural in its environment, you won’t find umbrellas or deckchairs covering every corner of this beach but rather a bunch of green leatherback turtles relaxing in the heat of the sun, under the protection of devoted conservationists. Just a stone’s throw from the centre of the city, access to the beach is restricted in the evenings so as not to disturb the wildlife so plan for an early start and make your way to Lara Bay before the crowds. Take a guided tour of the area for more information on its unique residents and enjoy wander through the native orchids and crocuses. With egg hatching being at its height from May to August, this is definitely one to add to the list of what to do in Paphos during the summer.

 

Planning a trip to Paphos soon? Tag us in your photos of the best beaches in Paphos using the hashtag #ryanairstories, for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s Instagram feed.

 

Flights to Paphos

 

- Lucy Norris