Cyprus has beaches to suit all tastes and the perfect climate to enjoy them. If on a Cyprus holiday based near Paphos here is a pick of four of the best beaches to try. With a hire car all the beaches are within an easy day trip of Paphos
Best Beach for Children: Coral Bay, Cyprus, a Sandy Gently Shelving Beach.
Many beaches in Cyprus consist of mainly shingle with short stretches of sand, but Coral Bay 11km north west of Paphos has a half kilometer crescent of sheltered sandy beach.
The beach shelves very gently into the sea, and the protection of two headlands mean the sheltered bay is safe from currents making Coral Bay a children's favourite beach.
The swimming area of the bay is protected from boats by buoys and during the summer season lifeguards are present.
Umbrellas and sun beds are available to hire along with a few pedlos and other water sports.
Best Cyprus Beach for Peace and Quiet: Lara Beach Where the Turtles Choose to Nest
Cape Lara approximately 30km's north west of Paphos has large sandy beaches on both sides of the cape. During the summer months Green and Leatherback turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs, and for this reason the Lara Bay beaches remain beautifully unspoilt. The kilometer long sweeping bays rarely have more than a few people around and most of them will be clustered near the fantastically situated restaurant on the southern beach.
In order to protect the turtles, access to the beaches is restricted during summer evenings, and during this time lights cannot be shown nearby.
To reach Lara Bay from Paphos first folow the coast road to Coral Bay, but rather than turning off into Coral bay continue towards Agios Georgios. Nearing Agios Georgios a right turn signed Akamas should be taken. The road is tarmaced as far as the White River Gorge Restaurant. The final kilometers to Lara Bay are on dirt road, in dry conditions the road is passable in a normal two wheel drive car, although the rental contract should be checked first, as many prohibit driving off tarmac unless a four wheel drive car is hired.
Best Beach for Scenery: Asprokremos Beach Near Polis
This is the furthest of the featured beaches from Paphos. Asprokremos beach is near Polis on the east coast of the Akamas Peninsula. The beach consists of small shingle, has safe swimming and stunning views to the north east coast of the Akamas Peninsula. The Rough Guide to Cyprus (Rough Guides 2005) states that "Asprokremos (is) one of the best beaches the south has to offer"
To reach Asprokremos Beach from Paphos first follow the coast road to a little beyond Coral Bay then take the E709 north to Polis. From Polis follow signs to Lakki then on to Aphrodite's bath. A little before reaching Aphrodite's bath look for any of a number of access points to the beach.
Best Beach for Snorkeling: Aphrodite's Birthplace
Cyprus holidays are not renowned for snorkeling. The temperature and lack of oxygen in the water this far east in the Medditeranean means the snorkeling in Cyprus is not as good as that for in for instance the Red Sea. However the snorkeling around the rocks of Aphrodite's birthplace provides views of plentiful fish in crystal clear waters.
From Paphos follow the B6 east towards Lemesos (Limassol) The car park for Aphrodite's birthplace, which is properly known as Petre tou Romiou, is well signed to the left of the road. Access to the beach is via a pedestrian subway.
Need More Ideas for the Best Beaches Near Paphos?
The Cyprus Tourist Office Website has listing of beaches and accommodation near Paphos and the rest of Southern Cyprus.
HOL101
 |
 |
 |
