Best Beaches Near Aphrodite Hills

Aphrodite Hills is a resort in the Paphos district covering 578 acres, and it is the perfect place to rent a luxury villa with a pool. You have privacy, space and the freedom to do what you want, when you want. You can eat at the villa, either cooking for yourself or hiring a private chef, as every villa has a fully equipped kitchen. Alternatively, you can eat at one of the on-site restaurants and make the most of the golf, tennis and spa facilities. Some days you will simply want to enjoy your private pool, but you are so close to the sea that it would be a shame not to spend a day at the coast.

This guide takes you to the best beaches near Aphrodite Hills, from lively family bays to wild, remote coves and a protected nature reserve. Whatever kind of beach day you are after, there is something within easy reach of the resort.

Pissouri Bay: The Closest All-Round Beach

Pissouri Bay is not far from Aphrodite Hills, a 10 to 15 minute drive away. Turn left out of the resort, go through Pissouri Village, head downhill and follow the signs to Pissouri Bay.

The beach is surrounded by stunning white limestone cliffs, the water is crystal clear, and the shore is a mixture of sand and pebbles. It is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets strict standards for safety, water quality and environmental management. It does slope sharply into the sea, so it is not suitable for young children, but it is fine for older ones, as the water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

The beach is organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards and showers, and there is a wide selection of watersports on offer, including jet skiing and kayaking. Despite the excellent facilities, it does not get too crowded, even in peak season, and it keeps its authentic feel.

It is an easy place to spend all day, as the bay is lined with restaurants, cafés and bars. Try Captain’s Bay for drinks, which they will even bring to your sunbed, and Il Buchetto for pizza.

If you want a break from the sand, there are nature trails starting from the beach. Five minutes up the hill is Pissouri Village, with its cobblestone streets, lovely square and traditional tavernas.

Aphrodite’s Rock Beach: Best for Scenery and Sunsets

Aphrodite’s Rock and pebble beach near Paphos, Cyprus

Turn left as you come out of the resort and travel just 984 feet (300 metres), and you are there. There is a car park, and from it you walk under the road to the beach.

Aphrodite’s Rock Beach is famous for its crystal-clear water, but it gets deep quickly and the currents and waves can be strong. It is more a beach for sunbathing than for swimming, unless you are a strong swimmer. It is also a lovely spot to watch the sunset, and one of the most photographed places on the island.

The beach is mainly pebbles and there are few facilities, so bring most of what you need. Water and sunscreen are particularly important, and water shoes are essential for walking on the pebbles. There are, however, showers, toilets and a small snack bar.

Coral Bay: Best for Families

Coral Bay near Paphos with golden sand and calm turquoise water

Coral Bay is a lovely family beach, 25 to 29 miles (roughly 40 to 45 km) northwest of Paphos.

It has soft golden sand and calm, shallow water, suitable even for younger children. It is a Blue Flag beach with full amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas and watersports. The only drawback is that it gets very busy in peak season, so arrive early.

Coral Bay is a great place to spend the whole day, thanks to its lively strip of bars, pubs, tavernas and international restaurants. It is open from morning until late, so you could easily stay on for a night out.

Kourion Beach: Best for Beach Time and Ancient History

Kourion Beach beneath the ancient cliffside ruins in Cyprus

Kourion Beach is 22 miles (35 km) east of Aphrodite Hills, towards Limassol. It has a mix of sand and pebbles and stays shallow for quite a way out. An offshore wind can make the water choppy, so take care when swimming. It is a popular spot for bodyboarding and surfing.

It is busy with local families at weekends, so get there early if you want a sunbed. Umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented at a low rate, and there are showers, changing rooms and toilets. During the summer season there are lifeguards and first aid services along the coast.

This Blue Flag beach sits directly below the Kourion ruins, so you can spend half a day on the sand and half touring the archaeological site. The beach stretching beneath the cliffside ruins makes for a dramatic setting.

Kourion Beach is also a great place for lunch, as there are many tavernas on the beachfront, some serving freshly caught fish.

Lara Beach: Best for Nature and Seclusion

Remote Lara Beach on the protected Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus

Twenty-seven miles (43 km) northwest of Aphrodite Hills you will find Lara Beach on the remote Akamas Peninsula. The last part of the journey crosses rough terrain and needs a four-wheel drive, but it is well worth it if you are interested in nature. The bay is home to several species of turtle that come here every year between April and October, and it is a great spot for birdwatching, as many species stop at Lara Bay on their migratory routes.

Lara Bay is a pristine stretch of golden sand protected as a nature reserve. Because of that, and the difficulty of getting there, it has stayed completely uncommercialised. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas, and no taverna on the beach, so bring everything you need, including food and water. It is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a peaceful retreat.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Beaches Near Aphrodite Hills?

If you are a sun worshipper and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, the best time is peak season, July and August. There are still quieter beaches you can escape to in high summer if you like hot weather but not the crowds, such as Pissouri and Lara. Be aware that temperatures range between 30°C (86°F) and 35°C (95°F), and can climb higher. If you are staying in a luxury villa in Aphrodite Hills, prices will also be at their highest.

The most pleasant times to visit the beaches, though, are the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, when it is still very warm but not too hot. It is less crowded, and villa prices in Aphrodite Hills are lower.

Essential Tips for Visiting Beaches Near Aphrodite Hills

• Choose the right beach. Some are vibrant, others stay quiet even in summer. Some have facilities and tavernas close by; others are remote, and you have to bring everything with you.
• Get there early. If you are heading to an organised beach, arrive early or you may find there are no sunbeds left, particularly in peak season.
• Take sun and heat protection seriously. The sun is intense in Cyprus, so always wear sunscreen and a hat, and carry water with you.
• Bring water shoes. Several of these beaches are pebbly, so water shoes will save your feet.
• Make sure you have shade. The sun is at its hottest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so do not sit out in it for too long during those hours.

FAQs About Beaches Near Aphrodite Hills

Do I need a car to visit the beaches near Aphrodite Hills?

Yes. Most of the beaches are some distance from the resort, so you will need a car. If you want to go to Lara Beach, you will need a four-wheel drive.

How much does it cost to rent a sunbed and umbrella in Cyprus?

It costs around €5 for one sunbed and umbrella.

Is it better to stay in a hotel near the beach or in an Aphrodite Hills villa?

Even though you might be nearer the beach in a hotel, you will not have the space, privacy and flexibility of a villa. You will also have a washing machine for towels and swimwear, and multiple bathrooms for after-beach showers.

How do I get to Aphrodite Hills?

There are direct flights to Paphos International Airport from the UK and other major European cities. From there it is best to hire a car. The distance is 10.5 miles (17 km) and the drive takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

What is the average cost of a villa holiday in Aphrodite Hills?

Depending on the time of year, a two to three bedroom villa costs between €150 and €459 per night. A four to six bedroom villa costs from €500 to €1,200 per night.