Best Beaches in Cyprus for Families

Cyprus blends ancient history, beautiful beaches and over 300 days of sunshine, which makes it an ideal destination for villa-style living. A luxury villa in Cyprus gives you freedom, space, privacy and high-end amenities such as a private pool and a fully equipped kitchen. If you have children, though, they will want the beach as well as the pool — so which are the best beaches in Cyprus for families?

This Cyprus travel guide takes you to some of the outstanding beaches along the south coast, all of them well suited to families, and particularly to those with younger children.

The Best Beaches in Cyprus for Families

Fig Tree Bay, Protaras

Fig Tree Bay family beach in Protaras, Cyprus, with shallow clear water

Fig Tree Bay sits in Protaras, in the southeast of the island, and is arguably the best family beach in Cyprus. It is 1,640 feet (500 metres) long, has golden sand and holds a Blue Flag, which means the water is safe and the beach is clean. The main advantage for families with younger children is that the water stays shallow a long way out and the sea is very calm. If you need shade, especially for little ones, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire at reasonable rates.

There are several amenities at the beach, including a café bar serving drinks and snacks. If you want a more substantial meal, there are plenty of restaurants close by.

For older children there is a wide range of watersports, such as water skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and paragliding. Snorkelling is easy here because the water is so clear, and it is reassuring to know there are lifeguards on duty throughout the summer season.

Your children will probably enjoy a boat trip too, and these depart from nearby Protaras Harbour.

Makronissos Beach, Ayia Napa

Makronissos Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, with turquoise sheltered water

Makronissos Beach lies just west of busy Ayia Napa. It is a trio of sheltered bays, with the eastern cove the calmest and therefore the best for families with young children. The sand is white and the water a beautiful, crystal-clear turquoise, perfect for snorkelling — and it is far less hectic than nearby Nissi Beach.

The beach slopes gently into the sea and the water is shallow and warm, so it suits younger children well. Older ones may enjoy the watersports centre, which offers jet-skiing and paragliding.

It is an organised beach with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas to rent at good rates. There are lifeguards on duty from April to October, beach bars for drinks and snacks, and tavernas close by. Makronissos also holds a Blue Flag, certifying high standards of cleanliness, safety and water clarity.

Coral Bay, Paphos

Coral Bay beach in Paphos, Cyprus, with golden sand and calm blue water

Historic Paphos sits on the southwest coast, and just 5 miles (8 km) northwest of the town is one of the most popular beaches on the island, Coral Bay. Another Blue Flag beach, its calm shallow water and golden sand make it well suited to children. The main beach lies in a horseshoe-shaped cove framed by limestone headlands.

If you like a lively holiday atmosphere, this is the beach for you — in summer, expect beach music and crowds of both tourists and locals. If you prefer somewhere quieter, Laourou Beach is just north of Coral Bay and also has shallow water.

Coral Bay is well organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, lifeguards on duty and cafés on the sand. The watersports centre offers paragliding, jet skiing and banana boats.

Running parallel to the beach is Coral Bay Avenue, where you will find international restaurants, traditional tavernas, bars, British-style pubs and souvenir shops.

Finikoudes Beach, Larnaca

Finikoudes Beach in Larnaca, Cyprus, with palm-lined promenade and blue sea

Heading back east along the coast you come to the city of Larnaca and its busy city beach, Finikoudes, which runs for 1,968 feet (600 metres). It has dark golden sand and calm, shallow water, ideal for families with young children — you can walk a long way out before it even reaches your knees. It is a popular and lively beach, and at the same time clean and safe, with a Blue Flag to show for it.

The Athenian Avenue promenade runs alongside, lined with cafés, restaurants, shops and free outdoor gym equipment. The beach also offers a wide variety of watersports and beach volleyball courts.

Lady’s Mile Beach, Limassol

Lady’s Mile Beach in Limassol, Cyprus, with calm water and a peaceful shoreline

The last beach on our list is Lady’s Mile in Limassol. It is sandy, with calm, clear water, so again it is perfect for children — and a bonus for the young ones is that they will find plenty of seashells.

It is a long beach, stretching for over 4 miles (7 km). It is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are restaurants close by serving fresh fish and traditional Cypriot food.

When Is the Best Time for a Cypriot Family Beach Holiday?

If you have children of school age, you will probably have to travel in the peak season of July or August. The atmosphere is vibrant, but it will also be crowded and very hot, ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F), and if you are staying in a luxury villa in Cyprus, prices will be at their highest.

If you have toddlers you will be more flexible with dates, and the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October are excellent times to visit. It is very warm but not too hot, it is less crowded, and villas to rent in Cyprus are cheaper than in peak season.

Essential Tips for Beach Visits in Cyprus

• Choose the right beach. Younger children need calm, shallow water; older ones may want watersports or beach games such as volleyball.
• Get there early. If you want a sunbed and umbrella, arrive early or you may find they have gone. You will also have the pick of the spots by the water’s edge, where it is cooler.
• Make sure there is ample shade. Seek shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its hottest.
• Do not skimp on sunscreen. Make sure your children have sunblock of 50 SPF.
• Take plenty of water. Keeping everyone hydrated matters more than you think in the Cypriot heat.

FAQs About Family Beaches in Cyprus

Do I need a car to go to the beaches in Cyprus?

If you are staying in a luxury villa in Cyprus you will often be off the beaten track, so you will need a car to reach the beach. Even where there is a bus, you will probably have a lot of beach gear with you, so a car is far easier.

Would it be better to stay in a hotel near the beach rather than in a villa?

You might be closer to the beach in a hotel, but a villa gives you space and privacy as well as high-end amenities, including a washing machine for swimwear. You will have multiple bathrooms, so everyone can shower quickly. If you are exhausted and do not want to go out, you can self-cater instead of dressing up — or hire a private chef.

How much do sunbeds and umbrellas cost in Cyprus?

The average cost for two sunbeds and an umbrella is around €10 for the day.

Where do I fly to in Cyprus?

If you are staying near Paphos, fly into Paphos Airport. For a villa near Limassol, you can fly to either Paphos or Larnaca. For Protaras, Ayia Napa and Larnaca, fly to Larnaca Airport.

What is the average cost of a villa holiday in Cyprus?

You can pay between £120 and £350 per night, depending on the size and location.

Ready to Find Your Cyprus Villa?

Unsure which beach to take your family to during your visit? This guide to the best beaches in Cyprus for families should steer you in the right direction, whether you need shallow water for toddlers or watersports for teenagers. Browse the Bnbstay collection of Cypriot villas to find your base.