The best beaches in and around Paphos
Last verified 19 October 2026
The coast around Paphos (Pafos, Baf) runs from organised town beaches, lined with sunbeds and lifeguard towers, to empty sandy bays on the Akamas peninsula that you reach by rough track or by boat. The town beaches are mostly sand and calm. Further east the shore turns to pebbles, and on the north coast around Polis you get a mix of sand and shingle. Lifeguards on the main organised beaches work from April to October.
Paphos town
Vrysoudia. Two neighbouring Blue Flag beaches, Vrysoudia A and B, in the Kato Paphos tourist area off Poseidonos Avenue. Vrysoudia A is about 300 metres of golden sand with clean, calm, shallow water that suits families. Toilets, showers, sunbeds and umbrellas, with lifeguards from April to October.
Alykes. A sandy beach of about 200 metres in Kato Paphos, close to the harbour, so it is the easiest to reach on foot from the old town. Calm water, sunbeds and umbrellas, and lifeguards from April to October. Blue Flag in 2026.
Pachyammos. Two short Blue Flag beaches, Pachyammos 1 and 2, in Geroskipou (Yeroskipou), about four kilometres from the centre of Paphos. Pachyammos 1 is only about 50 metres long. Showers, toilets, sunbeds and lifeguards from April to October.
Faros. At the western end of Paphos, out towards Kissonerga, around 400 metres of golden sand. It is more open than the town beaches and the sea tends to get wavy, so check the flags. There is a playground, a beach volleyball court and a nature trail behind it, plus the usual showers, sunbeds and lifeguards in season. Blue Flag in 2026.
North along the coast
Coral Bay. Southwest of Peyia (Pegeia), a sandy bay between two limestone headlands, and the best known beach in the district. Fine golden sand, calm and fairly shallow water, sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, lifeguards and disabled access. Blue Flag in 2026.
Agios Georgios. A short drive beyond Coral Bay, at the edge of the Akamas, a small fishing harbour with around 100 metres of yellow sand under high cliffs and quieter coves either side. The water is usually calm and clear. The archaeological site of Agios Georgios, with the remains of a sixth century basilica, is on the headland above.
Lara Bay and Toxeftra. Further up the Akamas, wide sandy bays that are protected as nesting beaches for loggerhead and green turtles. There are no facilities at all, so bring water, food and shade. From early June to the end of September umbrellas, sunbeds and tents are banned, and you may not stay on the beach at night. Driving onto the sand, lighting fires and collecting sand crabs are banned all year. Do not touch marked nests. The last stretch is a rough track, and a four wheel drive is often recommended.
Blue Lagoon. A sheltered bay on the north side of the Akamas, with pale sand under clear water that gives it the colour. Most people come by boat from Latchi harbour, about 30 to 45 minutes along the coast, and swim off the boat. By land the only way is a rough coastal track from the Baths of Aphrodite, unsuitable for ordinary cars, or a walk of about six kilometres each way with little shade. In July and August several boats anchor at once, so go early or late. Wind can cancel sailings.
Polis and Latchi
Polis beach. Polis Chrysochous has a wide municipal beach, popular in summer but rarely packed. It had a Blue Flag in 2026. Nearby, the beach by the camping site at Dasoudi has a mix of sand and pebbles, with calm, shallow water and lifeguards from April to October.
Latchi. A few kilometres west of Polis, the harbour village of Latchi (Latsi) has a long shore that is mostly pebbles with a stretch of sand, and views back towards the mountains. It is the starting point for boats to the Blue Lagoon.
East towards Limassol
Petra tou Romiou. Aphrodite’s Rock, on the coast road between Paphos and Limassol near Kouklia. The beach is pebbles and rock, and the seabed is rocky, so water shoes help. Park on the inland side and use the underpass beneath the road, then a few steps down. Do not try to cross the road. Swimming right by the big rock is dangerous because of strong currents, so stay in the calmer water further along. Toilets and showers are by the car park, not on the beach.
Practical
Sun and heat. From June to September the midday sun is fierce. Wild beaches like Lara and Toxeftra have no shade, so take your own and leave nothing behind.
Sea safety. Swim where there is a lifeguard if you have children with you, and follow the flags. Open beaches such as Faros and Petra tou Romiou can have waves and currents even on sunny days.
Turtle beaches. Keep off the Lara and Toxeftra beaches at night from June to September, and leave marked nests alone.
Tracks and hire cars. Many hire contracts exclude unpaved roads, and damage on them may not be covered. Check before driving the Akamas tracks. See our car hire guide and the best time to visit Cyprus.