The Cyprus government supports the Blue Flag program, which promotes clean and environmentally friendly beaches. This program is owned and operated by an independent, nonprofit organization called the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Based on the implementation of security measures, quality of service, ecological principles of water quality and wastewater management, in addition to its unspoiled natural beauty, I have made a modest selection of 7 beaches.
The beaches listed as suitable for families have been awarded the Blue Flag award, while the remaining beaches have been selected mainly due to their impressive natural beauty.
Family beaches:
1. Dhekelia Beach (Larnaca) – located in the village of Oroklini in the Larnaca district. This is one of those beautiful and eco-friendly gems that offers clean water, a sandy setting, a safe environment (lifeguards), disabled access, bars and restaurants and is easily accessible on foot, by bike or by car. Additional attractions are offered in the form of water sports, such as: diving, windsurfing, fishing, etc.
2. McKenzie Beach (Larnaca) – located in the municipality of Larnaca, the beach begins shortly after leaving Larnaca airport and unfolds in front of you as you drive towards the city. The beach is a quieter version, compared to Phinikoudes beach, which is the main beach facing the promenade. McKenzie Beach is known for its white sand, shallow and clean sea. A wide selection of restaurants, taverns, water sports facilities (diving, surfing) is offered with a good selection of small hotels and private apartments nearby.
3. Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) – based in Protaras district. This beach is named by the British in memory of a solitary centuries-old fig tree that grows just above the beach. This is a very popular beach in the Protaras district, for those in the know. It was not signposted from the nearby roads so look for signs indicating the location of the Hotel Salparo apartments and that will bring you closer to the beach. The beach offers facilities for water skiing, parasailing or you can simply enjoy its clean waters blending into the sandy surroundings.
4. Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa) in a quiet Nissi Bay there is a magnificent sandy beach with calm, clean and striking turquoise waters and excellent views. Geographically it is configured in such a way that it is sheltered from the wind. Being only three kilometers from Ayia Napa, it is much quieter than the city beach.
Beaches type “Nature at its best”:
5. Bay of Lara (Paphos) – located where the developer’s hand has yet to fully reach, on the northwest coastal side of the island, on the Akamas Peninsula. Lara Bay is situated on the Paphos side, approximately 8 km from Ayios Georgios. It can only be accessed by 4×4 or by hiking. This is ‘nature at its best’, an almost deserted sandy beach. It is one of the few remaining refuges for the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle to nest. The beach is restricted in the height of summer as turtles nest. Not recommended for children.
6. Coral Bay (Paphos) – is one of the best known beaches in Western Cyprus. Being located in the Peyia Township of Paphos, the beach is about a ten minute drive from Paphos. The beach has a beautiful long, curving stretch of golden sand that falls between two headlands. The shallow, calm waters offer a safe bathing environment for novice-swimmers and children. For those seeking an aquatic adventure, well-equipped diving, water skiing and canoeing clubs are available.
7. Beach “Relax” (Knobs): This small Cyprus beach is tucked away opposite the equally small fishing port of Pomos with its even smaller but colorful fishing boats. Small but perfectly formed among the rocks, the only other visitors you’re likely to see will be some locals outside of the busy summer months. Two taverns on either side of the bay offer a selection of fresh and delicious fish dishes. Driving to Mansoura, on a clear day, breaks the view to spectacular scenery of Morpou Bay and the Kyrenian Mountains in the distance.