A captivating Mediterranean jewel, Europe's 'Island of Love', boasts stunning beaches and exquisite wineries.
Top Family-Friendly Beaches in Cyprus
Cyprus, the "Island of Love," offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history. For families seeking shallow, child-friendly waters combined with water sports, Cyprus boasts several excellent beaches. Here are some top recommendations:
Makronissis Beach Located east of Ayia Napa, Makronissis Beach is a hidden gem with a main beach and three individual coves. This beach is highly recommended for families due to its shallow, clear waters and a variety of water sports such as jet-skiing, kayaking, parasailing, pedal boating, wakeboarding, and snorkeling. The peaceful atmosphere, good facilities, and proximity to archaeological sites like the Makronissos tombs make it an ideal destination for families seeking cultural interest as well[1][3].
Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) Fig Tree Bay, one of the best beaches in Europe, is renowned for its beautiful white sand, clear shallow waters, and a tiny islet offshore. The calm, turquoise waters are ideal for children, making it a very family-friendly beach. On calm days, visitors can wade to the islet for a unique experience[1][2].
Lady’s Mile Beach Lady’s Mile Beach, near Larnaca, is a long, shallow, and spacious beach perfect for family paddling and building sandcastles. The calm waters make it ideal for toddlers and younger children, though it has limited amenities, so preparation is advised[2][4].
Coral Bay Beach Coral Bay Beach, near Paphos, has gently sheltered waters due to rocky headlands, making it safe and calm for kids. It's a large horseshoe-shaped beach with facilities and nearby resorts catering to families[2].
Mackenzie Beach Mackenzie Beach, close to Larnaca Airport, offers a large space with bars, restaurants, cafes, and events. It features shallow water, providing both relaxation and water sports opportunities, making it suitable for families who want convenient access to amenities[1][2].
The southern coast near Limassol and Larnaca has long stretches of beach perfect for sunbathing. Meanwhile, Coral Bay and the Akamas Peninsula in western Cyprus offer rugged cliffs and turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling and kayaking[1][4].
Cyprus is also known for its ancient wine production, dating back more than 5,000 years. Visitors can sample local wines at events like the Limassol Wine Festival or explore the picturesque hilltop towns of the Troodos Mountain wine villages, such as Omodos, Koilani, Arsos, and Vouni, which are home to family-run wineries[5][6].
Commandaria, a sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine made from sun-dried white and red grapes, is the star of Cypriot wine. And don't forget to visit Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite's Rock, a popular and romantic coastal spot in Cyprus[7].
References: [1] Lonely Planet. (2021). Cyprus beaches. [online] Available at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cyprus/beaches
[2] Cyprus Tourism Organisation. (2021). Best family-friendly beaches in Cyprus. [online] Available at: https://www.cyprus-tourism.org.uk/cyprus-family-friendly-beaches
[3] Cyprus Mail. (2019). Makronissos Beach: Ayia Napa's hidden gem. [online] Available at: https://cyprus-mail.com/2019/07/29/makronissos-beach-ayia-napas-hidden-gem/
[4] Cyprus Tourism Organisation. (2021). Akamas Peninsula. [online] Available at: https://www.cyprus-tourism.org.uk/akamas-peninsula
[5] Cyprus Tourism Organisation. (2021). Wine villages. [online] Available at: https://www.cyprus-tourism.org.uk/wine-villages
[6] Cyprus Tourism Organisation. (2021). Limassol Wine Festival. [online] Available at: https://www.cyprus-tourism.org.uk/limassol-wine-festival
[7] Cyprus Tourism Organisation. (2021). Petra tou Romiou. [online] Available at: https://www.cyprus-tourism.org.uk/petra-tou-romiou
Travel guides often recommend Fig Tree Bay in Protaras for families, praising its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful white sand, and clear shallow waters. After a day at the beach, lifestyle enthusiasts may be interested in exploring the island's rich food-and-drink culture, featuring centuries-old wineries and local dessert wines like Commandaria. For those seeking a change of pace, home-and-garden tourism could include a visit to the picturesque hilltop towns in the Troodos Mountain wine villages.
