Ayia Napa Beaches and Water Sports

(Ayia Napa, Cyprus)

The Mediterranean beaches around Ayia Napa offer a wonderful way to enjoy the seemingly endless Cypriot sunshine. However, during the summer months, the main sandy stretches can become rather busy, with the beaches being filled with eager sunbathers, keen to top up their tan and worship the sun.

Nissi Beach is the number one beach in Ayia Napa, due to its convenient location and easy access, and subsequently the one that gets the busiest. Even though so many summer tourists head to Nissi Beach, this glorious stretch of golden sand is extremely long and so there is usually more than enough room for everyone, as well as their parasols, sun loungers and colourful towels.

General Information

The Mediterranean Sea fronting Nissi Beach is especially calm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming and family paddling. Those wishing to join in the fun on Nissi Beach will find this beautiful and somewhat lively spot around 2 km / 1.5 miles from central Ayia Napa, and simple to reach by either bicycle, scooter, car or taxi.

Party-goers will no doubt enjoy the day-long DJs at the Nissi Bay Beach Bar, as well as the summer parties and plentiful water sports, which include everything from windsurfing and water-skiing, to speed boating, scuba diving, snorkelling and sea-kayaking.

If you prefer your beaches a little more peaceful and remote, then head out of Ayia Napa and to the sands of Cape Greco. Alternatively, the beaches of Green Bay and Konnos are both within easy reach and to be found directly to the south of Protaras, where a more rugged coastline awaits.

Also worthy of a mention are the nearby Ayia Thekla, Limnara, Makronisos and Sandy Bay, while closer to central Ayia Napa is the sandy beach of Grecian Bay. Although not as trendy as Nissi, Grecian Bay encompasses three secluded coves and features great views.