A SERIES OF SPECTACULAR COASTLINES
Cyprus is packed with spectacular coastlines, and all its beaches promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Each beach offers something a little different, and the absolute best one depends on each individual’s requirements for a great day out at the beach.
BLUE FLAGS LEAD THE WAY IN CYPRUS
The Republic of Cyprus consistently maintains high standards for all of its coastal areas. In light of this, it currently has over 60 locations across the island that carry a Blue Flag accreditation.
The Blue Flag is an international award given annually to beaches that meet the highest standards throughout Europe. The evaluation criteria for the award include several key factors that determine overall beach quality.
These include areas that uphold
- Environmental protection
- Good overall management and cleanliness
- Educational initiatives and access to reliable information
- Visitor safety
- Beaches are available in each region of the island, and each one offers distinctly different experiences.
FAMAGUSTA
Nissi Beach: This beach on the coast of Ayia Napa is famous for its soft white powdery sands, sparkling waters, and a walkable small islet. This beach also has an energetic beach club scene and resident DJs. Vibrant beach parties normally peak during the summer months.
Fig Tree Bay: This beach on the coast of Protaras is famous for its calm, shallow waters, fine golden sand, and a small, easily accessible rocky island that is perfect for amateur snorkelling.
Konnos Bay: This intimate, pine-fringed cove, within the Cape Greco National Forest Park, boasts crystal clear waters and a dramatic, rugged backdrop.
PAPHOS
Coral Bay: This beach on the coast of Paphos offers a sheltered crescent of soft sand that is surrounded by limestone cliffs. This beach is perfect for quiet, relaxing swimming.
Lara Beach: This beach on the coast of Paphos offers a rugged, untouched stretch of coast famous as a protected nesting site for GREEN AND LOGGERHEAD TURTLES.
Municipalities and village councils across Cyprus are to receive a series of new grants aimed at improving facilities at beaches that fall within their boundaries. This program aims not only to enhance, but to maintain the quality and appearance of the island’s beaches.
Improvements will include
- Installing QR-coded information signs for tourists.
- Building and upgrading public restrooms, changing cabins, and showers.
- Constructing new pathways for safer beach access.
- The installation of new umbrellas and sun loungers.
- The installation of recycling stations.
- The installation of free water coolers.
- The installation of new waste bins.
- Improving accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Employing the use of sand-cleaning machines to maintain pristine shores.
UPGRADES FOR BEACHES ON THE AYIA NAPA COAST
those within the municipality of Ayia Napa have once again been upgraded. Several enhancements have improved the overall comfort and cleanliness across all beaches on the resort’s coastline. These enhancements come in the form of a range of new services and high-quality, aesthetically pleasing equipment. The municipality of Ayia Napa intends to enhance each visit to the beach this summer. Each municipality is to invest more than €100,000 as part of its effort to upgrade beach infrastructure. Municipal officials intend to upgrade facilities on all of their respective beaches with the installation of smart showers across their beaches. The new showers feature innovative artificial intelligence technologies. Other upgrades include new beach cushions, sun loungers, umbrellas, and shower cabins.
UPGRADES FOR BEACHES ON THE PROTARAS COAST
The municipalities of Paralimni and Deryneia are carrying out a whole program of upgrades for their beaches in the greater Protaras area. In light of this, the municipality is focused on sustainable tourism and continually improving its coastal zones. Its main goal is to improve beach facilities using smart technology that will also conserve natural resources. The most recent upgrades include the installation of brand-new, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly showers. These include a foot bath, an advanced lighting system, and contactless payment options, offering a more comfortable and modern beach experience. These showers are part of a broader plan to enhance the overall quality and appeal of all beaches in the area.
NEW SAFE BOXES FOR LARNACA BEACHES
Larnaca Municipality has installed new safety boxes at both Mackenzie and Finikoudes Beaches. This is part of a broader effort to improve the safety, comfort, and overall experience for visitors of both beaches. The new safe boxes, which will provide extra protection for the personal belongings of all beachgoers, can be found under each beach umbrella. These can be hired out for a minimal daily fee and offer beachgoers a secure place to safely store their items while they swim or relax. These safe boxes are just the first phase of a larger beach infrastructure upgrade effort that is focusing on better security and higher service quality for Larnaca’s beaches.
NEW RULES FOR CYPRUS BEACHES
SUNBEDS AT PUBLIC BEACHES CAN NO LONGER BE RESERVED
Municipal staff of the Paralimni Deryneia municipality have announced that they will no longer allow people to reserve sunbeds in advance. Municipal staff, arriving early at public beaches, often find personal items that have been deliberately left on municipal sunbeds in an attempt to reserve them before actually arriving at the beach. In a bid to stop people from expecting to hire the sunbed of their choice, they have now issued a joint statement, stating that sunbeds and umbrellas will only be available for hire upon arrival at the beach. Any personal belongings found on unpaid sunbeds will be removed, and the sunbeds will once again be available for rent.
BEACH ACCESS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS
Several initiatives have been introduced to better serve people with disabilities who want to spend time at the beach on the eastern coast of the Republic of Cyprus. Amphibious wheelchairs and sea access ramps are now available at several beaches that serve the Paralimni Dherynia Municipality. Wooden floors have also been installed on some ramparts to aid wheelchair access. Designated areas for people with severe sight and mobility issues, exclusively offering sunbeds and umbrellas, are also available. In addition to this, people with sight or mobility issues who want to visit the Cape Greco National Forest Park will be able to take advantage of specially adapted wheelchairs. These have been donated to the forestry department by the local municipality.
The following beaches now have seatrack and floating wheelchairs
- Louma
- Golden Coast
- Vrysi C
- Gianna Mari
- Lombardi Cavo Maris
The following beaches have floating wheelchairs
- Fig Tree Bay
- Vrysi A
- Vrysi B
- Kappari
