ONE OF THE BEST BEACHES IN EUROPE
CLEAR TURQUOISE WATERS & WHITE SANDS
Beaches within the District of Famagusta are considered by many to be the best on the island, and Ayia Napa’s Nissi Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Europe. Consistently gaining accreditations and distinctions, they hold leading positions in several surveys. They are also recognised by several online platforms that offer impartial reviews.
Known for its clear turquoise waters and white sands, Ayia Napa’s Blue Flag-designated Nissi Beach constantly gains several awards and accolades each year. It also receives top honours from Europe’s Beach Index. This helps to enhance its claim to being one of the best beaches in Europe.
Europe’s Beach Index is designed to help holidaymakers and tourists choose their ideal beach holiday destination. It ranks beaches throughout Europe and acts as an impartial guide for people who are particularly focused on beaches. Its results are based on positive reviews, affordability, overall water quality, cleanliness, temperatures, and wave height.
Online platforms also help to shape overall tourism in Cyprus. As a result, the island of love remains at the forefront of visitor choice when they are looking for a beach holiday destination. Local municipalities across Cyprus have also recognised this, and in recent years, they have been campaigning to rid beaches of excessive plastic pollution. Encouraging regular clean-up campaigns, they have helped keep their beaches in pristine condition.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES
Located 3.3 kilometres west of the centre of Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach is best known for its striking turquoise waters, fine white sand, and vibrant daytime social scene. Spanning roughly 500 to 600 metres inside a naturally sheltered bay, the beach is uniquely named after Nissi Island. This small, uninhabited islet is just offshore, and beachgoers can walk across to it through a shallow, sandy sandbar.
Peak Season: Nissi Beach becomes a major hub for youth and beach party culture in Cyprus. The loud, high-energy party beach atmosphere mainly peaks during July and August.
Off-Peak Season: Sunbeds, Parosols, and watersports are packed away, and the Beach becomes an incredibly peaceful, scenic coastal retreat where temperatures still reach a mild 25°C.
Facilities: This extremely busy and energetic beach offers beachgoers public changing rooms, toilets, and showers, and lifeguard stations that operate between April and October. The famous Nissi Beach Bar also hosts daily beach parties, guest DJs, dance contests, and foam parties during these months. The nearby Isola Beach Bar offers a more sophisticated lounge experience.
Free Access: Nissi Beach, like all public beaches across the Republic of Cyprus, is completely free to access. The beach itself includes a public area where towels and fold-away chairs can be laid down at no extra cost.
Sunbed & Parasol Hire: Sunbeds and parasols are available for daily hire, but are usually fully occupied from 8:00 to 9:00 am during the peak season.
The Islet Walkway: The shallow bay forms a natural swimming pool. During low or normal tides, a sandbar appears, allowing beachgoers to wade through knee-deep water directly onto Nissi Island.
Water Sports & Activities: The island houses a bustling watersports centre offering jet-skiing, windsurfing, banana boats, canoeing, and scuba diving. Public beach volleyball courts are also available.
Nearby Hotels: With massive tropical gardens, the 4-star Nissi Beach Resort sits directly on the lagoon. Other popular choices include the Adams Beach Hotel and Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel.
