Best Beaches in Paphos & Coral Bay

We live here. Our team is on the ground in Paphos year-round, and we've spent countless mornings, afternoons, and sunsets at every beach on this list. When our guests ask "where should we go today?", this is exactly what we tell them.

Paphos has a coastline that ranges from organised Blue Flag beaches with sunbeds and water sports to wild, empty stretches where you won't see another soul. The trick is knowing which one suits your mood — and the time of year you're visiting.

If you're staying at our Coral Bay Villa, you're just a five-minute drive from what we think is the best all-round beach in the Paphos district. Coral Bay is a wide, gently curving stretch of golden sand with calm, shallow waters that are perfect for families with young children.

It's a Blue Flag beach, which means the water quality is tested and certified. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire (around 2.50 EUR each), and there are several water sports operators offering jet skis, banana boats, and parasailing during summer.

What most tourists don't know is that Coral Bay is at its best in the shoulder seasons — May, June, September, and October. The water is still warm, the sand isn't packed, and you can actually hear the waves. In July and August it gets busy, so arrive before 10 AM to claim a good spot.

The Blue Lagoon is the most photographed spot in Cyprus, and honestly, it deserves the hype. The water is an almost unreal shade of turquoise — crystal clear down to the white sandy bottom.

Here's the thing: you can't really drive there. The best way to visit is by boat from Latchi Marina, about 30 minutes north of Paphos. Several operators run daily trips (around 25-35 EUR per person for a half-day), and most include stops for swimming and snorkelling along the Akamas coast.

We always tell our guests to book a morning departure if possible. The lagoon gets crowded with tour boats by early afternoon, and the morning light on the water is something else entirely. Bring reef-safe sunscreen — this is a protected nature reserve.

Lara Bay is our favourite beach to recommend to guests who want something completely different. It's a protected turtle nesting beach on the Akamas Peninsula — no sunbeds, no beach bars, no development. Just pristine sand, wild coastline, and the chance to walk where loggerhead and green turtles come to nest.

The nesting season runs from June to August, and you'll see the conservation cages marking nest sites along the beach. Outside nesting season, it's one of the emptiest, most beautiful beaches on the island.

Getting there requires a 4x4 or a sturdy car — the last stretch is a dirt track. We always suggest combining a Lara Bay visit with the Akamas Peninsula drive for a full day adventure. Pack water, snacks, and everything you need — there are no facilities.

If you're staying at our Peyia Hilltop Retreat, St George Beach is your closest option — and it's a gem. Quieter than Coral Bay, with good snorkelling around the rocky edges and a couple of decent tavernas right on the water.

This is where locals go when they want a beach day without the tourist crowds. The water is clean, the vibe is relaxed, and you can often find a spot even in peak summer. There's a small church on the headland that's worth a look too.

For guests staying at our Harbour Central apartment, Sodap Beach is the go-to. It's within walking distance of the harbour, the archaeological park, and a long stretch of restaurants and cafes along Poseidonos Avenue.

It's not the most scenic beach on this list, but it's genuinely convenient. Want a quick swim between sightseeing? Need somewhere the kids can play while you have a coffee? Sodap delivers. The water is clean and there's a promenade for evening walks.

Lighthouse Beach, near the Paphos Lighthouse at the western end of the archaeological park, is more about the atmosphere than the swimming. The coastline here is rocky — not ideal for families with toddlers — but absolutely stunning for sunset walks, photography, and quiet contemplation.

We send guests here on their last evening in Paphos. There's something about watching the sun drop into the Mediterranean from these ancient rocks that stays with you. Bring comfortable shoes and a camera.

This one barely makes it onto tourist maps, and that's exactly why we love it. Riccos Bay is a small, tucked-away cove near Coral Bay with a proper locals-only atmosphere. It's not fancy — just a small stretch of sand between the rocks — but on a quiet weekday morning, it feels like your own private beach.

Finding it is part of the charm. We give our guests directions rather than spoiling it here — ask us when you arrive and we'll point you in the right direction.

Paphos Municipal Beach is right in the centre of town, close to the medieval castle and the archaeological park. It's a Blue Flag beach with good facilities — lifeguards, sunbeds, showers, and nearby restaurants.

It's not the prettiest beach on this list, and it can feel a bit urban. But for accessibility and convenience, especially if you don't have a car, it's hard to beat. The water quality is excellent and it's a perfectly fine spot for a swim.

• Best for families: Coral Bay — shallow water, golden sand, all the facilities you need.
• Best for adventure: Blue Lagoon by boat + Lara Bay by 4x4. Make it a full-day Akamas trip.
• Best for couples: Lighthouse Beach at sunset, followed by dinner at the harbour.
• Best kept secret: Riccos Bay — ask us for directions when you check in.
• Water shoes: Many Paphos beaches have pebbly or rocky entries. We keep a few pairs at each property — just ask.
• Shoulder season advantage: May-June and September-October give you warm water, empty beaches, and lower prices on everything.