The government in Cyprus supports the Blue Flag program, which promotes clean and environmentally friendly beaches. This program is owned and operated by one independent and non-profit organization called the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Based on the implementation of safety measures, quality of service, environmentally friendly principles of water quality and wastewater management, in addition to their unspoilt natural beauty, I made a modest choice of 7 beaches.
The beaches listed as family beaches were awarded the Blue Flag Award, and the remaining beaches were chosen primarily because of their impressive natural beauty.
Family beaches:
1. Dekelia Beach (Larnaca) - located in the village of Oroklini in the Larnaca district. This is one of those beautiful, eco-friendly gems that offer clear water, sandy surroundings, a safe environment (lifeguard), disabled access, bars and restaurants, and easy access by foot, bike or car. Additional attractions include water sports such as: scuba diving, windsurfing, fishing, etc.
2. Mackenzie Beach (Larnaca) - Located in the municipality of Larnaca, the beach begins shortly when you leave Larnaca airport, turning in front of you when you drive towards the city. The beach is quieter compared to Finikoudes Beach, which is the main beach overlooking the promenade. Mackenzie Beach is known for its white sand, shallow and clear sea. There is a wide choice of restaurants, taverns, water sports (scuba diving, surfing) with a good selection of small hotels and private apartments.
3. Fig Tree Bay (Protaras) - in Protaras district. This beach is named British in memory of a lonely, centuries-old figure that grows right from the beach. This is a very popular beach in Protaras district, for those who know about it. It was not posted from nearby roads, so look for signs indicating the location of the Salparo Hotel apartments, and this will lead you close to the beach itself. Water skis, paragliding are offered on the beach or you can simply enjoy the clear waters mixed with the sandy surroundings.
4. Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa) on a quiet bay, Nissi is a magnificent sandy beach with calm, clean, eye-catching turquoise waters and beautiful views. Geographically, it is configured so that it is separated from the wind. Just three kilometers from Ayia Napa, it’s much more than the city’s beach itself.
"Nature in this" best "type of beaches:
5. Lara Bay (Paphos) - where the developer’s hand has not yet been fully reached, on the northwestern coastal side of the island, on the Akamas peninsula. Lara Bay is located on the Paphos side, about 8 km from Agios Georgios. It is available only on 4x4 or hiking. This is the most beautiful, almost deserted sandy beach. It is one of the few remaining harbors for a nest of green and tortoise turtles. The beach is limited in summer when turtles nest. Not recommended for children.
6. Coral Bay (Paphos) - one of the most famous beaches in Western Cyprus. Located in the municipality of Peyia Paphos, the beach is about ten minutes drive from Paphos. The beach has a beautiful long curved stretch of golden sand that falls between two capes. Shallow and calm waters offer safe bathing facilities for novice swimmers and children. For those seeking water adventure, diving, water skiing and canoeing are easily accessible.
7. Beach "Relax" (Pomos): This tiny beach in Cyprus is hidden in front of the equally tiny fishing harbor of Pommos with its smaller, but colorful fishing boats. Small but beautifully formed among the rocks, the only other visitors that you are likely to see will be a few locals during the long summer months. Two taverns on both sides of the bay offer a selection of fresh, mouth-watering, fish dishes. A trip to Mansura on a clear day breaks the view of the picturesque landscape of Morpo Bay and the mountains of Kyrenia in the distance.
