Paphos is a coastal city in the south-west of Cyprus, and is the capital of the Paphos district, and houses Paphos International Airport, which is the second biggest airport on Cyprus. The economy of Paphos is strongly dependent on tourism and has four main resorts: Kato Paphos, Coral Bay, Latchi, and Aphrodite Hills. The city is particularly well-served by reliably lovely weather (for much of the year) and a large number of historic sites and attractions, arts and sports making it a popular holiday destination.
Paphos has a fairly wide selection of beaches which should cater for most tastes. Most beaches have sun beds, umbrellas and, during the swimming season, many employ lifeguards from 11:00 to 17:30 in order to ensure the safety of swimmers. Many of the beaches are easy to access by car or public transport and most cater for children, with sandy beaches, shallow waters nearby and or rock pools and caves to play in. Most of these beaches are also served by, or close to, restaurants, toilets and other facilities, and some feature sporting facilities and evening entertainment.
Many of the beaches also offer excellent water sports facilities, including surfing, diving and snorkelling, and the water is easily warm enough for swimming in during the summer half-year. Secluded and/or naturist beaches in Paphos are relatively few and far between, however.
Family friendly
Alykes Beach is a sandy beach which is frequently cleaned, and features water sports, umbrellas and sun beds and a supply of lifeguards, and is easily accessible from nearby, via car or via public transport. Also good for families is the Polis Camping Site, which is a sandy beach with some pebbles, featuring a similar range of facilities and nearby lifeguards between 1:00 to 17:00 hours to ensure people's safety. The Municipal Beach is especially popular with children, and also features good sunbathing and water sports facilities. Pharo's Lighthouse Beach is situated just behind the Tombs of the Kings road in Paphos, it is made of sand and and is particularly suitable for those who enjoy playing in and exploring rock pools.
Lively beaches
The Yeroskipou (or Geroskipou) Beach hosts volleyball tournaments in the summer, and there is a privately owned restaurant offering snacks. The Barrio Del Mar night club is situated nearby and offers ample opportunities to go partying during the evenings and overnight. The Yavuz Cikarma Plaji, or Escape Beach, is situated next to the lively Escape Beach Club. Coral Bay is a very popular beach with many facilities and it is close to various restaurants and other entertainment sources. Faros Beach is a sandy beach at the west end of Paphos which contains the usual sun bed and umbrella facilities, and also houses a beach volleyball court for the more actively-inclined. The blue flag Pachyammos Beach is ideally situated for access to nearby pubs, restaurants and nightclubs.
Blue flag
Pachyammos Beach is one of many beaches in the Paphos area that has been awarded the blue flag, and it is a narrow sandy beach with sun beds available, and facilities for water sports, and restaurants nearby. From 11:00 to 17:30, lifeguards are put on duty during the swimming season. Another popular blue flag beach is the Yeroskipou (or Geroskipou) Beach which is suitable for children due to areas with shallow waters, it hosts volleyball tournaments in the summer, and there is a privately owned restaurant offering snacks. Vrysoudia Beach A is another Blue Flag resort and features an assortment of sun beds and umbrellas and opportunities for water sports, including surfing. Coral Bay, Faros Beach, the Municipal Beach, the Polis Camping Site, and the Vrysoudia Beach B are also blue flag beaches.
Water sports
Coral Bay is one of the most popular beaches for water sports and also features sun bed and umbrella hire and lifeguards from 1:00 to 17:30 hours during the swimming season. The clear waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming and diving. It is also close to numerous restaurants. Vrysoudia Beach B is also good for water sports, and it contains good views over towards Paphos harbour and castle. There are sun beds and umbrellas for hire, and showers and toilets are also available.
Fishing & boating
Latchi Beach is situated by Latchi fishing village in the Akamas Peninsula, and is ideal for scuba diving and swimming as well as for fishing. There are many taverns and cafes close to the sea front which especially sell seafood. The Yeroskipou (or Geroskipou) Beach is located close to Paphos's International Sailing Club.
Naturist
The coves and beaches south of Agios Georgios may be the best bet, where there are some relatively secluded bays where naturist couples have traditionally set up. It is also a good beach for swimming and relaxing. Failing that, Lara Bay is a relatively good choice due to its secluded and protected nature.
Secluded
The Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station at Akamas is a secluded beach featuring turtles that are specially conserved, most notably the Chelonia mydas species, which is in danger of extinction. The south-eastern bay contains a sandy beach. There are also some good secluded pebble beaches around Aphrodite's Rock.