Unfortunately, not every tourist attraction is as friendly and enjoyable for visitors as it may first appear. Luckily, Cyprus is doing its best to be as hospitable as possible, so with every new beach season, it opens more "blue flag" beaches. Now Cypriots are proud to have about 55 awarded beaches.
Blue Flag status is awarded to beaches which comply with 33 criteria in the areas of environment, water quality, safety, and service. Annually the list of awarded places is reviewed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. So, if you are careful about the quality of your vacation, do not hesitate to check the list of "blue flags".
Some of the most popular beaches to check out are Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach in Ayia Napa, Konnos Beach between Ayia Napa and Protaras, and also Lara Bay and Coral Bay in Peyia.
Practical info
When is the ideal time to enjoy the beach season in Cyprus?
The beach season in Cyprus kicks off in April and stretches through till October. With temperatures ranging between 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, this is the best time to experience the beaches to the fullest. However, keep in mind that July and August are extremely crowded with tourists. Hence, if you want some peace and quiet, May, June, September, and October are the best bets to visit for the shoulder season. Show more
Which are the popular Blue Flag beaches in Cyprus?
Cyprus boasts of around 55 Blue Flag beaches, some of which are quite well-known. The most popular ones include Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach, Konnos Beach, Lara Bay, and Coral Bay. Along with these, there are many more Blue Flag beaches sprinkled all across the island. You can spot most of these specified beaches from the signs that denote their certification status. Do check out the entire list of awardees to get the best beach experience. Show more
What are the prerequisites for beaches to get Blue Flag certification?
Beaches can acquire the Blue Flag certification if they pass 33 criteria that are related to environmental, water quality, safety, and service sections. Some examples of these criteria are beach cleanliness, educating the public about the ecosystem, facilities for the disabled, and treatment of sewage waste. These certifications are re-evaluated every year by the Foundation for Environmental Education, to maintain international standards for safety and quality in tourism. This Blue Flag certification is the sign of a clean and sustainable beach. Show more
Which are the most admired Blue Flag beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras?
Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach, and Konnos Beach are some of the most popular Blue Flag beaches located in Ayia Napa and Protaras. Nissi Beach, with crystal clear water and white sand, offers a thrilling atmosphere due to its beach bars and water sports activities. Makronissos Beach, with its playground and shallow waters, is ideal for families with kids. The beautiful cliff setting and turquoise waters make Konnos Beach a sight for sore eyes. You can rent umbrellas and sun loungers on all three beaches to relax and soak in the sun while enjoying the clean surroundings. Show more
Are there any other Blue Flag beaches in addition to the famous ones mentioned in the article?
Apart from the beaches mentioned in the article, there are numerous other Blue Flag beaches on the island, such as Governor's Beach in Limassol, Avdimou Beach in Paphos, and Alaminos Beach in Larnaca. Governor's Beach, with its white cliffs and vibrant waters, is perfect for photo enthusiasts. You can take long walks on the sandy Avdimou Beach, which is relatively calm and secluded. Alaminos Beach is known for its kiteboarding and windsurfing activities and is one of the area's lesser-known treasures. These beaches offer a unique experience and are worth visiting if you seek quiet and peaceful locations or thrilling beach activities. Show more
