Possibly the prettiest beach in Cyprus and one of the island’s major tourist attractions, Nissi Beach is a sheltered cove rimmed with soft white sand that laps shallow turquoise water. It sits three kilometers west of the resort town of Ayia Napa.

Just offshore, the craggy islet of Nissi dominates the sea view and is connected to the mainland by a sandbar. The water is so shallow in the bay that beachgoers can easily stroll across to the islet, even when some of the sandbar is submerged.

Nissi Beach is one of the island’s most popular sandy strips, and during the summer months, it’s regularly crammed with sun-seekers from both Ayia Napa and Larnaca.

During the height of the tourism season, this is not the place to come to have a quiet day. Throughout the sun-soaked summer months, Nissi Beach is known Cyprus Beaches for its live music events, so it is particularly popular with younger beachgoers. Outside of June to August, things calm down somewhat.

With a shore rimmed with bustling cafés and restaurants, sun loungers and shades for rent, water sports operators, lifeguards, and freshwater showers, all facilities are on hand for a day of swimming and beach slothing.