Beaches in Ayia Napa: How to Choose Your Stretch of Coast

Nissi Beach is a 600-metre stretch of fine golden sand with shallow, calm water sheltered from winds. It lies 3.3 km west of Ayia Napa centre.

The Cyprus tourism board describes Nissi as a beach with music, bars and beach parties that attracts large crowds. Nearby Nissi Bay Beach is 300 metres long and 3.5 km west of the centre; a small islet is linked to shore by a lane of sand.

If you want to compare the two named stretches, the key distinction in the descriptions is the setting: Nissi Beach is known for its shallow water and lively scene, while Nissi Bay Beach has the islet and connecting sand lane.

Sandy Bay Beach and Pernera Beach are named on the Cyprus tourism board’s map of Ayia Napa’s coast.

The map also labels Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach and Archaeological Site, and Limnara (Kermia) Beach. For Sandy Bay and Pernera, use the map names to identify these stretches; the descriptions available for the other beaches provide more detail for comparing shoreline and setting.

Makronissos Beach is a 350-metre cluster of three bays, 5 km from Ayia Napa centre, with the Makronissos Tombs archaeological site in the beach area.

A pedestrian path runs along the coast between Vathia Gonia Beach and Makronissos Beach, passing access to the tombs. The coast extends east toward Vathia Gonia and west toward Agia Thekla.

You can pair time by the water with a visit to the site; the Makronissos Archaeological Site is within the beach area.

Limnara (Kermia) Beach is a 350-metre beach within Cape Gkreko National Forest Park, 2 km from Ayia Napa centre. It has golden sand, calm, clear water and rock pools at the bay’s edge.

Its location in the national forest park sets it apart from the beaches described closer to the centre. Route 101 runs between Agia Napa (Waterpark), Cape Greco, Konnos, Protaras, Pernera and Paralimni.

The Cape Greco National Forest Park guide covers the park’s trails, views and access.

Compare these beaches by the shoreline features described for each, then use the published bus stops to check which routes serve your chosen stretch. From So White Beach Resort, Ayia Napa city centre is about 29 minutes on foot or 9 minutes by car; Makronissos Beach’s bays and tombs are a useful pairing for a coastal outing.

• For shallow, calm water: Nissi Beach has fine golden sand and is sheltered from winds.
• For multiple bays and a site visit: Makronissos has three bays and the tombs in its beach area.
• For rock pools: Kermia has pools at the bay’s edge.
• For the islet and sand lane: Nissi Bay Beach has both.

Route 101’s published stop sequence includes Makronissos Beach 2, stop 40120, and Nissi Bay Beach 2, stop 40117. Route 201, the Agia Napa West Circle Line, serves Vathia Gonia Beach, Nissi Beach and Macronisos Beach; its published stop sequence includes Nissi Bay Beach 1, stop 40116, and Makronissos Beach 1, stop 40121.

For current bus times, check the official site before you go (OSEA).

For a wider route through the town and coast, this Ayia Napa day itinerary links the centre with the coast.

Which Ayia Napa beach has the calmest water?

Nissi Beach is described as having shallow, calm water sheltered from winds. Kermia also has calm, clear water.

Which beach has an archaeological site?

The Makronissos Tombs archaeological site is in the Makronissos Beach area, with access along the coastal pedestrian path.

Which beach is inside Cape Gkreko National Forest Park?

Limnara, also called Kermia, is within Cape Gkreko National Forest Park.

Which bus routes serve beaches around Ayia Napa?

Route 101 includes stops for Makronissos Beach and Nissi Bay Beach. Route 201 serves Nissi Beach and Macronisos Beach.

So White is a resort in Ayia Napa; you can view a resort in Ayia Napa here.