Quick answer
Cyprus has dozens of Blue Flag beaches, the international eco-label for clean water, safety and good beach management. Most are in the Famagusta district around Ayia Napa and Protaras, followed by Paphos, with a handful in Larnaca and Limassol. The list changes every year and flags can be withdrawn mid-season, so check the current CYMEPA or Visit Cyprus list before you go.
- Blue Flag is run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and in Cyprus by CYMEPA.
- Reported 2026 totals varied, but Cyprus again has dozens of Blue Flag beaches plus two marinas (Limassol and Ayia Napa).
- Famagusta district (Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Protaras) holds by far the largest share.
- Paphos has the second-largest group, from Geroskipou to Coral Bay; Larnaca and Limassol have only a few each.
- A flag can be lowered temporarily if water quality or services slip, so check the current list.
Blue Flag beaches are the easiest shortcut to a clean, well-run swim in Cyprus. Here is where they are, district by district, and how to check that a beach still has its flag before you pack the car.
What is a Blue Flag beach?
Blue Flag is an international eco-label run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). In Cyprus the programme is run by CYMEPA, the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association, with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism acting as national coordinator.
To fly the flag, a beach has to meet criteria on bathing water quality, environmental management, safety, services and environmental information. In practice, that usually means lifeguards during the season, toilets and showers, regular cleaning, information boards and, on many beaches, facilities for people with reduced mobility.
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in 2026?
Figures reported in 2026 varied. At the award stage in late May, local media reported 56 beaches; in mid-July, CYMEPA's update reported 46 beaches currently flying the flag, plus two marinas (Limassol Marina and Ayia Napa Marina). The difference reflects flags awarded, withdrawn or not yet raised during the season.
The practical takeaway: Cyprus has dozens of Blue Flag beaches, heavily concentrated in the south-east and west. Always check the current list on Visit Cyprus (each beach page shows a Blue Flag label) or CYMEPA before you go.
Which Blue Flag beaches are in Famagusta district?
The free Famagusta district has by far the most flags, split between Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Protaras. Beaches named on the July 2026 list include:
Ayia Napa
- Nissi and Nissi Ppei – the classic white-sand bay west of the centre
- Makronissos – near the Makronissos tombs, a little further west
- Landa and Limnara – smaller bays close to town
- Glyki Nero, Pantachou and Vathia Gonia – quieter coves
- Konnos Bay – a sheltered cove on the edge of Cape Greco
- Agia Thekla – about 6.5 km west of Ayia Napa, by a small white chapel
- Ammos tou Kambouri – right below the main resort strip
Paralimni and Protaras
- Protaras and the Vrysi beaches
- Pernera, Louma and Potami
- Kappari and Agia Triada
- Vyzakia, Nisia and other small coves along the coast
Read our Protaras area guide and our guide to Cape Greco National Forest Park if you are planning a day on this coast.
Which Blue Flag beaches are in Paphos district?
Paphos has the second-largest group, spread from Geroskipou to the edge of the Akamas. On the July 2026 list:
- Paphos town: Pachyammos, Vrysoudia A and B, Alykes, Dimotika Bania (the municipal baths beach), Lighthouse Beach and Aliakestra
- Geroskipou: Laiki Beach, the municipal beach and Pachyammos 2
- Akamas municipality: Coral Bay, Laourou and Kafizis, north of Paphos towards Pegeia
Coral Bay is the busiest and most family-friendly of these, with a sandy crescent and plenty of services. See our Pegeia area guide for the surrounding area.
Which Blue Flag beaches are in Larnaca district?
Larnaca had three Blue Flag beaches on the July 2026 list, all in or near town:
- Finikoudes – the palm-lined town beach in front of the promenade
- Mackenzie – near the airport, known for its beach bars and restaurants
- Kastella – a town beach on Larnaca's waterfront
Our Mackenzie area guide covers life by the beach there.
Which Blue Flag beaches are in Limassol district?
Limassol had only a few on the July 2026 list:
- Pissouri – a long bay in a village setting, west of Limassol
- Kourion (Episkopi) – below the ancient site of Kourion
- Parekklisia – east of the city, towards Larnaca
Limassol city's own beaches were not on that list, so if a Blue Flag matters to you, it is worth driving out of town. Nicosia district has no Blue Flag beaches on the 2026 list; most Nicosia residents head to Larnaca or Ayia Napa, about an hour away.
When is the best time to go?
The swimming season usually runs from May to October, and lifeguards on many Blue Flag beaches work roughly from spring to autumn (Visit Cyprus lists April to October for some beaches). June and September are the sweet spots: warm water, fewer crowds than July and August. Outside the season, beaches stay open but services and lifeguards may not be there.
Practical tips for Blue Flag beaches
- Check the flag on the day. A flag can be lowered temporarily if a beach falls short, for example after a water quality problem.
- Sunbeds and umbrellas are paid. Prices are set locally; bring your own towel and shade if you want to save money.
- Accessibility. In 2026, more than half of the Blue Flag beaches had access for people with mobility difficulties, and several use the Seatrac system for independent sea access. Visit Cyprus publishes an accessible beaches list.
- Parking fills early at Nissi, Fig Tree Bay, Coral Bay and Finikoudes in summer. Arrive before 10am or use the bus; see our public transport guide.
- Shade and water. Midday heat in July and August is intense. Bring water, a hat and high-factor sun cream.
- Respect protected areas. Some beaches, such as Agia Thekla, sit in or next to Natura 2000 sites. Keep off the dunes and take your rubbish home.
What to do next
- Plan a coastal day out with our boat trips and snorkelling guide.
- Compare coastal districts in our Famagusta and Paphos hubs.
- Check upcoming beach and summer festivals on our events page.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
How many Blue Flag beaches does Cyprus have in 2026?
Reports differed during 2026, from 56 beaches at the award stage to 46 in a mid-July update, plus two marinas. The safest answer is dozens; check the current CYMEPA or Visit Cyprus list for the live figure.
Which district in Cyprus has the most Blue Flag beaches?
Famagusta district, thanks to the many awarded beaches in Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Protaras. Paphos comes second.
Are there Blue Flag beaches in Limassol?
Yes, but only a few on the July 2026 list, including Pissouri, Kourion and Parekklisia. Limassol city's own beaches were not on that list.
What does a Blue Flag beach mean?
It means the beach meets criteria on bathing water quality, environmental management, safety, services and environmental information. Many Blue Flag beaches in Cyprus have lifeguards in season and accessible facilities.
Can a beach lose its Blue Flag during the summer?
Yes. Flags can be lowered if a beach stops meeting the criteria, for example after a water pollution incident, so the list can change during the season.
