Makronissos Beach

Makronissos Beach lies on the peninsula of the same name, a short drive west of central Ayia Napa. It is made up of three small coves of fine golden sand, separated by low rock formations, that together run to roughly 350 metres. The water is calm and shallow across all three bays, and the layout gives the beach a more sheltered, family feel than the busier strips closer to town. It holds Blue Flag status and stays a little quieter than the Ayia Napa beaches nearer the centre.

The central cove is the most organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas and watersports, while the side bays are quieter and good for a calmer swim. A coastal path runs along the shore and links Makronissos with the neighbouring beaches, so you can walk between the bays. The Makronissos tombs, a small rock-cut ancient burial site, sit just inland from the beach and are easy to fold into a beach day. Lifeguards are on duty during the main season, and the sheltered layout keeps the water calm even when the wind picks up.

What to expect

• Blue Flag beach with three sheltered coves of golden sand.
• Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets and watersports on the main cove.
• Calm, shallow water suited to families and younger children.
• The Makronissos rock-cut tombs sit a short walk inland.

Makronissos pairs naturally with the nearby Landa Beach and the larger Nissi Beach along the same stretch of coast. For a change of scene, the family beaches of Protaras, such as Fig Tree Bay, are a short drive east.