6 Beautiful Beaches in Cyprus to Savour Throughout the Seasons

A curving stretch of honey-coloured sand. Waves lapping against the rocks, the contours of hazy mountains in the distance. Lara is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus, and especially in spring. Stand in the gentle, fresh breeze drifting in off the Mediterranean, and connect with the ancient land. You'll feel its resonance in the merging coastal colours and every soft grain of sand underfoot. Pick out the scent of wild herbs, especially thyme, nestled in the shrubland of the Akamas Peninsula.

Around May, Lara Beach in northwest Cyprus becomes a breeding ground for loggerhead turtles. While some parts of the beach may be sectioned off to protect them, much of it is always accessible. There are no sunloungers or parasols here during any season, just nature at its most alluring.

• Parking is available nearby

During a sublime Cypriot spring, visit Konnos Beach between Ayia Napa and Protaras in southern Cyprus. At this time of year, it's warm enough to spend a few hours on the beach, and cool enough to walk the coastal trails of Cape Greco National Forest Park. The Mediterranean fuses tones of turquoise and electric blue, the brilliant spring sun glistening on gentle ripples. Behind you, pine trees line rugged cliffs that shelter the bay.

There's plenty to do at the beach for families, couples and indeed everyone. Go snorkelling and kayaking, or join local people who enjoy wakeboarding and SUP on weekends. Changing rooms, sunbeds and umbrellas are available from April, when the background beat of music and the aroma of sizzling food begin to drift from the beach bar. Explore hiking trails to encounter sea caves, striking rock formations and hidden coves, and rent pedalos to glide serenely along the water.

• Blue Flag beach
• Parking is available
• Lifeguards are on duty from April to October

Embrace the vibrancy of summer in Cyprus at McKenzie Beach, on the edge of Larnaca International Airport in southern Cyprus. The crystalline water is shallow, ideal for families with children. Palm trees line this straight expanse of soft volcanic sand, and cafes and tavernas overlook the sea. As a warm day turns into a balmy evening, the mood may take you to join the party at a buzzing bar, or sit down with an ice-cold drink to watch local musicians play acoustic songs.

Here, planes glide over the sea as they come into land. If you decide to fly into Cyprus for autumn or winter sun, make The Classic Hotel Nicosia - Handwritten Collection your base in the capital and head down to McKenzie Beach to sit outside the cafés with coffee in hand to enjoy this complimentary airshow. While the summer buzz has gone and swimming is a touch too cold, the glistening Mediterranean remains, and the only sound you'll hear could be the distant rumble of jet engines.

• Blue Flag beach
• Parking is available
• Lifeguards are on duty from June to October

Find your spot on the warm sand at this beach in southeastern Cyprus, which gets its name from a single venerable fig tree that has overlooked the sands since the 17th century. Embrace the happy, family-friendly bustle of a Cyprus beach in summer, perhaps bringing back memories of previous Mediterranean holidays. Swim or snorkel off the beach, where you'll see the detail of every rock beneath the smooth surface.

For an active holiday in Cyprus, try watersports like jet skiing or even parasailing, or visit a dive centre to embark on an underwater voyage. Scuba diving for people of all levels unveils secrets of the coastline, its shipwrecks and sunken statues, and invites you to swim among turtles and seahorses.

If you take plenty of water and sunscreen, follow the Protaras Coastal Promenade to the town of Pernera, around an hour away, stopping at al fresco cafés for ice-cold treats with sea views. As evening nears, walking temperature is ideal, and the sunset views are mesmerising.

• Blue Flag beach
• Parking is available
• Lifeguards are on duty from April to October

When autumn arrives in the Mediterranean, beaches in Cyprus invite coastal walks and scenic drives. To explore a hidden corner of the island, visit the Karpaz Peninsula in the far northeast. At Altınkum Beach, stand with your toes in the fine sand, the heat of summer still lingering, and look out at a coastal landscape unchanged in centuries. Dunes roll down onto the golden shore, which is especially radiant in the morning and at sunset.

Hike to the viewing point at the eastern end of the beach to see the turquoise sea become a richer blue as it stretches towards the horizon. The peninsula is known for its wild donkeys and is home to Karpaz National Park, offering more unspoiled beaches and rugged shores. In some secluded spots, it feels like discovering the ancient coastline for the first time. Restaurants along the way won't always be open, but the ones you do find, you might just remember forever.

• Parking is available

As the summer heat softens and crowds tail off, ease into local life at Finikoudes Beach in Larnaca, which remains a delightful locale in southern Cyprus during autumn and winter. Under crisp blue skies, the pace of life slows, and older residents meet outside in the perfect weather to share their thoughts. Local families stroll the promenade, amid the long shadows of palm trees, during peaceful evenings.

In September and October, the shallow sea is still warm enough to swim in, and taverna terraces provide the venue for long breakfasts and lazy days with books. Many hotel pools stay open, like the rooftop pool at Mercure Larnaca Finikoudes Beach, which remains open until the end of October. At the poolside bar, pad barefoot across the tiles to the edge of the terrace and view gleaming white yachts in nearby Larnaca Marina. Yacht cruises depart from the marina.

• Blue Flag beach
• Parking is available at car parks in the town
• Lifeguards are on duty from June to October

Inspired to find out more about European beaches? Discover beaches in Belgium for a North Sea getaway, or Croatia's best beaches whether you're seeking tranquil bliss or a wild party.