The coastline around the ruins of the ancient city kingdom of Amathus is a picturesque and expansive stretch of blue. Flanked by a 5km-long seafront walkway, it is an idyllic spot to enjoy a stroll through the old ruins and foliage with beautiful sea views that extend all the way to the high-end hotels of the avenue and most of the waterfront area of east Limassol.

Located by Pentakomo village, the famous Governor’s Beach is striking for its chalk- white rocks that extend into the deep blue sea and a beautiful natural setting that is ideal for walks. The coastline is comprised of two distinctive parts: Governor’s - with dark grey sands and uneven surfaces, and Kalymnos - a flat, long, narrow stretch of sandy coastline that is a favourite with families.

Overlooking the archaeological site of the Kourion Amphitheatre in Episkopi, Kourion Beach is a popular spot for family day trips. It features a row of restaurants all along the kilometre-long coastline for lunch and refreshments, while its shallow, clear waters make it ideal for small children to play. The area itself can get quite breezy, making it a great spot for windsurfing and surfing, as the waves can sometimes reach great heights.

Located beneath the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Apollo, this unspoiled beach is nestled beneath the edge of a high cliff and surrounded by wild vegetation. Its clear blue waters and golden sand, as well as its rather isolated location, make it ideal for beachgoers seeking a quiet spot for a relaxing time spent amid a beautiful natural setting. The beach is accessible by foot via a dirt path, or even via kayak or boat from the nearby Kourion Beach.

Larnaca region’s long coastline starts from Xylophagou and extends all the way to Zygi village towards Limassol. The beautiful beaches are characterised by safe, shallow waters and organised facilities for all the fam- ily, including the iconic Finikoudes – a palm- tree-lined promenade parallel to the town centre, which features local and international drinking and dining establishments, entertainment options and historical landmarks.

Once a small fishing village, Ayia Napa has expanded to become a thriving and pulsing holiday resort that is famed for its stunning beaches with white, powdery sands and crystal-clear waters. With a stunning and rugged coastline dotted with bays, caves and coves, the resort is highly popular as a destination for water sports, diving and snorkelling by day and for its clubbing when night falls.

The Cape Greco National Forest Park is located east of Agia Napa and southeast of Protaras and is a 385-hectare Natura 2000 site that incorporates a network of nature trails and specialist cycling paths. The views from the limestone sea cliffs that overlook the crystal-clear waters of the region are breath-taking, and the area and its distinctive sea caves are a number one spot for diving.

The picturesque blue flag Konnos Bay Beach is sheltered from the prevailing winds by Cape Greco Peninsula, a national forest park with a dramatic rugged coastline. Located in the coastal town of Protaras, it is renowned for its crystal blue beaches and popular as the locals’ favourite summer destination. The nearby sea caves abound with sealife, offer many secret places to explore, by boat, jet-ski or snorkel.

Protaras is a sub-district of Paralimni and is a popular holiday resort, alongside neighbouring Ayia Napa. The charming landscape is characterised by windmills in its rural areas and a stunning coastline of crystal-clear waters and soft, powdery sands that is perfect for families. The nightlife of the resort offers a quieter option than that of Ayia Napa and its clubs.

As Protaras’ most famous beach, Fig Tree Bay ranks as one of the world’s most beautiful and photographed coasts, thanks to fine, golden sands and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers full organised facilities, including water sports and disabled access, and takes its name from a single, solitary fig tree that has been there since the 17th century.

Framed by white cliffs and fringed with many excellent tavernas, Pissouri Beach enjoys an air of calm, in extraordinarily tranquil surroundings. Situated between the cities of Limassol and Pafos, the beach’s clear waters are well-suited to watersports. A mile inland from the beach, Pissouri Village has retained its traditional Cypriot character and lists an open-air theatre as one of its many attractions.

One of the best-known landmarks of the island, Aphrodite’s Rock is where, as ancient mythology will have it, the Goddess of beauty and love was born, arising from the foam of the sea and first setting foot on the earth. The spot has been immortalised for modern culture by Botticelli’s 15th-century painting, and today is the subject for anyone with an eye for photography, particularly at sunset.

The Akamas Peninsula is one of the most beautiful locations on the entire island, covering approximately 230km² of wild untouched landscape, amazing natural beauty, deep gorges and stunning sandy bays. The area is home to rare birds, butterflies, and an extremely important breeding ground for the endangered green turtles and hawks-bill turtles.

The spectacular Blue Lagoon is the largest bay located in Akamas and is considered to be one of the most beautiful nature spots on the whole island. The crystal waters allow visibility all the way down to the depths of the seabed and visitors flock to bask in its warmer waters and to explore the vibrant marine life of its reef.

Located in the Pafos district of Polis Chrysochou, Latchi is famous for its quaint fishing harbour and marina where the freshest fish is served at traditional restaurants surrounding the area. Characterised by a beguiling combination of sea and mountain views, Latchi is considered to be an oasis of tranquillity and is a particularly popular destination during the summer months.

The coastline of Pafos unfolds 50km across the western part of the island and includes a high number of Blue Flag-awarded beaches, including the sandy Coral Bay, Geroskipou Beach and Pachyammos 1 & 2 beaches. As the region pans out, the waters become a brighter shade of turquoise, encompassing iconic beaches such as those found in the subdistricts of Latchi and Polis Chrysochou.