On the south-eastern coast, Makronissos is one of the calmer of the island’s well-known beaches — clear water over soft golden sand, in a range of blues and greens that make the swimming as good as the sitting.
It holds Blue Flag status, which covers water quality, safety, environmental management and education, and is a fair indicator for families deciding where to spend a day.
What there is to do
Beach volleyball, sandcastles and shallow water for children at one end of the scale; jet skiing, paddleboarding and parasailing at the other. The beachfront carries bars and restaurants, so a swim can turn into a long lunch without moving the car.
The tombs
The Makronissos Tombs lie close by — an archaeological site that gives the beach an unusual second reason to visit, and an easy half-hour for anyone who wants a break from the sand.
More around Ayia Napa
Nissi Beach
The sandbar to the islet, beach bars along the back, and water that stays shallow a long way out.
Landa Beach
A wide sweep of pale sand on the Ayia Napa coast road, shallow enough for children and busy with beach bars in season.
Vathia Gonia Beach
A small cove ringed by low rock on the eastern edge of Ayia Napa — quiet by day, one of the best sunset spots on the coast.
Ayia Napa Harbour
Limanaki — kaikia and yachts on turquoise water, fish taverns along the quay, a wedding chapel in the middle.