Nissi Beach, located in the eastern part of the island of Cyprus, is, in our opinion, by far the most beautiful beach on the island. As we were looking for a warm vacation destination for the fall that wasn’t too far away, a beautiful beach was essential for us. This was the main reason why we chose to stay in Ayia Napa, close to the beach, during our autumn trip.
Hotels in Ayia Napa Nissi Beach
Finding a nice hotel close to the beach was not that easy. In addition to the proximity to the beach, features such as a pool, room size, and price were also important to us. Ultimately, we chose the Amethyst Napa Hotel & Spa, which is about a 20-minute walk from the beach. From the hotel, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the equally beautiful Makronissos Beach.
However, we always drove to Nissi Beach with our rental car. Near the beach, there are plenty of both free and paid parking spaces available.
What makes Nissi Beach in Cyprus so special?
Most beaches in Cyprus have brown, dark, or yellow sand. Nissi Beach, on the other hand, has white sand that makes the surroundings appear brighter and gives the water its striking turquoise color, reminiscent of the Caribbean.
During our research, it quickly became clear that this beach, with its white sand and turquoise blue water, was something special. When we visited, Nissi Beach looked even more impressive than in the pictures we had seen before.
The crystal clear waters of Nissi Beach
The water on the beach is crystal clear and extremely clean. You can see the seabed and there is no visible pollution, at least to the human eye. This is not the case on every beach in Cyprus.
Warm water temperatures even in late fall
The water is not only crystal clear but also significantly warmer at the end of October compared to most other holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. Here, even in autumn, you’ll find warm, summery temperatures that are perfect for swimming.
When planning our trip, we compared the water temperatures on the Greek mainland coast with those on Crete and Cyprus and Cyprus came out significantly better.
Shallow water: ideal for relaxing and for families
There is another unique feature of this beach that we found only here on the island: the water stays shallow for a long distance. You can walk through the warm, clear water comfortably. Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s also perfect for children.
Nissi Island peninsula
Directly opposite the beach, about 50 meters out in the sea, lies the Nissi Island peninsula. Because the water is so shallow, you can walk through the sea to the island. Your feet will only get wet as the water is just a few centimeters deep.
On Nissi Island, there is also a beach and a small hill that you can climb to enjoy the view over the surrounding beach landscape.
Relaxed atmosphere on Nissi Beach: Caribbean flair and beach spirit
The white sand, the turquoise, clear, warm, and shallow water, along with the nearby island that you can reach on foot, create a unique atmosphere. The beauty of the beach brings a relaxed vibe and an amazing beach spirit.
Opposite Nissi Island, there is a beach bar that plays electronic music, evoking an Ibiza-like feeling. Across the entire beach, there are numerous beach cafés, restaurants, and bars to suit all budgets, as well as a beach volleyball court.
Our conclusion about Nissi Beach on Cyprus near Ayia Napa
We have visited many beaches on different continents, and for us, Nissi Beach is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The bright sand, clear, turquoise, shallow water, and the proximity to Nissi Island make it unique. The only difference from Caribbean beaches might be the absence of coconut palms. However, there are plenty of other palm trees here that suit the beach perfectly.
We had a wonderful time here and believe that autumn is the perfect season to enjoy the beach and relax by the sea. By the way, the beach is still quite busy even at the end of October.
For us, this beach was an absolute highlight of our trip to Cyprus. If you visit Cyprus, you shouldn’t miss Nissi Beach.
Yes, there are both free and paid parking spaces near the beach. These are usually sufficient, even in high season.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Nissi Beach offers a beach volleyball court, water sports facilities and the opportunity to walk to Nissi Island off the coast. The beach bars also provide a relaxed atmosphere with music and food.
