Nissi Beach — Attraction in Ayia Napa

Nissi Beach is probably one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus. Famous for it's party scene during the summer months it has a great atmosphere, pure white sands and relatively clear waters (in the grand scheme of things).

There are lots of things you can do at Nissi, chill on a sun lounger (EUR 4 rental fee or EUR 20 per couple if you are on the slightly nicer beach club loungers), grab a bite to eat (there are some beautiful beach side restaurants where you can enjoy a fish platter or a cocktail (or 5)) – one of them being Taverna Nissi, walk from the beach to the cliff – Nissi Beach has a shallow part of sea that you are able to walk across to reach a cliff that you can hike, and jump off of, if you want to. It's a great experience.

When we visited we got to the beach around 11am and paid EUR 3 parking all day, right by the Taverna Nissi restaurant. We then walked down the beach to a Beach Club and rented two of the final remaining sun loungers for EUR 20 per couple (they were lovely and had nice, comfortable grey cushions and included table service within the venue (paid for separately). The beach was absolutely heaving by the time we got there and, if we didn't go to the beach club and just rented the usual loungers, we probably would have found it very difficult to find two together, so you may want to get there slightly earlier than 11am to avoid disappointment.

The beach itself was stunning and we enjoyed a beautiful Cypriot summers day. The breeze was delightful however it distracted you from how strong the sun UV's were and we ended up getting a bit sun-burnt – so don't forget your cream folks!

The loungers on the beach all seemed to be around 2m apart and socially distanced for COVID regulations which we liked as it made you feel safe.

Overall Nissi was a hit and we had the most delightful day.

Instagram/Youtube:...

Here's a breakdown of this beach to help you find your perfect spot:

First Impressions:

There is a big parking lot available, but as usual, be sure to come early, especially in the main season. When you arrive from the parking lot and head to the middle of the beach, be prepared for crowds. It's a popular spot during the whole day.

Heading Right:

If you go right, it remains lively with lots of people and music blasting from the bar in the afternoon. On the plus side, the bar has toilets (free) and showers (paid). However, you might find yourself approached by people promoting clubs.

Heading Left:

For a quieter experience, head left. There are fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere. Note that there might be some rocky areas when entering the sea, but the water is clear, so you can easily see and avoid them.

Sunbeds and Umbrellas:

Try to arrive by 9:30 to snag the last available sunbeds. A guy will come around and you can pay by cash or card (if his internet is working 😀). A set of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs €7.50. Some umbrellas come with a security box for an additional €2.50, and you'll need a special key from the attendant.

Sea and Facilities:

The sea is shallow everywhere, making it perfect for families with young children. You can find a free shower on the pathway between Petra Bar and Rondavel. Behind Rondavel, there are toilets and another shower.

Food Recommendation:

For a bite to eat, I highly recommend the nearby Zorbas Bakery. They have delicious options to satisfy your hunger.

I hope this guide helps you navigate this beach and find your ideal spot to enjoy the sun and sea!

Drink Recommendation:

To cool down I can recommend iced coffee from Petra bar and Rondavel

The photo is taken from the cliff next to...

Decent beach.

Pros:

Amazing water, not much debris in and around the water. Some sea weed but not awful. The water and the area has no bad fishy smell that I experienced at other beaches before. Water is super shallow on a large area, I think we must have walked in a 100 feet or so and the water was still around hip height (I am 6'2"). Sand is really nice and smooth. Water sport is available nearby. The water looks really nice and waves were subtle at the end of August and beginning of September when I was there. Biggest plus is the water temperature. It was amazing, really warm so you don't need even a second to get used to it, you just walk into the water and enjoy! I was also pleased with not having a single perso trying to sell me stuff or trying to give me a massage service. Couldn't see any beach vendors or hawkers. I hate that stuff. If I want something, I'll come to you, but maybe some people like that sort of service.

Cons:

No shower around the beach which I find really weird as even bad beaches I attended had multiple of those. This beach was really crowded during my stay, loads of people everywhere. Apparently there is a toilet near the lifeguards but I did not dare go even near that. One toilet for hundreds if not thousands of people doesn't sound inviting, so I just went back to the hotel. Disclaimer about the showers: apparently there is a shower also at the lifeguards stand which you have to pay for but that sounds ridiculous...

Conclusion:

Great water quality, temperature and depth. No sales people harrassing you. However, the beach is extremely crowded and free showers to wash yourself...