Konnos Beach

Konnos Beach (here listed as a separate entry in the Cape Greco area) is a small horseshoe bay tucked into the limestone cliffs of the Cape Greco National Forest Park, four kilometres east of Protaras. You drop down a steep wooded path or a short coast road into a sickle of pale fine sand framed by pine trees clinging to the rocks above, with water so transparent the boat moorings cast shadows on the seabed. It is the most photogenic beach in the Ayia Napa-Protaras area and, because the only access is winding and the parking is modest, never gets the cattle-stampede feel of Nissi.

The bay sits within the protected national forest park, which is part of why it has stayed quiet — building is restricted, the cliffs are protected. It is Blue Flag, lifeguarded in season (June to September), with sunbed and umbrella concessions, a small canteen, and a watersports kiosk doing pedalos, kayaks and banana rides. The water entry is gentle, fine sand for the first 20 metres, then a slow drop to swimmable depth; the south rocky flank is good light snorkelling for parrotfish and sand smelt.

Insider tips. The bay car park fills by 09:30 in July-August; if it is full there is overflow parking up by the road. The cliff path on the eastern side is the second reason to come — five minutes' walk takes you to a viewpoint over the sea caves and the well-known wooden swing. There is a coastal walking trail running west toward Ayia Napa harbour (around 5 km, well marked).

Combinations. The whole Cape Greco visit makes natural sense as one trip: Konnos Bay swim, then drive five minutes to the Cape itself for the sea caves and the small chapel of Agioi Anargyroi, then sunset at the cliff lookout. Or pair with Glyki Nero Beach (3 minutes west, even smaller and quieter).

Bring. Snorkel kit, water shoes if you want to scramble the rocks, sunscreen, a hat. When. May-June and September-October. The pine trees give partial shade in the morning; afternoons get full sun. A late-September weekday is close to perfect. The bay is one of those Cyprus places that proves the small ones are sometimes the best.