Beach
Coral Bay
Short answer
Coral Bay is a crescent of golden sand between two low headlands below Peyia, about 12–15 km north of Paphos. It is the most popular beach in the area for good reason: soft sand, gently shelving water and a full set of sunbeds, cafés and water sports. The trade-off is crowds in July and August.
The beach at a glance
- Is it good for swimming?
- Yes — Generally calm and shallow near the shore in summer.
- Is it family friendly?
- Yes — The best all-round family beach near Paphos.
- Is there shade?
- Partly — Mainly from rented umbrellas.
- Are there facilities?
- Yes — Cafés, toilets and water sports in season.
- Is there parking?
- Yes — Parking nearby; fills up in peak summer.
- Are there sunbeds?
- Yes — Rented sunbeds and umbrellas in season.
- Is it good for snorkelling?
- Partly — Better around the rocky edges than in the sandy centre.
- Is it crowded?
- busy — Very busy at weekends and in July–August.
Best time to visit
Morning, or after 4pm in summer. June and September give warm water without peak crowds.
How to get there
Drive north from Paphos towards Peyia (around 20–25 minutes). Local buses run from Kato Paphos — check current timetables.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coral Bay good for children?
Yes — sandy, gently shelving and with facilities. It is the easiest beach near Paphos for young children.
Can you get to Coral Bay by bus from Paphos?
Yes, local buses connect Kato Paphos with Coral Bay. Timetables change by season, so check Pafos Buses before you rely on it.
Plan around it
Area
Peyia & Coral Bay
Hillside village above Coral Bay — the best-known sandy beach near Paphos.
- Peyia & Coral Bay
Attraction
Peyia Sea Caves & Edro III Wreck
Wave-cut caves and a stranded cargo ship on the rocky coast north of Coral Bay.
- Peyia & Coral Bay
- 30–60 minutes
- Free
Attraction
Pafos Zoo
Family wildlife park near Peyia with bird shows and animal encounters — a good half-day with children.
- Peyia & Coral Bay
- 2–3 hours
- €€
Family
Paphos With Kids
Planning Paphos with children: the beaches, ancient sites and activities that work for kids, how to plan around the heat, and where families should stay.
Planning
Where to Stay in Paphos
Where to stay in Paphos by trip type: Kato Paphos for first-timers, Coral Bay for beaches, the Old Town for local life, Polis for quiet — and without a car.
Things to do
Things to Do in Paphos
The best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus — ancient sites, beaches, the Akamas, wine villages and day trips — with how long each takes, who it suits and what to skip.