With more than 120 miles of powdery white sands, drenched in over 300 days a year of sunshine and luxury beachfront accommodation, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were reading about some far-away tropical destination. Now with Cyprus having been awarded the cleanest waters in Europe, paradise on earth is much closer than you might think...
Cyprus is home to some of the finest hotels, perfect beaches, and cleanest waters to be found anywhere along the Mediterranean coastline. The quality of these crystal-clear waters is so impeccable that Cyprus has once again been declared the top country in Europe for bathing water cleanliness. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report published in June 2026, the island achieved a flawless 100% "excellent" quality score across all of its monitored coastal sites. Year after year, Cyprus consistently sets the standard—in fact, this marks the fourth consecutive year it has topped the EU rankings. It is no wonder, then, that endangered loggerhead and green turtles choose the pristine, sandy expanses of Golden Beach and the equally impressive Alagadi Beach as their nesting grounds. Once hatched, the baby turtles instinctively make their way into these perfectly clear, gentle seas.
The beaches of Cyprus are as stunning as the aqua seas they adorn, from the uninterrupted stretches of sand, to pebble edged enclaves and dramatic sheer cliffs. Whether you wish to simply lay back, relax and enjoy the touch of the sun on your skin, or fancy being slightly more adventurous and explore the secluded coves, the options are right here… literally at your feet.
The coastline of Cyprus houses an impressive choice of desirable beach front resorts. A particularly impressive jewel in the crown of the Mediterranean and of North Cyprus is the 5* Acapulco Beach & Spa Resort with it's 1km long sandy beach.
Situated in verdant gardens, guests at the Acapulco Spa Resort have a choice of either hotel room based accommodation or swish studio style apartments. The vast range of amenities available, cater for every age and individual whim. If it’s a spot of pampering you’re craving, then the decadent ‘Ocean Spa’ with its Far East massages, saunas and full body care treatments will be sure to hit the spot. However, if something to get the adrenaline racing is desired, then the Aqua Park comprised of the hotel’s 3 outdoor pools is just a splash away.
As the sun sets over its 1km long private bay, an al-fresco dining experience awaits in the hotel’s beach front restaurant. The culinary quality is second to none, with the very best in Cypriot fare that this enchanting part of the country has to offer.
Another spectacular resort, located just north of Famagusta in the rapidly growing Iskele region, is the ultra-luxurious, 5* Grand Sapphire Resort. Redefining Mediterranean luxury, this massive resort offers everything from sleek, modern family suites with panoramic sea views to exclusive residences. The resort is seamlessly connected to the famous golden sands of Long Beach via a private, beautifully lit underpass, allowing you to walk safely from the resort straight onto the soft, stone-free shoreline. The calm, shallow sea here is absolutely perfect for young children to paddle in safely, while the clear, deeper waters further out offer fantastic snorkeling conditions.
Beyond the beach, guests can enjoy exclusive access to the vibrant Grand Sapphire Beach Club or spend the day at the breathtaking 4,000-square-meter Punta Cana pool—the largest swimming pool on the entire island. When it comes to dining, Grand Sapphire elevates the culinary experience to a whole new level. The mouth-watering variety of dining options appeals to the whole family, from the massive international open buffet at the Sapphire Restaurant to premium steaks at Fogo Brasserie, fresh seafood, and traditional Turkish-Cypriot delicacies. Every single taste is catered to with absolute perfection. Just one question remains… Which corner of this paradise will you explore first?
