Coral Bay Beach

Coral Bay Beach is the main resort beach of Pegeia, on the Paphos coast of western Cyprus, roughly 12 km north of Paphos town. The beach occupies a wide, sheltered bay at the end of Coral Bay Avenue, and its fine golden sand and gently shelving seabed make it one of the most popular swimming spots in the Paphos district. The water is typically clear and turquoise in summer, and because the bay is enclosed by low headlands, waves are usually small and the sea stays calm for most of the season. The sand is soft rather than pebbly, and the entry into the water is gradual, which suits young children and less confident swimmers.

The bay is open and fairly broad rather than a tiny cove, and the strip of sand is backed by resort hotels, apartments, cafes and bars. This gives the beach a lively, holiday-resort atmosphere, particularly from late spring to early autumn. Families make up much of the daytime crowd, while the bars along the front stay busy into the evening. The beach is considerably more developed than the wilder stretches near Akamas to the north.

Amenities are extensive. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire, and a range of water sports, commonly including jet skis, pedalos, banana boats and similar activities, operate from the sand. Cafes, tavernas and bars sit directly behind the beach, and there are toilets and showers. A lifeguard service operates in season, though exact hours vary and should be checked locally on arrival.

Access is straightforward. Coral Bay Avenue leads down to the beach, and there are car parks and roadside parking close by, although spaces fill quickly on summer weekends and in July and August. An urban bus runs to Coral Bay from the Karavella station in Paphos, and a taxi from Paphos typically costs about EUR 20-25 (about USD 23-29), so the fare should be confirmed before setting off. The best season is May to October, when sea temperatures are comfortable and all services are running. Visitors who prefer quieter water usually arrive in the morning or in the shoulder months of May, June and October, when the sand is less crowded and loungers are easier to secure. Coral Bay also serves as a base for visiting nearby coves and the Akamas peninsula by car or boat.