Latchi Beach

Latchi Beach is a pebble-and-sand beach beside the fishing harbour at Latchi, near Polis Chrysochous, on the northwest coast of Cyprus in the Paphos district. It lies about 50 km north-west of Paphos and faces the Bay of Chrysochous, in a part of the island that is quieter and less developed than the southern resort strip. The water is clear and often a vivid blue-green, and the seabed shelves gently, which makes for pleasant swimming in calm conditions. The beach is made of small pebbles mixed with coarse sand, so water shoes are helpful for entry.

The setting is that of a working fishing village. The beach sits next to the harbour, where small fishing boats moor alongside tour vessels, and the surrounding promenade is lined with tavernas that specialise in fresh fish and Cypriot meze. The mood is relaxed and local, with a mix of families, couples and day trippers rather than a party crowd. It is not a surf beach, and the harbour breakwater gives some shelter from open-sea swell.

Latchi is also the departure point for boat trips to the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas peninsula, and kiosks near the harbour sell tickets for these excursions. Facilities include harbour tavernas, paid sunbeds and the boat trip kiosks. Lifeguard hours are not confirmed here and should be checked locally. Visitors who want a more extensive beach day usually combine a swim here with lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Access is by car or by the Polis-Latchi bus, and the journey from Paphos via Polis takes about 60 minutes. Parking near the harbour is generally available, though the harbour area fills on summer weekends and when boat trips depart. The best season is May to October, when the sea is warm and the tavernas and excursion services are fully running. Mornings are calm and suited to boat trips, while the sunset over the bay makes the harbour promenade an appealing place for an evening meal.