Polis Beaches

Overview

Polis in Cyprus is a wonderful choice for those seeking a tranquil beach holiday. It offers a peaceful retreat with a relaxed atmosphere, distinct from busier coastal resorts. The beaches here present a pleasing variety, with some areas offering soft golden sand while others feature a mix of sand and pebble stretches, ensuring there's a spot for every preference.

Key beaches include the family-friendly Polis Municipal, known for its calm waters and easy access from town. Nearby, Latchi Beach serves as a vibrant hub for water sports and boat trips, many of which head to the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. For a quieter experience, Yiannakis Beach provides a serene cove perfect for unwinding. Polis is also an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of the Akamas Peninsula.

The overall charm of Polis and its coastline lies in its laid-back, traditional Cypriot feel, making it especially appealing for families and visitors looking to relax. Whether you're drawn to well-known spots or prefer to discover more secluded shores, the area offers an authentic coastal experience. Our guide features a longer list of beaches to help you explore all that Polis has to offer.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Polis a good destination for a quiet beach holiday?

Yes, Polis is known for its relaxed atmosphere and peaceful beaches, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a quieter side of Cyprus. The beaches around Polis are considered some of the most peaceful on the island. Polis offers a serene charm and is a good retreat for relaxation.

What are the beaches in Polis like – sandy or pebbly?

Polis area beaches offer a mix. For example, Polis Municipal Beach is known for its soft golden sand, while Latchi Beach has a mix of sand and pebbles. Argaka Public Beach also features both sandy and pebbled areas. Some more secluded coves might be rockier.

Polis Municipal

Are Polis beaches suitable for families with children?

Yes, many beaches in the Polis area are family-friendly. Polis Municipal Beach, for instance, has shallow, calm waters and facilities, making it ideal for children. Latchi Beach is also good for families due to its calm, shallow waters. Lifeguards are often present at organized beaches like Polis Municipal Beach and the Camping Site beach (Polis Dasoudi beach).

Polis Municipal

What's the best time of year to visit Polis for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Polis is generally from late May to early October when the weather is hot, the sea is warm, and days are sunny. June to August are the warmest months. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for beach activities with potentially fewer crowds.

Are there beachfront hotels or accommodations near Polis beaches?

Yes, there are accommodation options near the beaches in the Polis and Latchi area. These range from hotels to holiday villas and apartments. For instance, Souli Beach Hotel is a family-run, seafront hotel in Latchi. Eliofos Elegant Maisonettes are quietly located within a short walk from the beach in Polis Chrysochous. Many holiday villas in Argaka also offer proximity to the sea.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Can you swim in the sea at Polis beaches, and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Polis beaches. The waters are generally described as crystal-clear, calm, and often shallow, especially at Polis Municipal Beach and Latchi Beach, making them excellent for swimming. The average sea temperature is around 22°C, being coldest in February (around 17°C) and warmest in August (around 28°C).

Polis Municipal

Latsi Beach

What facilities are available at Polis beaches (sunbeds, toilets, etc.)?

Organized beaches like Polis Municipal Beach and Latchi Beach typically offer facilities such as sunbed and umbrella rentals, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Many Blue Flag beaches in the area will have lifeguards and kiosks for refreshments. Some beaches also have nearby cafés or tavernas.

Polis Municipal

How do Polis beaches compare to Latchi beaches?

Polis Municipal Beach and Latchi Beach are the two most popular and are located on either side of Latchi port. Both offer sand and pebbles and are Blue Flag beaches with facilities. Latchi is a small fishing port with many fish restaurants nearby and is a hub for water sports. Polis Municipal Beach is known for its calm atmosphere and proximity to Polis town. The choice often comes down to preference for proximity to Latchi's harbour activities or Polis town.

Polis Municipal

People Also Ask

Do I need a car to get to the beaches in Polis, or is there public transport?

While some beaches like Polis Camping Site beach (Polis Dasoudi) are within walking distance (about 800m from Polis town), and Polis Municipal Beach is about 2km, a car is recommended for exploring more distant beaches or the Akamas Peninsula. There is a bus service that connects Polis town with Latchi and the Baths of Aphrodite, passing by several beaches. Electric bicycles or buggies are also fun options.

Polis Municipal

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches near Polis?

Yes, the Polis area has several quieter and more secluded beaches. Beaches like Asprokremmos, Yiannakis, and Ttakkas, located on the way to the Baths of Aphrodite, are smaller and more serene. Polis Dasoudi Beach (Camping site beach) is also often described as peaceful. Argaka area beaches also offer more secluded spots.

Yiannakis Beach

Ttakka Beach

Is Polis a good base for visiting Akamas Peninsula beaches like the Blue Lagoon or Lara Beach?

Yes, Polis is a convenient base for exploring the Akamas Peninsula. Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon often depart from Latchi harbour, which is very close to Polis. To reach Lara Beach, a 4x4 vehicle is often recommended due to road conditions, but Polis provides good access to the Akamas region generally. You can also take a bus (line 622) from Polis to the Baths of Aphrodite, an entry point to some Akamas trails.

Blue Lagoon

Lara

Can you see sea turtles on the beaches in Polis?

Yes, the beaches in the Polis Chrysochous area, including those towards Gialia and Argaka, are important nesting sites for Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles. The nesting season typically runs from late May to August, with hatchlings emerging later. Nests are protected, and visitors should be careful not to disturb them.

Are the beaches in Polis good for snorkelling?

The crystal-clear waters at many Polis beaches, such as Yiannakis Beach, Asprokremmos Beach, and the area around Baths of Aphrodite Beach, make them suitable for snorkelling. The waters around Cyprus are known for diverse marine life. Some rocky areas can also offer good snorkelling opportunities.

Yiannakis Beach

What's the general vibe of Polis town and its beaches?

Polis and its beaches offer a relaxed, laid-back, and traditional Cypriot atmosphere. It's considered quieter and more peaceful compared to larger tourist resorts in Cyprus. The area is popular with those seeking nature, tranquility, and a more authentic experience. It's family-friendly and also attracts couples and solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.

How do Polis beaches compare to those in Paphos?

Polis beaches are generally considered quieter and more laid-back than the often busier beaches in Paphos. Polis offers a more natural and tranquil setting, often with a backdrop of the Akamas Peninsula. Paphos has a wider variety of large resort-style beaches with extensive amenities, while Polis focuses on a more relaxed, nature-oriented beach experience. Both areas have Blue Flag beaches, but the atmosphere differs significantly.