Cyprus

Pyla Beaches

Overview

Pyla, nestled on the southeastern coast of Cyprus, offers a unique and appealing beach holiday experience. This charming area is known for its blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a great choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Visitors often wonder about the nature of the beaches and the overall atmosphere. Pyla's beaches generally feature fine grey sand and calm, shallow, clear waters, ideal for swimming and families. Beyond the coastline, Pyla village itself is distinctive as it's the only one in Cyprus where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live together, adding a rich cultural dimension to your stay.

Among the editor's picks, CTO Beach stands out as Pyla's main, well-equipped, and easily accessible beach, popular with families. For a more vibrant scene, Finikoudes in nearby Larnaca offers an iconic promenade experience, while Mackenzie is a lively hotspot known for trendy bars and plane spotting. If you're considering a day trip, the internationally acclaimed Nissi beach in Ayia Napa is often highlighted for its stunning beauty. While Pyla offers a generally more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling beaches of Ayia Napa or central Larnaca, it provides a welcoming environment with a touch of local charm.

Pyla's beaches, such as CTO Beach (also known as Pyla Beach or Dasaki Pylas Beach), are typically characterized by their fine grey sand, contrasting with the golden sands found in some other Cypriot resorts. The waters are generally calm and clear, making them very suitable for swimming. The unique character of Pyla village, with its bi-communal heritage, enriches the experience beyond the typical sun and sand holiday. For a wider selection of coastal spots, be sure to explore the longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Pyla a good place for a beach holiday?

Pyla is considered a good destination for a beach holiday, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure. It's suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers. The area boasts Mediterranean beaches, a rich cultural history, and a friendly local atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and exploring local culture.

What are the beaches in Pyla like?

Beaches in Pyla, such as Pyla CTO Beach (or Dasaki Pylas Beach), generally have fine grey sand and calm, shallow, clear waters, making them suitable for swimming and families with children. They are often set amidst greenery and offer various facilities. Cessac Beach is noted for its grey sand and unique location near the Dhekelia British base.

Can you swim in the sea at Pyla and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Pyla. The waters are generally calm, clear, and shallow, making them ideal for swimming. The water temperature is comfortable for swimming from June to October. In May, the water will feel tepid, and while tolerable without a wetsuit, some might prefer one for longer periods. The warmest water temperatures are in August (around 28.1°C/82.6°F) and the coldest in February (around 16.9°C/62.4°F).

What is the best time of year to visit Pyla for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Pyla is from late May to early October when the weather is hot, the sea is warm, and the days are long and sunny. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures (20°C-30°C), ideal for beach activities and exploring without the peak summer heat. Winter temperatures are milder, around 15°C.

Are there any beachfront hotels or accommodations in Pyla?

Yes, there are several beachfront hotels and apartments in Pyla. Options include the Golden Bay Beach Hotel, Sandy Beach Hotel & Spa, Lordos Beach Hotel & Spa, and Club Pyla Beach Resort, which is located about 200 meters from a sandy beach. There are also various holiday apartments and villas available close to the sea.

Are Pyla beaches family-friendly?

Yes, Pyla beaches are generally family-friendly. Pyla Beach (CTO Beach) is particularly popular with families due to its fine grey sand, calm shallow waters, and amenities like a children's playground. Yanathes Beach is also known for its shallow waters and sandy terrain, making it suitable for families.

What facilities are available at Pyla beaches?

Pyla beaches, particularly Pyla CTO Beach, offer a range of facilities including toilets, showers, changing rooms, sunbeds, and umbrellas for rent. Many also have beach volleyball and tennis courts, beach bars, and water sports options. Some beaches like Pyla Beach also offer disabled access and have lifeguards on duty from June to October.

How do Pyla beaches compare to Ayia Napa or Larnaca beaches?

Pyla offers a quieter, more family-oriented beach experience compared to the lively and party-centric reputation of some Ayia Napa beaches. Larnaca's beaches, like Finikoudes, are more central and bustling with long promenades, while Pyla's beaches are often described as being set in greener surroundings with a more relaxed atmosphere. Ayia Napa is known for its golden sands, while Pyla beaches typically have fine grey sand.

How do you get to the beaches in Pyla?

Pyla beaches are generally easily accessible by foot, bike, bus, or car. There are car parking facilities available near many beaches. For example, Pyla CTO Beach is located along Dhekelia Road. Public bus routes, such as lines 425, 424, and 445, serve the Pyla and Oroklini beach areas from Larnaca.

What is unique about Pyla village itself, near the beaches?

Pyla is unique as it is the only village in Cyprus where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots live together. This gives the village a distinct multicultural heritage and a welcoming atmosphere. This local context adds a unique dimension to a beach holiday in Pyla.

Are there specific areas or beaches in Pyla known for being quieter or less crowded?

While Pyla beaches are generally more relaxed than those in major tourist hubs, Cessac Beach is sometimes described as having a tranquil atmosphere. Meneou Beach, though a bit further in the Larnaca district, is also known as a tranquil spot. Some reviews suggest that even popular spots like CTO beach can be less busy than other beaches in the wider Larnaca area.

Are there any public beaches in Pyla, or are they all private/hotel beaches?

Pyla has public beaches, such as the CTO Public Beach (also known as Pyla Beach or Dasaki Pylas Beach), which is managed by the Cyprus Tourism Organization. Cessac Beach is also a public beach. While there are hotels with beachfronts, public access areas are available.

What kind of sand can I expect on Pyla beaches?

The sand on Pyla beaches, such as Pyla Beach (CTO Beach) and Cessac Beach, is typically fine and grey in color. This differs from the golden sands found in some other Cypriot resorts like Ayia Napa.

Are there lifeguards at Pyla beaches?

Yes, lifeguards with lifesaving equipment and first aid services are stationed at Pyla Beach (CTO Beach) from June to October, typically between 10:30 and 18:00.

Is Pyla affected by the UN buffer zone in terms of beach access?

Pyla village is unique due to its location within the UN buffer zone where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots coexist. However, the main tourist beaches like Pyla CTO Beach are located along the Dhekelia Road coastal strip, which is in the Larnaca district and readily accessible. Cessac beach is noted as being nestled between UK and Cyprus territories near the Dekelia British base, but is a public beach.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Pyla: Weather Today

📅 Monday, June 9, 2025
It's looking like an average beach day in Pyla. The maximum air temperature will be 27.7 °C, with a sea temperature of 24.0 °C. The sun will be strong, with a UV index of 8.65, so make sure to apply sunscreen. Expect some fog. The wind will be moderate, with stronger gusts at times. The waves will be slight.
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Air

Low / High20.2°C/27.7°C
Feels Like (High)31.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature24.0 °C
Wave Height0.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:30/19:58
Sunshine Hours12.6 hrs
UV Index8.65
Cloud Cover25%
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Wind

Speed16.7 km/h
Gusts33.5 km/h
DirectionSE

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