Konnos beach – experience of a lifetime

Why should you visit Konnos Beach?

Like other beaches in the area, Konnos offers fine sand, turquoise sea and a gradual entry into the water. What sets this beach apart, however, is the beautiful nature that surrounds it. Its cliffs and pine forests create a sense of isolation and tranquillity, even though the beach is popular with tourists and locals alike. It lies in a sheltered bay which makes it a calm sea without waves, ideal for families with children.

Right next to the beach is Turtle Bay, where you can see turtles during the summer. Just a few minutes further on, you’ll reach the Cyclops Cave, which is definitely worth exploring.

Turtle Bay

Although most boats from Ayia Napa and Protaras head here to see the turtles, a better option is the 3-minute walk from Konnos Beach. The turtles are scared of boats, so if you want to swim with them, all you need is a mask and a snorkel. However, the entrance to the sea is rocky, so it’s a good idea to be careful where you step. The turtles move about 50 metres offshore and often hide behind a smaller reef. They are very friendly, they let you pet them and even do taxi drivers for the fish .

As long as you don’t try to swim from Turtle bay to Konnos Beach you won’t encounter any currents, so you don’t have to worry about not making it back to shore. Kids had so much fun with the turtles they forgot how long they had been swimming.

Wonderful animals enjoyed the peace

Cyclops Cave

Cyclops’ Cave is named after the one-eyed giants from Greek mythology. Although it is quite small and has only one room, it is worth a visit. In fact, the cave is part of the wider Cape Greco area, which is a national park and one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus.

That’s why you’ll have spectacular views of the cliffs from the cave and its surroundings. Along the way, you can look for turtles in the sea. We encountered up to eight of them.

Konnos Beach is fully organized

Konnos Beach is fully equipped. You will find umbrellas and sun loungers for the standard price of €7.50 (the same price across the whole of Cyprus), as well as various water sports such as circular or banana boat rides, paddleboarding, or boat or pedalo hire. However, beware of pedal boats – we don’t recommend taking them to Turtle Bay as the currents between the beaches are strong and we saw people having to be towed away several times. Also, there is a bar and restaurant on the beach. Availability of umbrellas is limited, so if you want to be sure to secure one, arrive before 10:30am.

How to get here?

It takes about 15 minutes to drive from Ayia Napa, and about 10 minutes by car from Protaras. You will find several parking spaces right above the beach. If you arrive early, park right next to the beach, later you will have about a 10-minute walk. Parking is free of charge.

Although there are no buses going directly to the beach, you can use lines 101 or 102, which run between Ayia Napa and Protaras. Ask the driver to drop you off at Konnos Beach – it’s about a 15-20 minute walk from there. Buses run frequently, especially in the summer season, and are a convenient way to get to the beach. Ticket prices are around €1.50 during the day and €2.50 in the evening.

With no hotels in the immediate vicinity, Konnos is an ideal choice if you are looking for a quieter alternative to the well-known beaches such as Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach or Fig Tree Beach.