It beat beaches in Spain, Greece and Italy to bag the number one spot
Nissi Beach in Cyprus has been named the best beach in Europe (Image: Getty Images)
A beach holiday is the ultimate summer getaway. You just can’t beat relaxing on the sand, sipping a cocktail as waves gently lap at the shore.
Across Europe are some incredible beaches; Spain has no shortage of vast golden stretches while Greece is known for its picturesque coves. The likes of Italy and Croatia have more than their fair share too.
But according to a new study Europe’s best beach is actually in Cyprus. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa has taken the crown in a study conducted by travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk.
They created the European Beach Index to rank beaches based on factors such as sea and air temperature, the number of five-star reviews, average daily costs and the height of waves.
Nissi Beach(Image: Getty Images)
Nissi beat beaches in Greece, Italy and Portugal to bag the number one spot. With a vast white sand beach and shallow turquoise waters, it’s not surprising that it came out on top.
It has amassed more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor. One visitor, Elsa Boulos, wrote: “Nissi Beach is absolutely stunning! The crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and vibrant atmosphere make it one of the best beaches in Cyprus.
“The shallow waters are perfect for swimming, and the beach bars offer great food, drinks, and music.”
Another Tripadvisor review, Stefanica I, wrote: “This beach is one of the most popular places in Cyprus and must be visited for a perfect holiday. Clean water and golden sands, what else can you wish [for]?”
A third review, BigMick1983, said: “We visited a few weeks back and really enjoyed the shallow clear waters and amazing views. A fabulous place to spend a few hours as a family. Lots of bars, shops and restaurants are in close proximity too.”
Cape Greco is just a 15-minute drive from Ayia Napa (Image: Getty Images)
Nissia beach can be found in the resort of Ayia Napa, located in the far eastern end of the southern coast of Cyprus. It’s around a 40-minute drive from Larnaca Airport, which is served directly from Manchester Airport.
Skyscanner currently shows one-way flights in June from Manchester Airport to Laranca starting from £95, with returns available for a similar price, although this does not include baggage and seat allowance.
As a holiday resort Ayia Napa suits a diverse range of visitors. It has gained a reputation for being a party destination known for its bustling nightlife during the peak season with revellers descending upon its famous clubs and lively bars.
Yet if you visit outside the main holiday dates you’ll be rewarded with quiet and breathtaking beaches perfect for relaxing. As well as Nissi, it has several other beaches including Landa, a popular spot with families; Makronissos which is great for watersports; and further away from the town is Ammos Tou Kambouri, a ‘hidden gem’ beach which is harder to get to but worth it to escape the crowds.
It’s not just beaches that Ayia Napa has to offer. A 15-minute drive from the resort is the Cape Greco National Forest Park, located on the very tip of the island. Covering an area of 385 hectares, it’s a place where you’ll find nature trails lined with pine trees, rugged cliffs and mesmerising sea caves.
A particular highlight is the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered cove that’s popular for swimming and snorkelling. The park can be explored by foot or by the sea, with regular boat trips taking you along its impressive coastline.
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