Holiday rentals in Coral Bay

Perched on the west coast of Cyprus, the lively beach town of Coral Bay is just 20 minutes from the historic city of Paphos. With its year-round Mediterranean climate and sandy crescent-shaped beach, Coral Bay is a popular island destination. Sitting against a backdrop of banana plantations and rows of lush vineyards, the town centre is home to a host of rustic tavernas where you can sample fresh calamari and mullet.

Pristine white parasols line Coral Bay’s sandy beach, which is bordered by imposing limestone cliffs. The beach has earned coveted Blue Flag status for the quality of its calm, clear waters. When you need a break from the sun, there are several bars along the waterfront where you can cool down with a drink. For an even more laid-back beach day, jump on the shuttle bus to nearby Potima Bay, a rugged stretch of sand where you can rent a sun lounger and linger over a cocktail from the rustic beach bar.

Cyprus benefits from a pleasant year-round climate, so Coral Bay apartments are an attractive option whatever the season. If you like it hot, July and August provide long hot days and nights. The most pleasant times to visit may be from April to June and from September to November, when visitor numbers and temperatures are lower, but you can still expect plenty of sunshine for days on the beach. In May, Cyprus explodes with crimson wild tulips and golden charlock (wild mustard) and the whole island celebrates the Anthestiria Flower Festival with parades and bloom-filled floats. Another highlight is the Pafos Aphrodite Festival in nearby Paphos in September, when opera fans come from far and wide to the magical setting of Paphos Castle for three days of international performances.

Coral Bay Beach

Visitors head to this 600-metre stretch of coastline to spend long, lazy days soaking up the Mediterranean sun. The sand is soft and white, and the calm, crystalline waters are patrolled by lifeguards, providing safe swimming conditions for all ages. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella for some sunbathing with a view, and there are plenty of watersports to try, including kayaking and paddleboarding, along with boats to hire for a leisurely trip around the island.

Paphos Town

A 20-minute drive from town lies the city of Paphos, the former capital of Cyprus, which is full of sites of historical importance. Explore the 2,000-year-old Archaeological Park and the fascinating Tombs of the Kings, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can also take a wander around Paphos Castle, a Byzantine structure sitting right on the water. Once you’ve soaked up all that history, you can wander along Agiou Antoniou and find a traditional taverna for a glass of sweet commandaria dessert wine.

Avakas Gorge

The Akamas Peninsula is a short drive away, where you’ll find the spectacular natural wonder that is Avakas Gorge. Visitors are drawn here to explore almost two miles of magnificent rock formations and 30-metre-high limestone cliffs that have been created by erosion over thousands of years. You can walk along the picturesque river, which is flanked by an abundance of native juniper and fig trees, as well as many endangered plant species that are only found in this region.