Kourion Beach

Kourion Beach, also known as Curium, has a setting few beaches can match. It stretches in a long open run of sand and shingle beneath the cliffs that carry the ancient city of Kourion, one of the great archaeological sites of Cyprus. You can spend the morning among the Roman theatre and mosaics on the headland and the afternoon swimming below, which makes it one of the most rewarding pairings of history and beach on the island, a short drive west of Limassol.

The beach itself is big and open rather than pretty and sheltered. The shore mixes sand and shingle, the bay faces the weather, and there is room to spread out well away from the cluster of beach tavernas and sunbeds along the central stretch. Those tavernas are part of the appeal, serving food and cold drinks right by the water, and the breeze that often blows here has long made it a favourite for windsurfers and anyone who likes a little energy in the sea.

The honest read is the wind and the surface underfoot. Because the bay is open it frequently catches a breeze, so the water can be choppy and small waves are common, which is bracing and fun for confident swimmers but less suited to toddlers wanting flat calm. The shingle in places means water shoes help, and shade is limited away from the tavernas. This is a beach with character rather than a manicured resort strip, and that is exactly why many people prefer it.

Who should skip it. If you want soft sand and glassy shallow water for small children, the sheltered bays near Protaras and Ayia Napa in the east do that far better. But if you want to combine a genuinely great ancient site with a long open beach, a taverna lunch by the sea and an honest swim, Kourion is one of the most characterful beaches on the south coast.