Beaches
Coral Bay’s main beach is a wide sheltered sandy bay which is ideal for families and holds Blue Flag status indicating the excellent quality of the water. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the road leading to the beach and a couple on the bay. Water sports, plenty of parking and beach facilities make this beach very popular.
There are a series of quieter bays and coves to the north with limestone caves and the Edro III shipwreck adding interest. Lara Beach is a spectacular golden bay with soft sand, and a very natural aspect due to its protected status as a turtle breeding area.
Things to see and do
The coastline either side of Coral Bay is dotted with sea caves, some of which can be visited, and other outings nearby could include Paphos Zoo or the Lara Bay turtle conservation centre. History lovers could visit the Maa-Paleokastro museum on the northern headland, said to be the site where Mycenaean Greeks first landed in Cyprus during the Bronze Age. Or you may prefer a scenic drive inland to taste local wines on the Akamas wine route which is accessible from Coral Bay.
Sports and activities
Coral Bay has a water sports centre offering canoeing, pedaloes and banana boats, sailing, jet skiing and more. If you prefer dry land, the Avakas Gorge just to the north makes for a spectacular hike, and there is a horse riding centre here too. Golfers can choose from several courses but two of the nearest are the Minthis 18-hole championship course in the hills, or the Marios 9-hole course on the coast between Coral Bay and Paphos. There are also opportunities for adventure sports such as rock climbing and mountain biking in the Troodos mountains or the Akamas peninsula.
Heading inland
For a change of scene, drive up to the village of Peyia on the hillside just above Coral Bay. It is a lively village with plenty of welcoming pubs and tavernas offering traditional Cypriot fare alongside international cuisine. If you are here on the fourth Sunday of the month, you will be able to browse the village market which has a wide variety of crafts and gift items as well as some local produce.
A few kilometres further inland, you can cool off at the Adonis Baths waterfalls and visit the unique cave church with painted ceilings at the tranquil Agios Neophytos Monastery.
