An arc of fine pebbles and sand sheltered by low, white cliffs and backed by olive trees, this is one of the best beaches in the region. It’s signposted off the B6; the approach road is fairly rough, but nevertheless accessible, and passes by vines and lush agricultural land. Melanda Beach Restaurant has a terrace on the beach, and rents sunbeds and parasols (€5). Avoid in busy July and August, but otherwise Melanda's sweeping sands equal a good choice for a beach day out.
© Matthew Coates/Shutterstock
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
21.25 MILES
Nea Pafos (New Pafos) is, ironically, the name given to the sprawling Pafos Archaeological Site, to the west of Kato Pafos. Nea Pafos was the ancient city…
7.43 MILES
Defiantly perched on a hillside, with a sweeping view of the surrounding patchwork fields and the sea, Ancient Kourion is a spectacular site. Most likely…
21.76 MILES
Imagine yourself surrounded by ancient tombs in a desertlike landscape where the only sounds are waves crashing on rocks. The Tombs of the Kings, a Unesco…
22.66 MILES
The island’s most prosperous and opulent Orthodox monastery was founded in the 11th century by Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komninos after a bizarre series…
22.94 MILES
The remains at this archaeological site, about 11km east of Lemesos, belie its original importance. Amathous was one of Cyprus’ original four kingdoms,…
7.47 MILES
Possibly the most famous beach in Cyprus, Aphrodite’s Beach is distinctive for its two upright rocks, which are easy to spot, particularly as you'll…
20.83 MILES
This fascinating site was home to one of Pafos’ largest religious structures. What remains are the foundations of a 4th-century Christian basilica, which…
11.06 MILES
A World Heritage Site, the sanctuary is recognised as being one of the most important ancient sites related to Aphrodite in Cyprus and yet it is arguably…
Nearby Cyprus attractions
0.15 MILES
This lovely stretch of beach is home to the sophisticated Zias Beach Club and the Kyrenia Beach Restaurant, which is superb for seafood. The views of the…
6.01 MILES
This cute museum explains the traditional process behind manufacturing carob pasteli (a Cypriot sweet), which was every Cypriot child’s favourite treat…
3. Sanctuary of Apollon Ylatis
6.19 MILES
About 2km west of Ancient Kourion’s main entrance, and prominently signposted off the highway, is the Sanctuary of Apollon Ylatis, which is part of the…
7.08 MILES
All you ever wanted to know about the humble olive and were afraid to ask. Oleastro is devoted to the story of this mainstay of Cypriot cuisine. The…
7.28 MILES
This is a lovely beach of sand and small pebbles; the area is windy and attracts windsurfers and kiteboarders, as well as those who just want to chill out…
7.43 MILES
Defiantly perched on a hillside, with a sweeping view of the surrounding patchwork fields and the sea, Ancient Kourion is a spectacular site. Most likely…
7.47 MILES
Possibly the most famous beach in Cyprus, Aphrodite’s Beach is distinctive for its two upright rocks, which are easy to spot, particularly as you'll…
8.02 MILES
History buffs should not miss this excellent museum signposted off the Lemesos–Kourion road and marked from Episkopi. The collection includes terracotta…