Alykes Beach
Wild golden shore where salt flats meet open sky
About
stretches along the western coast of Cyprus near Paphos — a long, undeveloped sweep of golden sand backed by a eucalyptus grove and a quiet salt flat that acts as a natural buffer between the beach and the world beyond. The crystal-clear water catches the Mediterranean light cleanly, and the shoreline stays largely empty even in high season. No sunbed operators, no beach bars, no concrete — just the sound of wind through the eucalyptus and the occasional flutter of migratory birds passing through the salt flat habitat. It's raw, open, and genuinely wild in a way that's increasingly rare on the island.
How to get there
From Paphos, the beach is roughly a 20-minute drive by car. Free municipal parking is available directly behind the beach — no app, no ticket machine, no fee. Note that the salt flat terrain behind the beach can be boggy, especially after rain, and there is no formal access infrastructure on site.
Who it's for
For couples
The empty shoreline and wild, undeveloped atmosphere make this a genuinely private escape — walk the full length of the golden sand together without passing a single sunbed or speaker.
For families
The safe swimming conditions and flat, easy beach access make it manageable with children, and dogs are welcome too. Just come prepared — there are no facilities on site, so pack snacks, shade, and plenty of water.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
is one of those beaches that rewards you precisely because it asks nothing of you — no entry fee, no lounger rental, no queue for a parking space. Swimming is safe, the golden sand is clean, and the salt flat and eucalyptus grove give it a landscape quality you won't find at the resort beaches a few kilometres north. It's a genuinely empty stretch of coast within 20 minutes of Paphos International Airport, which is either absurd or wonderful depending on your mood. Come between June and September for reliable sun and calm water. Avoid winter entirely — the exposed shore and rough seas make it uncomfortable and pointless. Bring a picnic, bring the dog, and stay longer than you planned.
What to do
The Eastern Necropolis is just 0.2 km away — an ancient burial site worth a short detour before or after your swim. The I Love Paphos photo point is 0.3 km out if you want a quick landmark shot. Further afield, the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia — a UNESCO World Heritage site — sits about 4 km away, and the iconic limestone sea stacks of Petra tou Romiou, mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, are 21.6 km down the coast.
The salt flat at the rear of the beach creates a surreal, mirror-like foreground — best at sunrise when the light is soft and the birds are active.
The eucalyptus grove edge, where shade meets golden sand, gives a moody, layered shot that looks nothing like a typical Cyprus beach postcard.
Where to eat
Mosaics and Porto Bella are both within 0.2 km of the beach and offer regional Cypriot cooking. Happy Island is another option at 0.2 km. For something different, Notios serves Japanese food right in the area — an unexpected find this close to an undeveloped shoreline.
Where to stay
Several options cluster within 0.5 km of the beach: Porto Paphos, Apollonia Holiday Apartments, Pyramos, Daphne Hotel Paphos, and Kato Paphos Apartment all sit within easy walking distance. Staying this close means you can hit the beach early, before the day visitors arrive from town.
Photography
Shoot the salt flat at golden hour — the low light turns the shallow water into a mirror and the eucalyptus grove casts long shadows across the sand. The long, unbroken shoreline is best captured from the waterline looking north, with no development to interrupt the frame.
Good to know
Swimming is safe here, but avoid the beach in December, January, and February — the shore is fully exposed with no shelter, and winter seas can be rough. Dogs are welcome with no formal restrictions, making this a good spot for a long off-lead walk. The salt flat behind the beach may be waterlogged after rainfall, so wear shoes you don't mind muddying. There are no facilities on the beach itself, so bring water, sunscreen, and everything you need.
Map
Nearby places
Porto Paphos
Apollonia Holiday Apartments
Pyramos
Daphne Hotel Pahos
Kato Paphos Apartment
Things to see around Paphos
Sanctuary of Aphrodite, Kouklia
Ancient sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos, UNESCO World Heritage site.
Petra tou Romiou
Mythological birthplace of Aphrodite with iconic limestone sea stacks.
Asprokremmos Dam
Cyprus's largest reservoir, visible from the beach hinterland.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — greglaskiewicz · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 2 — greglaskiewicz · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 3 — greglaskiewicz · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 4 — toms_travels · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 5 — toms_travels · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 6 — toms_travels · source · CC BY-ND 2.0