Episkopi Beach lies on the south coast of Cyprus in the Limassol district, on Episkopi Bay, the wide stretch of coast between Limassol and Paphos. It is a long, open beach backed by sand dunes and cliffs, and it is noticeably quieter than the organised beaches either side of it.
The beach
Soft golden sand slopes gently into calm water, which makes it workable for families with children. The setting is the draw: rolling dunes, dramatic cliffs behind, and a long open shoreline rather than a compact cove. It is a beach for walking the length of as much as for swimming.
Why it stays quiet
Episkopi does not have the development of the resort beaches, and that is the point of coming. There is space to spread out, and outside high season you can have long stretches of it largely to yourself — good for a walk, for swimming without crowds, or for sitting still. If you want a busy beach with a full strip of bars behind it, this is the wrong one.
Birds and the salt lake
The nearby Episkopi Salt Lake is a protected nature reserve and draws a range of bird species, so the area works for birdwatching as well as for the beach. The contrast between the gold of the sand and the colours of the lake is what most photographers come for. There is more on the island's migration routes and where to watch in our guide to birdwatching in Cyprus.
Activities
The calm water suits paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing, and the width of the beach leaves room for volleyball and for long walks along the shoreline.
Facilities
There are designated picnic areas with tables and benches in shaded spots, which makes a full day here practical. The beach is reached easily by car with parking nearby, and there are beachside cafes and restaurants within reach. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired.
Looking after it
Conservation work here focuses on keeping the coastal ecosystem intact. Stick to the marked paths, particularly around the dunes, which are fragile and slow to recover, and take your waste with you.
Nearby
The Kourion archaeological site sits on the cliffs immediately above this stretch of coast, with its Greco-Roman theatre looking out over the sea, and Kourion Beach is the next beach along. Kolossi Castle is a short drive inland towards Limassol, and the Akrotiri Peninsula closes the bay to the east. The rest of the coast is listed under beaches in Limassol.
Near Episkopi Beach, Cyprus
Other places within a short drive, closest first.
