Coral Bay

Coral Bay is a six-hundred-metre crescent of sand between two limestone headlands, the most developed beach in the Paphos district and the one families default to. The water shelves gently and the headlands cut the swell, which is the practical appeal. The strip behind it is solidly built up with hotels, bars and shops, so this is a managed resort beach rather than a natural one, with lifeguards, sunbeds and everything else in season.

What you actually see

• The crescent - six hundred metres of sand between two limestone headlands.
• The shallow water - a gentle shelf and headlands that cut most of the swell.
• The headland paths - short walks out to the points at either end.
• The resort strip - the built-up front behind the beach.

When to go

May to October is the swimming season, with water warmest from July to September. July and August are extremely crowded. May, June and October give the same water with far fewer people.

Honest expectations

The sand has been imported and replenished; this is an engineered beach. In peak season it is packed and the strip behind is loud. Parking fills by mid-morning in summer.

Nearby

Peyia sea caves are just north, and Paphos is twelve kilometres south.