Europe’s ‘best beach destination for 2024’ is beautiful but crowded

With water twinkling beneath the sun in stunning shades of blue and soft, clean white sand, Nissi Beach in Cyprus is the most famous beach in the bustling resort of Ayia Napa. The resort attracts more than 700,000 tourists every year, the majority of which make a beeline for the crystal clear waters of the cove, resulting in thousands of positive reviews online.

Coupled with its beautiful natural surroundings, average temperatures and average daily costs of surrounding accommodation, experts have named it the number-one beach destination in Europe for 2023.

CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson, who created the 2024 European Beach Index said: “Our 2024 European Beach Index revealed that Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, is the number one beach destination with excellent scores in every category.

“Nissi Beach has been ranked above some of the other famously popular European holiday hotspots due to its warm sea and air temperatures, as well as being one of the most affordable in terms of daily expenses.”

While the resort is popular for many positive factors, it can be extremely busy, which is perhaps the one thing that lets it down in reviews on Tripadvisor.

Thousands of beach-hungry holidaymakers flock to Nissi Beach’s shores every summer to sunbathe, take a dip in the turquoise sea or enjoy some of the water sports and activities on offer.

Having visited the beach in June 2024, a tourist from Brixham in the UK described Nissi Beach as a “lush beach with good facilities”, but noted it was its popularity which let it down.

The reviewer said: “Lovely beach, beautiful sand and crystal clear sea. You had to wade out a bit before it was deep enough to swim but it was lovely and calm. Did a little snorkelling near the edges.

“There’s also waterworks and cafes available. Loads of sunbeds but even at the beginning of June we got the last two beds around 11am so arrive early for choice.

“I only scored four star due to how busy it was, otherwise would [be] five stars. But then it’s good, so it gets busy!” [SIC]

Another holidaymaker noted that while the beach is “clean and nice”, the crowds are a deterrent.

In their Tripadvisor review, they wrote: “Only passed by, not stayed a full day, but it seems to me that it might be a little overrated. There are many other places with clean water and nice sand. Although it was clean and nice, but pretty crowded.” [SIC]

Similarly, one person commended the water at the beach as a major draw but felt the bustling atmosphere was a let down. “Pristine waters and vibrant atmosphere, but crowded beach,” they wrote. 

Nissi Beach stretches for 500 metres and the water is clean enough for the beach to have been awarded Blue Flag status. It’s favoured for its prime location, with picturesque surroundings and 100,000 sq metres of lush, tropical gardens.

In the high season, the beach is known for hosting DJ sets and parties, and as a result is popular with tourists and locals alike.