Are you planning a trip to Coral Bay in Cyprus and wonder what to expect?
In that case, you’re at the right place!
I’ve been living in Paphos for over 6 years, and spend many of those years living directly in the Coral Bay area, so I know it pretty well.
In this article, you will find my local insights on what makes Coral Bay special, and also practical travel tips that will save you a lot of time and money.
Let’s dive in!
What is Coral Bay Like?
I have to admit, I have a soft spot for Coral Bay. I lived in the area for many years, and it’s one of my favourite parts of the island.
Yes, the high street may feel a little trashy, especially in the middle of the summer with the arrival of stag-do and hen-party crowds, but if you look past it, I’m sure you will love it as much as I do.
The area spreads out quite a bit all the way to Peyia, and the best things is you can get amazing rental property with sea view, for a fraction of the price of a nearby hotel room.
In the off-season, late autumn, winter, and early spring, Coral Bay High Street is pretty much shut down, with only one or two restaurants remaining open for the winter. It is surprisingly peaceful, resembling a bit of a deserted summer destination.
If you venture off the high street lined with bars and restaurants, you will find lots of local establishments and hidden gems, away from the main crowd hub in Paphos.
I think choosing Coral Bay as your holiday destination is a fantastic choice and you won’t have any regrets!
Coral Bay: Location and Accessibility
Coral Bay is located on the western side of Cyprus, about 11 km away from Paphos.
It is well connected to Paphos with a local bus, but it has its own high street (sort of!) with restaurants, small shops, nightlife options and even small supermarkets. It’s a small town that caters to everything you could possibly need for a wonderful holiday!
How to Get To Coral Bay
Flights: The nearest airport is Paphos International Airport which has direct flights to various cities in Europe, including many cities in the UK.
Buses: There are frequent bus services between Paphos and Coral Bay which provide a cheap and easy way of getting there.
Car Rentals: The best option for exploring Cyprus is renting a car. You can get one directly from Paphos Airport and drive to Coral Bay.
Natural Beauty and Landscape
The main attraction here, Coral Bay Beach, is known for its soft golden sand and clear turquoise waters.
It’s perfect for swimming or sunbathing, but it does have quite limited space for sunbed rentals.
Coral Bay has dramatic cliffs framing its coastline, with breathtaking views of the sea.
Its rugged terrain combined with calm waters makes it an amazing place to take photos as well as stroll through leisurely walks.
Further away from Coral Bay is the area known as sea caves, with spectacular cave-like formations in the cliffs that are well worth exploring, either on a leisure stroll or by renting a boat.
Tip:
Activities and Attractions in Coral Bay
Coral Bay is mostly known for its beaches and nightlife, so if you’re looking for those two things you’re guaranteed to tick all the boxes.
There are no major sights or attractions in Coral Bay area, but you have plenty more options to explore in Paphos.
Tip:
In addition to spending time by the sea and enjoying local cocktails, you can book some of the local experiences I listed below:
- Boat Trip from Paphos to the Blue Lagoon (a must do!)
- Tour of Troodos Mountain Villages from Paphos
- Larnaca and Nicosia Day Trip from Paphos
- Entrance Tickets to Aphrodite Waterpark
- Half Day BBQ Cruise with Open Bar from Paphos
Where To Stay in Coral Bay
There are quite a few hotels in Coral Bay offering accommodation, from luxurious ones located at the beachside to more modest ones.
I’ve been to a few of them as a visitor, not a guest (as I lived locally), and the quality varies quite a lot, even for the more posh places. Please do check hotel reviews in detail before booking any of the local places.
I personally think that if you want to stay in Coral Bay, renting a holiday villa with your own pool and sea view is the way to go. They are very affordable, and if you’re traveling with kids or a bigger group, you will get much better value for your money compared to the hotel.
Don’t worry – it doesn’t mean you need to cook on your holiday. There are lots of local inexpensive restaurants in Coral Bay where you can dine easily and on the cheap.
Where to Eat & What to Eat in Coral Bay
Coral Bay offers a wide range of cuisines, including traditional Cypriot dishes and international ones. You can check my favourite restaurants in this Coral Bay travel guide.
But what should you eat? What are the local dishes not to miss?
Meze: This is not just a dish but a feast. Meze consists of a variety of small dishes, including dips, salads, and grilled meats, providing a comprehensive taste of Cypriot flavors. Popular items include tzatziki, tahini, and grilled halloumi cheese.
Souvlaki: A quintessential Cypriot street food, souvlaki features skewered and grilled meat, typically served with pita bread, salad, and a squeeze of lemon. The meat is often marinated in herbs and olive oil, enhancing its rich flavors.
Moussaka: A hearty and comforting dish, moussaka layers minced meat, usually lamb, with eggplant, potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce, baked to perfection. It is a staple in Cypriot households and a must-try for visitors.
Kleftiko: This traditional dish involves slow-cooking lamb in a sealed clay oven, often with herbs and lemon. The result is tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone, embodying the essence of Cypriot cooking.
Loukoumades: For dessert, try loukoumades, deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts. These sweet treats are a delightful way to end a meal.
Best Time to Visit Coral Bay
Cyprus has a sunny and mild Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild wet winters.
Coral Bay is best visited between April and October when the weather is warm enough for beach activities.
Peak tourist season lasts from June through August, which also offers a lively nightlife scene, among other events.
On the other hand, you can go during the shoulder seasons (April to May or September to October) if you want a little more peace with still pleasant weather but fewer crowds.
Travel Tips For Coral Bay
Cyprus, in general, gets VERY hot in the summer months, as early as May, so don’t forget to always bring a bottle of water wherever you go.
In addition, use sunscreens, wear caps, and avoid direct sunlight by seeking shade when it is very hot in the day.
The Cypriots are known for their hospitality. It’s customary to greet with a smile here; and locals are more than happy to help you out.
If you want to visit churches or monasteries then dress respectfully and modestly.
Final Thoughts
Coral Bay is a must-visit place in Cyprus because of its beautiful landscapes, welcoming ambiance and variety of things to do!
Enjoy your trip to Coral Bay, and if you have any questions before booking your trip, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer!
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