Nissi beach, Beach in Agia Napa, Cyprus.
Nissi Beach is a 300-meter stretch of sand on Cyprus's southeast coast, where golden sand slopes gently into the clear Mediterranean Sea. A small rocky island sits just offshore and connects to the shore by a natural sandbank at low tide.
The beach became known in the 1980s as part of Agia Napa's development into a tourist destination, when tour operators heavily marketed the region. In 2018, the site gained worldwide attention through rankings that listed it among the most photographed beaches on social media.
Visitors from across Europe walk along the shore and meet in the shallow water, while groups of friends play beach volleyball together. The relaxed mood draws young travelers who swim during the day and then settle into the nearby bars.
Restrooms, changing rooms, sun loungers and umbrellas are available, along with water sports equipment and several places to eat and drink. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are around and the sun is less direct on the sand.
At low tide a sand path appears that leads straight to the island, allowing visitors to walk across without getting wet. Many use this chance to take photos or stand alone on the island for a moment before the water returns.
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