Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa has once again been named among the best beaches in Europe. In the European Beach Index 2026, compiled annually by British service Quotezone, the famous Cypriot resort ranked second. A year ago, Nissi Beach topped the list, but this year it lost the leading position to a more affordable destination. Nevertheless, the beach remains one of the most popular holiday spots in Cyprus, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world every year.
Why Nissi Beach Is Among the Best Beaches in Europe
In 2026, Mogren Beach in Budva, Montenegro, took first place in the ranking, while Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria in Spain came third. The study compared ten of Europe’s most popular beach destinations based on several criteria:
- air and sea temperatures;
- accommodation costs;
- drink prices;
- number of positive tourist reviews;
- distance to the nearest airport.
Nissi Beach once again received some of the highest scores for beach quality, sea cleanliness and visitor experience. The beach has long been considered a hallmark of Ayia Napa and one of the most recognizable beaches in Cyprus. Its main advantages include:
- crystal-clear turquoise water;
- a wide beach with golden sand;
- shallow water, ideal for family holidays;
- summer sea temperatures exceeding 27 degrees Celsius;
- a small islet connected to the shore by a sandy strip, which has become one of the symbols of Cyprus.
The beach’s popularity is also reflected in traveler reviews. It has received more than 4.4 thousand top ratings — one of the best results among all the destinations included in the ranking. Its high standards are also recognized through international environmental awards. In June 2026, Nissi Beach hosted the Blue Flag awards ceremony. This year, 56 beaches in Cyprus received the prestigious quality mark, compared with 64 a year earlier. Ayia Napa retained its leading position on the island, with 16 of its beaches awarded Blue Flags.
Why Cyprus Lost the Top Spot
The main reason for the drop in ranking was the cost of a holiday. According to the study, the average price of accommodation near Nissi Beach is around 370 euros for three nights. By comparison, a similar stay near the ranking’s winner — Mogren Beach in Budva — costs less than 225 euros. Another factor was the distance from the airport, which is around 53 kilometers.
According to Quotezone expert Helen Rolph, resorts in Cyprus and Spain traditionally receive some of the highest ratings for climate, beach quality and tourist reviews. However, strong demand drives up the cost of accommodation and services, meaning that more affordable destinations are now ranking higher in terms of value for money.
Cyprus Remains One of Europe’s Most Popular Beach Destinations
Despite losing the top spot, Nissi Beach continues to rank among the best beaches in Europe and remains one of Cyprus’ main tourist landmarks. Every year, it attracts visitors looking for beach holidays, water sports and its famous beach parties.
In addition to Nissi Beach, Cyprus is famous for beaches such as Makronissos, Konnos Bay, Fig Tree Bay and Coral Bay, many of which also regularly receive international awards for water cleanliness, safety and high-quality infrastructure. The high quality of the island’s beaches remains one of the key factors helping the tourism sector continue to play an important role in the Cypriot economy.