Cape Greco Blue Lagoon Beach

The Cape Greco Blue Lagoon — properly the bay of clear water below the Cape Greco sea-caves, popularly called the Blue Lagoon to distinguish it from the famous Akamas Blue Lagoon on the opposite end of the island — is a stretch of exceptionally clear water tucked beneath the white limestone cliffs of the Cape Greco National Forest Park. It is consistently turquoise on calm days, with shallow rock-pool entries, deeper swimming areas just offshore, and a series of wave-eroded ledges and small caves that make it a snorkellers' and casual divers' favourite.

The bay sits below the cliffs of the sea-caves area, accessible by a short steep walking path from the cliff-top car parks. The water is glass-clear in calm weather, with fish life including parrotfish, sand smelt, wrasse and the occasional barracuda visible from above the surface. Confident swimmers can explore the channel between the rocks and small offshore stacks; less confident swimmers find the central pool calm enough for a swim. The famous Cape Greco wooden swing photographer's spot is on the cliff above the bay.

Boat tours from Ayia Napa harbour run regular trips that anchor in the bay (around 25-35 EUR per person, half-day with multiple swim stops). For shore-based visitors, the cliff path leads down to the water at several points; the central descent is the easiest, the rocky-point descents to the south require more scrambling.

What to do. Swim, snorkel, jump from the lower cliff platforms (only at marked spots; depth varies), photograph the swing, walk the cliff trail. Allow 2-3 hours. The bay is at its calmest before 11:00 in summer — wind picks up afternoons.

Insider tips. The cliff descent is rough — sturdy shoes essential. Wave swell from the south can make the rock entries dangerous; check before entering. The wooden swing photo spot fills with queues from 09:30 in summer; arrive at sunrise. Do not jump from cliffs you have not personally checked the water depth on.

Combinations. Combine with the Cape Greco lighthouse and Agioi Anargyroi chapel (15 minutes' walk on the cliff trail), with Konnos Bay swim beach (3 km cliff trail or 10 min by car), with Glyki Nero (small calm cove just east), and either Ayia Napa or Protaras for evening dinner.

Bring. Sturdy shoes for the cliff descent, snorkel kit, sunscreen, hat, water (1L+), camera, swimsuit, towel, dry bag. When. May-October. Calm-water mornings are the sweet spot. The Cape Greco Blue Lagoon is one of the better east-coast snorkelling and clear-water swims and a natural pairing with the broader Cape Greco park.