Beach with ‘crystal clear’ water crowned least crowded – and warmest – to head to this autumn

As the UK buckles down and readies itself to embrace autumn, it’s safe to say that the summer is firmly over (bar a few sunny days or two).

But if you’re not quite ready to let go of the sunshine, the least crowded – and warmest – beach to head to in the coming months has been named.

According to new research, in Cyprus’s popular party destination, Ayia Napa, doesn’t just offer golden sands, but relative peace and quiet, too.

Researching average temperatures and daylight hours for September, October and November, as well as which beaches are the most and least crowded, Wizz Air has uncovered the optimum spots for a bit of late-season sunshine.

The study analysed over 50 European countries and their top beaches, using a calculation that involved measuring the beach, dividing its area by the size of a beach towel and then again by the average number of daily visitors.

The destinations were then given a score out of 50 – and Nissi Beach received an impressive ranking of 42.7.

Though it’s technically one of Cyprus’s most popular beaches, Wizz Air’s research notes that its 600-metre length provides more than enough space for avid beachgoers.

Naturally, there’s ample opportunity to top up your vitamin D levels, as temperatures average 21C across September, October and November, with a standard nine hours of sunshine per day.

Elsewhere in second place was the stunning Konyaaltı Plajları in the Antalya region of Turkey at 35.67, while Borsh Beach in Albania, one of the summer’s trending destinations, was given 33.3.

Looking to top up your tan before hunkering down for winter? Here’s everything you need to know about Nissi Beach – from things to do in the area to how to get there.

First thing first: Nissi Beach itself has been praised for its glistening blue waters and endlessly relaxing vibe.

As one particularly enthusiastic TripAdvisor review from @Rooftop_Beach read, the surrounding sea has ‘crystal clear water’ as well as ‘wonderful white sand.’

And over on Reddit, @kickassali likened it to something out of a ‘Bounty advert,’ no doubt in reference to the chocolate bar’s 1988 advert, ‘The Taste of Paradise,’ which was set amid an idyllic-looking beach with glistening blue waters and bright yellow sands.

@Imautochillen’s visit left them feeling like they were visiting ‘the Caribbean’ rather than Europe, while @StopItDave described the location as simply ‘perfect.’

Want to try more than just sunbathing and swimming? Nissi Beach offers the chance to try various water sports, including jet skiing and banana boating.

If you’d like to keep hydrated with a tipple or two, there are multiple beach bars dotted around, including the Nissi Bay Beach Bar which is famous among holidaymakers and locals alike for its legendary DJ sets.

Just along the bay from Nissi Beach lies the Bridge of Love, a location where, as per local legend, lovers who kiss beneath the middle of the arch will endure everlasting happiness.

If you’re not looking to channel your inner romantic, it’s also an impressive geological feat as, a naturally-formed bridge, it’s approximately six metres long and half a metre wide.

If you’re looking for an afternoon walk around one of the island’s most picturesque spots, a visit to the Cape Greco National Forest Park is a must – and it’s a little over an hour away from the Bridge of Love.

Want to extend your summer? The closest airport to Nissi Beach is Larnaca, which is around 35.3 kilometres (21.9 miles) away, or around 38 minutes by car.

From London, there are multiple flights available from Gatwick, Luton and Heathrow through TUI Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air and British Airways. As per Google Flights, there are currently return routes available for as little as £94 in October.

Catch you on the shores of Ayia Napa!

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