Coral Bay beach shrinks as winter storms cause coastal erosion

Peyia, Cyprus. Coral Bay beach in the Paphos district has experienced significant coastal erosion, reducing its size and leading local authorities to halve the number of sunbeds, Akamas mayor Marinos Lambrou said on Wednesday.

Lambrou said the erosion was linked to winter storms and heavy waves and occurs approximately every 10 to 15 years.

Beach recovery expected

Lambrou said a similar episode occurred around 2010 and that the beach had already recovered to about 80 per cent of its usual size.

He said the sand was expected to return with future storms and that the beach was expected to return to normal by next year.

Long-term protection study

The municipality is not planning immediate measures to address the erosion, Lambrou said.

However, he said a study is being carried out with the University of the Aegean to examine long-term ways of protecting the beach.

Located in Peyia, about 12 kilometres from Paphos, Coral Bay is one of Cyprus’ best-known beaches and attracts local and foreign visitors each year.