Katsarka Beach is located in Agia Napa (Ayia Napa), on the southeastern coast of Cyprus in the Famagusta District, positioned between the famous Nissi Beach to the west and Cape Greco National Forest Park to the east. Agia Napa, whose name derives from a Venetian-era monastery ('Ayia Napa' means 'Holy Forest' in Greek, referencing the wooded valley where the monastery was built), transformed from a quiet fishing village into Cyprus's premier beach resort destination during the 1980s and 1990s when it became renowned for its golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife attracting young European tourists. The area's history extends to ancient times when Cyprus served as a crossroads of Mediterranean civilizations including Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and British colonizers before independence in 1960. Katsarka Beach occupies a relatively quieter section of Agia Napa's extensive coastline, offering alternatives to the party-oriented central beaches while maintaining proximity to resort amenities. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, the international environmental award recognizing beaches meeting strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, and services, confirming its status among Cyprus's premier bathing locations. The rocky entrance and deeper waters close to shore create different swimming conditions than neighboring beaches, attracting experienced swimmers and water sports enthusiasts while naturally limiting family crowds with young children.
The beach features golden sand backed by low rocky formations typical of Cyprus's limestone coastline, with crystal-clear turquoise Mediterranean waters providing exceptional visibility for swimming and underwater observation. The notable characteristic is the rocky seabed near the waterline creating challenging entry conditions, particularly for children or less mobile visitors, though once past the initial rocks the swimming becomes excellent in the deeper, clearer water. This deeper water access close to shore attracts strong swimmers and those seeking immediate swimming depth without wading through shallows. Snorkeling is popular, with the rocky areas hosting Mediterranean marine life including octopus, sea bream, damselfish, and occasionally grouper, while underwater rock formations and sea caves accessible by swimming provide exploration opportunities. Rock pools exposed at low tide offer safe areas for observing small fish, crabs, and sea anemones. Water sports facilities include paddleboarding, scuba diving operations offering introductory dives and certification courses, and fishing from the rocks where local anglers seek sea bream and bass. Beach volleyball areas provide land-based recreation. Blue Flag facilities include toilets, changing rooms, showers, lifeguard stations with trained personnel and first-aid capabilities operating during summer season (May-October), sunbed and umbrella rentals through licensed operators, and accessible ramps meeting disability accommodation standards. The beach's quieter atmosphere compared to central Agia Napa beaches appeals to couples and mature travelers seeking relaxation over party scenes, while the excellent water quality and scenic coastal views attract photographers and nature enthusiasts. Nearby Cape Greco National Forest Park, a protected area featuring dramatic sea cliffs, sea caves accessible by boat or kayak, hiking trails with panoramic Mediterranean views, and the famous 'Love Bridge' natural rock arch, provides day-trip opportunities. Boat tours departing from Agia Napa harbor visit sea caves along the coast, offering unique perspectives of the limestone formations carved by millennia of wave action.
Koralli Seafood Restaurant overlooking Agia Napa waters serves grilled octopus with balsamic reduction, seafood risotto with prawns and mussels, and fresh fish including sea bass, sea bream, and red mullet grilled with olive oil and lemon. Ocean Basket at Agia Napa fishing harbor offers calamari rings with tartare sauce, sushi platters, fish and chips using fresh catch, and seafood platters for sharing. Molos Seaside features Mediterranean cuisine including moussaka, grilled halloumi with fig preserve, lamb kleftiko slow-cooked with herbs, and fresh lobster grilled with garlic butter. Isola Beach Bar serves zesty ceviche with fresh fish marinated in lime, grilled prawns with garlic and chili, and seafood pasta with clams, mussels, and squid. Vassos Psarolimano Tavern specializes in traditional Cypriot mezze including tahini, tzatziki, halloumi, sheftalia (herb sausages), souvlaki, and octopus stifado (octopus braised in red wine with pearl onions).
