Beaches of Northern Cyprus

If there’s one thing this island benefits from it’s an abundance of beautiful beaches. From rocky little coves to long stretches of soft clean sand, from deserted wild beaches to miles of perfect coastline - the beaches of Northern Cyprus offer everything.

If Kyrenia is your holiday destination then you’re in a prime location for beach access and choice.

Heading out west from the town, drive through Karaoglanoglu and on towards Lapta; near to a small town called Alsancak you’ll come to Escape Beach which was previously known as five mile beach...it’s located just after the large road side monument to the Turkish army which you can’t miss! This beach has recently seen some sophisticated re-development and has changed from ‘just a pretty cove’ to a beautiful beach resort for all the family with a restaurant, bar, changing facilities, showers, sun loungers...and at night the Escape Beach Disco.

Further along the same road you’ll come to the Deniz Kizi beach which is attached to the Deniz Kizi hotel but open to non-residents of course. Some beaches like this one and Escape Beach charge a small fee for people wanting to use the facilities, the fee is usually minimal and well worth it if you want decent and clean facilities and toilets etc.

Further along the coast you’ll come to Camelot which is also known as Alsancak beach and which has also been developed in recent years into something of a beach resort rather than just a simple and clean beach for sunbathing!

If you drive all the way along the coast until the road bends left up into the hills towards Guzelyurt with a right hand turn towards Kayalar, take the right turning to Kayalar and drive out along a slightly rough road and you’ll be rewarded by more private views and access to the Mediterranean. Keep heading towards the far end of the island for perfect sunsets and totally deserted beaches.

Heading out east from Kyrenia in search of the beaches of Northern Cyprus you will again not be disappointed. Firstly you’ll come to Catalkoy Beach (sign posted down past Seamus O’Flynn’s bar). This beach has recently been cleaned up and is now home to lots of organized water sports. It’s a very popular weekend family destination.

A bit further along the coast you’ll come to Club Acapulco which is a large holiday resort and casino but which is situated on a very pretty and accessible family beach. Non-residents are free to use the beach facilities for a small fee and it is an incredibly popular choice for families with children...the children can play all day while the parents can enjoy the bars and restaurants and child friendly atmosphere.

After Club Acapulco comes Lara Beach which is seemingly signposted down into the power plant! Trust the sign and you’ll actually drive past the power plant and round to a pretty little beach which is very popular among expats. The beach has a small cafe and very basic facilities but it’s friendly and sheltered and a great place for swimming.

Another excellent swimming location is Alagadi or Turtle Beach. This is the next one along the eastern coast road and is actually two bays separated by a big sand dune! The bays are home to nesting turtles and as a result they are protected. You cannot take your dog onto the beach, light barbeques, leave litter or dig your sand castles too deep for fear of disturbing the turtles and their eggs. Furthermore the beach is closed between 8pm and 8am and watched over by the Society for the Protection of Turtles.

During the autumn, winter and spring these two beaches are almost deserted and make for excellent shell hunting and healthy walking! And on Christmas Day in Northern Cyprus there is nothing better than a bracing stroll along these beaches with fresh lungfuls of clean sea air and beautiful views of the Mediterranean to make you feel truly happy!

If you want the most memorable beach day out though you should head up the Karpas peninsular - or panhandle and experience miles of breathtaking, untouched and wild coastline. Here you’ll see donkeys and goats wandering freely, beautiful little bays all along your route and then one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world right at the very end of the peninsula - right at the very tip of Cyprus in fact! Truly incredible!

The beaches of northern Cyprus offer some of the very best beaches on the Mediterranean if not some of the best beaches in the world. Come and judge for yourself!