The Best Beaches in Northern Cyprus: A Sun-Soaked Paradise for All Travellers
The beaches in Northern Cyprus are some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The water is clear, the sand is golden, and the sunsets are unforgettable. The region has a long coastline that goes from Kyrenia to Famagusta and the Karpaz Peninsula. It has a wide range of beaches that are perfect for all kinds of travellers, from families with kids to thrill-seekers to people who want to find quiet, untouched beaches.
Northern Cyprus has everything you could want, from a lively beach club with music and water sports to a quiet, clean bay where you can relax and unwind. This is a full guide to the best beaches in the area, broken down by region to make it easy to find what you're looking for.
Kyrenia and the western beaches
The sandy beaches and beautiful bays along the western coast of Northern Cyprus are all different and offer something special.
Beach at Kervansaray
Kervansaray Beach is only 5 km west of Kyrenia and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. This sandy beach is easy to get to and has shallow waters, which makes it great for kids.
You don't have to pay to get in, but you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. There are showers, restrooms, a beach bar, and a restaurant that serves snacks and cold drinks. This beach has some of the best views of the sunset.
Escape Beach (Five Mile Beach)
This well-kept beach with soft sand, shaded areas, and a lively atmosphere is also known as Sunset Beach. It is 5 miles west of Kyrenia.
You have to pay a small fee to get in, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Facilities include a water sports centre where you can go canoeing, water skiing, or ride a catamaran. There is also a diving school. It's best to book diving lessons ahead of time in the summer. Regular DJ parties and beach events draw in a younger crowd, making it a hotspot for people who love nightlife.
Golden Bay Beach (Deniz Kizi)
This private beach, which is owned by the Deniz Kizi Hotel, is a popular choice for people who want a clean, sandy beach with modern amenities.
Guests of the hotel can use it for free, but visitors have to pay to get in. You can do water sports like windsurfing and water skiing. The beach is ideal for families because the water is shallow and there is a play area just for kids.
Beach at Mare Monte
Mare Monte Beach is a long, sandy beach owned by the Mare Monte Hotel. It is 9 km west of Kyrenia.
There are beds, umbrellas, showers and a beach bar on the property. Many people from the area like to go there, so it can get busy on the weekends. To get to the beach, you have to go down a set of stairs, which isn't ideal for older guests.
Beach in Camelot
Camelot Beach is a small, lovely beach to the west of Kyrenia. Because the water is shallow, it's a wonderful place for families with young kids.
There is a bar, a restaurant, sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. The water stays shallow for a long way, which is ideal for wading and playing with kids.
Guzelyali Beach
Guzelyali Beach is about 10 miles from Kyrenia in Lapta. It has both sand and small pebbles.
You can eat at the restaurant, take a shower, and relax on the sun loungers. People like the beach because it is quiet and has beautiful views.
Eastern Beaches: From Catalkoy to Acapulco
The eastern coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Cyprus, from big sandy shores to bays that are ideal for families.
Beach at Catalkoy
Catalkoy Beach is a quiet cove just 7 km east of Kyrenia. It's a wonderful place to get away from it all.
There is a small diving pontoon, and a nearby riding school lets you ride horses along the beach. This beach is a wonderful place to spend a quiet, relaxing day by the water.
Beach in Lara (Vakiflar Beach)
Lara Beach is 3 kilometres east of Vyrsi and is a popular spot for British expats.
There are showers, bathrooms, and a beach café on the property. The sand is dark, but the water is clear and calm, which is great for families.
Diana Beach
Diana Beach is a man-made beach in Karakum, just 2 km east of Kyrenia. Sand was brought in to make a nice place to relax.
There are basic things like sunbeds, umbrellas and a small snack bar. Even though it's big, people still like to go there.
Beach in Acapulco
Acapulco Beach is the longest beach in Northern Cyprus. It has more than 1 km of golden sand and is part of the Acapulco Hotel complex.
There is a beach bar, a water park, several restaurants, and water sports. Families will love this beach because there are so many things for kids to do.
Turtle Beach (Alagadi Beach)
Alagadi Beach is 20 kilometres east of Kyrenia and is known for the sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs.
There are a few snack bars and parking lots near the beach, but it is safe. From June to October, when turtles lay their eggs, local conservation groups lead turtle-watching tours for visitors.
Famagusta's beaches: where history meets the sea
The beaches in Famagusta are close to historical ruins, which makes them a great mix of culture and relaxation.
Beach at Glapsides
Families love Glapsides Beach, which is right in front of the Salamis ruins.
There are showers, changing rooms, and food stalls. The beach is known for being a fun place for young people, with beach parties and music events happening all summer long.
Beach in Silver
Silver Beach is right behind the old city of Salamis and is a great place for people who want to swim and learn about history at the same time.
The water is so clear that you can see everything, which makes it a great place to snorkel.
Bafra Beach
Bafra Beach has become more popular because of new roads and hotels nearby.
There are beach bars, sun loungers, and parasols. The beach is big and clean, which makes it a great place to relax.
Karpaz Peninsula: A Beautiful Place That Hasn't Been Changed
The Karpaz Peninsula is famous for its wild, untouched beaches, where nature is in charge.
Nagomi Beach
Nagomi Beach is a quiet bay on the peninsula with golden sand dunes.
This beach is perfect for people who love nature because it is a clean place to get away from crowds.
Long Beach
Long Beach, which runs along the eastern coast, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
There are bungalows, picnic areas, and snack bars on the property. Because sea turtles lay their eggs here, this area is protected and not very developed.
There is something for everyone on the beaches of Northern Cyprus. The area is a Mediterranean paradise just waiting to be explored, from the historic shores of Famagusta to the untouched sands of Karpaz.