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Alagadi Beach
Beaches, Nature, Turtle Watching
Alagadi Beach (Turtle Beach), North Cyprus
Category: Beaches • Wildlife • Turtle Watching • Swimming • Nature • Photography
Alagadi Beach, often called Turtle Beach, is one of North Cyprus' most famous natural attractions. Located around 16 km east of Girne (Kyrenia), it is internationally recognised as one of the Mediterranean's most important nesting sites for endangered Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta). More than just a beautiful beach, Alagadi is a protected conservation area where visitors can enjoy pristine coastline by day and, during the nesting season, witness one of nature's most remarkable spectacles.
Location
Alagadi Beach lies along the scenic coastal road between Çatalköy and Esentepe.
Approximate distances:
16 km east of Girne (Kyrenia)
8 km west of Esentepe
35 km from Ercan Airport
90 km from Famagusta
The beach is easily reached by car and has several parking areas close to the shoreline.
The Beach
Alagadi actually consists of two adjoining sandy bays, separated by a rocky headland.
Beach Features
Long stretches of soft golden sand
Crystal-clear Mediterranean water
Shallow entry into the sea
Rocky areas ideal for snorkelling
Natural, undeveloped surroundings
Stunning views of the Five Finger Mountains
Unlike many resort beaches, Alagadi has remained largely untouched by commercial development, helping preserve its peaceful atmosphere and ecological importance.
Swimming
The beach is excellent for swimming during daylight hours. Visitors can enjoy:
Calm water on most days
Excellent water clarity
Gradual slope into the sea
Warm Mediterranean temperatures from late spring to autumn
The rocky sections at either end of the beach are particularly popular with snorkellers.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Alagadi is best known for its marine turtle conservation programme. Every summer, female turtles return to the beach where they were born decades earlier to lay their eggs in the sand. Two endangered species nest here:
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
After approximately 50–60 days, the hatchlings emerge from their nests and instinctively make their way towards the sea. Watching this journey is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Turtle Watching
One of the highlights of visiting North Cyprus is the opportunity to witness turtle nesting or hatchling releases.
These experiences are organised by the Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT) and take place under carefully controlled conditions to minimise disturbance to the animals. Visitors may have the chance to:
Watch female turtles nesting at night.
Observe researchers recording nesting activity.
Witness hatchlings being released to the sea.
Learn about turtle conservation from experienced volunteers.
Places are limited and advance booking is essential during the nesting season.
Protected Beach
Because of its environmental importance, Alagadi operates under special protection.
During the nesting season:
The beach closes to the general public at night.
Artificial lighting is prohibited.
Access is controlled.
Vehicles are not permitted on the sand.
Turtle nests are clearly marked and protected.
These measures have helped make Alagadi one of the Mediterranean's most successful sea turtle conservation sites.
Wildlife
The beach attracts far more than just turtles. Visitors may also see:
Herons
Small coastal fish
Crabs
Spring is particularly attractive when wildflowers bloom across the surrounding hillsides.
Snorkelling
Although not primarily known as a diving destination, the rocky areas surrounding both bays provide good snorkelling opportunities. Common sightings include:
Sea bream
Wrasse
Sea urchins
Small octopus (occasionally)
Colourful reef fish
Rock pools full of marine life
Morning usually provides the calmest water and best underwater visibility.
Photography
Alagadi is one of the most photogenic coastal locations in North Cyprus. Popular subjects include:
Turtle conservation work (when permitted)
Sunrise over the Mediterranean
Golden sand and turquoise water
Mountain backdrops
Wildflowers in spring
Dramatic coastal landscapes
Early morning is especially popular with photographers because the beach is quiet and the light is exceptional.
Facilities
Alagadi is intentionally kept simple to protect its natural environment. Facilities include:
Car parks
Toilets (seasonal)
Showers (seasonal)
Beach café/restaurant nearby
Picnic areas
Easy beach access
There are no large hotels directly on the beach, which helps preserve its peaceful character.
Best Time to Visit
April – June
Pleasant temperatures
Wildflowers
Fewer visitors
Excellent walking weather
June – August
Turtle nesting season
Warm sea temperatures
Ideal swimming conditions
August – September
Peak hatchling season
Opportunity to join evening turtle watches
Warm sea and long sunny days
October
Still warm enough for swimming
Much quieter
Beautiful sunsets
Exact nesting and hatching dates vary each year depending on environmental conditions.
Nearby Attractions
A visit to Alagadi combines well with:
Visitor Guidelines
To help protect this unique environment:
Never disturb marked turtle nests.
Do not use bright lights or flash photography at night.
Take all litter home with you.
Avoid making loud noises during organised turtle watches.
Follow instructions from conservation volunteers at all times.
Keep a respectful distance from nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Who Is It Best For?
Nature Lovers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the finest wildlife experiences in North Cyprus.
Families
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Children are fascinated by the turtle conservation programme and the shallow, sandy beach.
Photographers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An outstanding location for landscape and wildlife photography.
Couples
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Peaceful surroundings and beautiful sunsets make it ideal for a relaxing day out.
Snorkellers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The rocky edges of the bays offer interesting marine life and clear water.
Fun Facts
Alagadi is one of the most important nesting beaches for Green Turtles in the Mediterranean.
Female turtles often return to the same beach where they hatched many years earlier to lay their own eggs.
Each nest can contain 80–120 eggs, though only a small percentage of hatchlings survive to adulthood.
Conservation volunteers have monitored turtle nesting at Alagadi for more than three decades, contributing valuable international research on sea turtle populations.
Why Visit Alagadi Beach?
Alagadi Beach is much more than a place to swim—it's one of North Cyprus' greatest natural treasures. Its unspoilt coastline, crystal-clear waters and internationally important turtle conservation programme make it a destination unlike any other on the island.
Whether you're relaxing on the golden sand, exploring the rocky shoreline with a snorkel, photographing the spectacular scenery or taking part in an unforgettable turtle-watching experience, Alagadi offers a memorable day out for visitors of all ages. It's a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the wild, natural side of North Cyprus.
📞 Contact Details
• For the Beach & Conservation:
• Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT):
• Website: www.cyprusturtles.org
• Email: info@cyprusturtles.org
• Phone: +90 533 869 2696 (for information on volunteering and turtle watches)
📞 Beach Clubs:
• Oasis Beach Bar & Restaurant:
• Facebook: @AlagadiOasisBeach (They are most active here)
• Phone: +90 533 875 19 07
📞 Nanuş Beach Club:
• Instagram: @nanusbeachclub
• Phone: +90 548 881 00 88
🌞Alagadi Beach offers a rare, immersive blend of peaceful Mediterranean beauty and meaningful wildlife interaction. Whether you're there to relax in the rock pools or witness the miracle of turtle hatchlings, it’s an experience that blends serenity with environmental awareness.
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