Palm Beach, Famagusta, North Cyprus

Palm Beach is one of the most distinctive and historically significant beaches in North Cyprus. Located on the edge of Famagusta (Gazimağusa), it combines a beautiful stretch of golden sand with one of the world's most unusual backdrops—the abandoned district of Varosha (Maraş), often referred to as the "Ghost Town." This unique combination of natural beauty, modern facilities and fascinating history makes Palm Beach one of the island's most visited coastal destinations.

Unlike many beaches in North Cyprus that are surrounded by countryside, Palm Beach sits within walking distance of Famagusta's medieval walled city, making it easy to combine a beach day with sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Quick Facts

• Location: Famagusta (Gazimağusa)

• Beach Type: Fine golden sand

• Water: Calm, shallow and crystal clear

• Suitable For:Families, couples, swimmers, photographers and history enthusiasts

• Facilities:Excellent

• Accessibility: Very easy with nearby parking

• Nearest Attractions: Varosha Ghost Town, Famagusta Walled City, Othello Castle

Why Palm Beach is Famous

Palm Beach isn't simply another Mediterranean beach.

Its biggest attraction is its remarkable location immediately beside Varosha.

Before 1974, Varosha was one of the Mediterranean's most glamorous holiday resorts, attracting celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Brigitte Bardot. Following the events of 1974, the area was abandoned and remained closed for decades.

Today visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on Palm Beach before exploring the partially reopened streets of Varosha, creating an experience that combines leisure, history and curiosity unlike anywhere else in Europe.

The Beach

Palm Beach offers everything visitors expect from a Mediterranean beach:

• Soft golden sand

• Clear turquoise water

• Very gentle slope into the sea

• Calm swimming conditions

• Excellent water quality

• Plenty of space outside peak periods

The shallow shoreline makes it particularly suitable for children and less confident swimmers.

The beach is generally clean and well maintained, attracting both tourists and local residents throughout the summer.

Facilities

Palm Beach is among the best-equipped beaches in North Cyprus.

Visitors can usually find:

• Sun loungers

• Parasols

• Showers

• Changing rooms

• Toilets

• Lifeguard service during the summer season

• Cafés

• Restaurants

• Beach bars

• Parking

Because of its city location, supermarkets, pharmacies and additional restaurants are only minutes away.

Swimming

Swimming conditions are excellent.

The sea is:

• Warm from late spring until autumn

• Usually calm

• Clear with excellent visibility

• Free from large waves except during occasional storms

The sandy seabed makes entering and leaving the water easy.

Perfect For

Palm Beach appeals to many different visitors.

Families

Children enjoy:

• Safe shallow water

• Soft sand

• Nearby facilities

• Easy parking

Couples

Palm Beach offers:

• Romantic sunrise walks

• Beachfront dining

• Sea-view cafés

• Luxury hotel facilities

History Lovers

Few beaches in Europe allow visitors to swim beside one of the world's most famous abandoned cities before spending the afternoon exploring medieval streets only minutes away.

Water Sports

Palm Beach is generally more relaxed than adventure-focused beaches such as Escape Beach or Glapsides.

Depending on the season, visitors may find:

• Pedal boats

• Paddleboards

• Occasional jet ski operators

• Beach games

Most visitors come here primarily for swimming, relaxing and sightseeing rather than adrenaline activities.

Arkin Palm Beach Hotel

Arkin Palm Beach Hotel sits directly on the beach and offers luxury accommodation with:

• Private beach area

• Outdoor swimming pool

• Indoor pool

• Spa

• Sauna

• Steam room

• Gym

• Restaurants

• Beach bar

• Sea-view rooms

Even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can often enjoy its restaurants or bars while visiting the beach.

Nearby Attractions

One of Palm Beach's greatest strengths is how many attractions are within a few minutes.

Varosha (Ghost Town)

One of Europe's most fascinating modern historical sites.

Visitors can:

• Walk reopened streets

• View abandoned hotels

• Learn about Cyprus' history

• Visit observation areas

• Photograph remarkable urban landscapes

Famagusta Walled City

Only minutes away you'll discover:

• Medieval Venetian walls

• Narrow shopping streets

• Historic churches and mosques

• Traditional cafés

• Museums

• Local restaurants

Othello Castle

Linked to Shakespeare's famous play, the castle provides another excellent stop after spending time on the beach.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May)

Excellent weather

Comfortable temperatures

Ideal for combining sightseeing with swimming

Summer (June–September)

Hot temperatures

Warm sea

Busy atmosphere

Perfect beach conditions

Autumn (October–November)

Sea remains warm

Smaller crowds

Pleasant temperatures

Winter (December–February)

Too cool for most swimming, but ideal for coastal walks, photography and visiting nearby historical attractions.

Photography

Palm Beach is particularly photogenic because of:

• Golden sunrise over the Mediterranean

• Long sandy shoreline

• Turquoise water

• Palm trees

• Historic Varosha skyline

• Luxury beachfront hotel

• Spectacular colours during early morning and sunset

It is considered one of the best sunrise photography locations in North Cyprus.

Wildlife

Although primarily an urban beach, visitors may occasionally spot:

• Small fish

• Sea birds

• Mediterranean gulls

• Migrating birds during spring and autumn

Accessibility

Palm Beach is one of the easiest beaches to reach in North Cyprus.

It offers:

• Road access

• Nearby parking

• Walking distance from central Famagusta

• Taxi access

• Local bus connections

This makes it an excellent choice for visitors without a hire car.

Tips for Visitors

• Visit early in the morning for the quietest beach and spectacular sunrise.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore Varosha or the Walled City afterwards.

• Combine your visit with lunch in Famagusta's old town.

• During summer, arrive before midday to secure the best sun loungers.

• If staying overnight, a sea-view room offers some of the finest sunrise views on the island.

Why Visit Palm Beach?

Palm Beach is much more than a place to swim. It offers an experience that combines relaxation, history, culture and luxury in a way that very few beaches anywhere in the Mediterranean can match. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly day by the sea, a romantic coastal escape, or an opportunity to explore one of Cyprus' most fascinating historical locations, Palm Beach delivers something unique.

Its blend of soft golden sands, warm Mediterranean waters, excellent visitor facilities and immediate proximity to both Varosha and Famagusta's historic centre makes it one of the most rewarding beach destinations in North Cyprus. Palm Beach

Other Beaches you may be interested in:

Alagadi Beach

Agios Philon Beach

Escape Beach

Glapsides Beach

Golden Beach

Silver Beach