Best Beaches in Northern Cyprus: From Secret Coves to Family Spots
- John Nordmann
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
🏖️ Best Beaches in Northern Cyprus: From Secret Coves to Family Spots
Northern Cyprus is a beach lover’s dream — with warm turquoise waters, golden sands, and peaceful hideaways. Whether you’re after a bustling beach bar or a secret bay all to yourself, this guide has you covered.
🌴 1. Golden Beach (Karpaz Peninsula)
🏆 Best for: Natural beauty, solitude, wild donkeys
Why go: Over 3 km of untouched sand, backed by dunes and pine forest. Rare turtles nest here.
Good to know: Bring your own food and drink — it’s remote, and that’s part of the magic.
🏝️ 2. Alagadi Turtle Beach (near Kyrenia)
🏆 Best for: Turtle spotting, eco-tourism
Why go: Known as “Turtle Beach” for good reason — loggerhead and green turtles lay eggs here in summer.
Good to know: Night visits during nesting season are guided by volunteers. Basic facilities and a lovely café.
🍹 3. Escape Beach Club (Alsancak)
🏆 Best for: Young crowd, water sports, music
Why go: A lively private beach with bars, loungers, and jet-skiing. Great for social vibes and events.
Good to know: Small entry fee (~€5), but it includes facilities and umbrellas.
🌊 4. Glapsides Beach (Famagusta)
🏆 Best for: Families, shallow water, easy access
Why go: Calm, clean, and great for swimming with kids. Restaurants and lifeguards on site.
Good to know: Very popular on weekends with locals — arrive early for shade spots.
🧘♀️ 5. Akdeniz Beach (West Coast)
🏆 Best for: Peace and quiet
Why go: Far less developed than the eastern coast — ideal for a digital detox.
Good to know: There’s a basic fish restaurant and not much else — which might be exactly what you want.
🌅 6. Bafra Beach (Luxury Vibes)
🏆 Best for: All-inclusive comfort
Why go: Soft sands and sparkling water in front of 5-star resorts. Open to the public too.
Good to know: Expect loungers, cocktails, and music. It's not a wild beach — but very relaxing.
🐚 7. Kervansaray Beach (Near Kyrenia)
🏆 Best for: Locals and sunset lovers
Why go: Small, sandy, and within walking distance of town. Calm waves and a laid-back feel.
Good to know: Beach café serves cold Efes and grilled halloumi.
🗺️ Beach Tips for Northern Cyprus
Sunblock and water: Many beaches have few shops — come prepared
Turtle season: July–September is best for nesting sites
Driving access: Rent a car or scooter to reach remote spots
Local etiquette: Topless sunbathing is not common here
📌 Final Word
Northern Cyprus has a beach for every mood — wild, social, serene or family-friendly. If you're willing to explore, you’ll find your own private paradise more often than not.
Next up in the series: Crossing the Border Between North and South Cyprus – What You Need to Know
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