Nitovikla Harbour – A Quiet Coastal Anchorage for Swimming & Small Boats

Nitovikla Harbour is a small, undeveloped coastal anchorage on the south-facing coast of the Karpaz Peninsula in North Cyprus. It is best described as a natural boat shelter and swimming spot, rather than a harbour in the marina or port sense. Remote, peaceful, and largely untouched, it appeals to swimmers, snorkellers, kayakers, and experienced small-boat users looking for solitude rather than facilities.

The anchorage sits below the historic Nitovikla area, but this article focuses purely on the coastal anchorage itself—access, swimming conditions, and boat use.

________________________________________________________________

What Type of Harbour Is Nitovikla?

Nitovikla is a natural anchorage formed by the rocky Karpaz coastline:

• No marina infrastructure

• No pontoons or moorings

• No services or supervision

Boats anchor offshore in calm conditions, while swimmers access the sea from rocky ledges and small shingle patches.

This is a location for people comfortable with wild swimming and open-coast anchoring.

________________________________________________________________

Swimming at Nitovikla Harbour

Water & Conditions

• Water clarity: Excellent on calm days, typical of the Karpaz coast

• Sea entry: Rocky; water shoes strongly recommended

• Depth: Shelves drop off fairly quickly once clear of the rocks

• Currents: Usually mild but can strengthen with wind changes

Best Time for Swimming

• Early morning: Calmest sea, mirror-like conditions

• Late afternoon: Warm water, dramatic light, fewer winds

• Avoid windy days, especially when southerly or south-westerly winds are forecast

There are no lifeguards, no marked swim zones, and no facilities—this is true wild swimming.

________________________________________________________________

Boat & Kayak Access

Suitable Craft

• Small motorboats

• RIBs

• Kayaks

• Paddleboards (in very calm conditions)

Anchoring Notes

• Anchor well offshore over sand or mixed seabed

• Holding is variable—check your set carefully

• No protection from sudden weather shifts

• Not suitable for overnight anchoring unless conditions are exceptionally stable

Nitovikla works best as a short daytime stop rather than a base.

________________________________________________________________

Access to the Anchorage (Land)

• Vehicle access: Via rural tracks off the Karpaz coastal roads

• Final approach: Often rough and uneven

• Last section: On foot over rocky ground

Because there is no signage or developed access, offline maps or GPS are recommended.

________________________________________________________________

Facilities (or Lack of Them)

There are no facilities of any kind:

• ❌ No toilets

• ❌ No cafés or shops

• ❌ No shade structures

• ❌ No bins

Bring everything you need and take everything away.

________________________________________________________________

Who Is Nitovikla Harbour Best For?

✔ Confident swimmers

✔ Snorkellers who enjoy rocky seabeds

✔ Kayakers exploring the Karpaz coast

✔ Visitors seeking quiet, uncrowded sea access

✖ Families with young children

✖ Anyone needing easy beach entry

✖ Casual swimmers expecting facilities

________________________________________________________________

Environmental & Safety Considerations

• Footing on rocks can be slippery

• Mobile signal may be weak or absent

• Weather can change quickly along the south Karpaz coast

• Respect the untouched nature of the area—leave no trace

________________________________________________________________

Why Visit Nitovikla Harbour?

If you want raw coastline, clear water, silence, and space, Nitovikla Harbour delivers exactly that. It is one of those places that rewards preparation and respect, offering an experience that feels far removed from developed beaches and busy coves elsewhere in North Cyprus.