Lapta, historically Lapithos, is a village on the coast west of Kyrenia in North Cyprus, split between an old mountainside settlement fed by natural springs and a lively coastal strip. It is known for its citrus groves and spring water, its beaches and beach clubs, the scenic Lapta Coastal Walkway, and its long history as an ancient settlement.
Lapta, known in antiquity as Lapithos, lies on the coast a short drive west of Kyrenia and is really two places in one. The older village climbs the lower slopes of the Beşparmak mountains, a green and shady place of stone houses, narrow lanes and citrus groves kept lush all summer by the natural mountain springs the area is famous for. Below it, along the coastal road, runs the more modern strip of hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches that has made Lapta a popular resort.
That combination is Lapta's appeal. From the old village you get mountain air, spring water and some of the best views on the coast, while a few minutes downhill you reach the sea, with beach clubs, watersports and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. The Lapta Coastal Walkway, a scenic path running along the shore, is a highlight for an easy stroll with the Mediterranean on one side and the mountains behind.
Lapta also has deep roots. As ancient Lapithos it was one of the historic city kingdoms of Cyprus and remained important through the Roman and Byzantine periods, when it was also known as Lambousa. The remains of Lambousa lie on the coast a little north of the town, a reminder of how far the settlement's history stretches back.
Today Lapta is one of the larger and more established resort areas on the north coast, popular with holidaymakers and with a settled expatriate community. It suits travellers who want a beach base with a bit more local character and scenery than a purpose-built resort, and it sits within easy reach of Kyrenia to the east and the villages of Alsancak and Karaoğlanoğlu just along the coast.
Lapta mixes coast, mountains and history. The Lapta Coastal Walkway is the signature stroll, following the shore with sea and mountain views, while the beaches and beach clubs along the strip offer swimming, sunbeds and watersports through the season. Up in the old village, the draw is the setting itself: spring-fed citrus groves, shady lanes and viewpoints over the coast, with walking routes into the Beşparmak mountains behind. History lovers can seek out the coastal remains of ancient Lambousa (Lapithos) to the north. Lapta also makes an easy base for exploring nearby Alsancak, Karaoğlanoğlu and Kyrenia itself, all a short drive east.
See all attractions in Kyrenia (Girne)
More ideas: Things to Do in Lapta: Local's Guide
Lapta has one of the wider ranges of accommodation on the north coast, from beachfront hotels and resorts with pools and casinos along the strip to villas and holiday homes up in and around the old village. The coast suits those wanting sea access and a holiday atmosphere, while the higher village offers cooler air and views. Prices run from modest to premium and peak in high summer.
See all hotels in Kyrenia (Girne)
Planning where to stay: North Cyprus: Top All-Inclusive Luxury Hotel Experiences
Dining in Lapta spans seafront fish restaurants and beach-club cafés along the coastal strip to traditional taverns up in the old village serving Cypriot meze and grills. The strip has a lively holiday feel in season, with bars and live music, while the village offers quieter meals with mountain views. Expect a broad spread of options across the price bands.
See all restaurants in Kyrenia (Girne)
More on eating out: North Cyprus Cooking Classes: Learn Local Cuisine
Lapta's coast is one of its main draws, with a run of small beaches and beach clubs along the shore, most offering sunbeds, cafés and watersports in season. The water is clear and the shoreline a mix of sand and pebble, with several bays backed by restaurants. Beyond the developed strip, quieter and wilder stretches run west towards Karşıyaka. The Lapta Coastal Walkway links much of the shore for easy access on foot.
See all beaches in Kyrenia (Girne)
More on the coast: Alagadi Turtle Beach: Visiting Hours & Turtle Watching Guide
Lapta lies on the coast west of Kyrenia, roughly a 15 to 20 minute drive from the town and about 45 minutes from Ercan Airport. A hire car is the easiest way to move between the old village, the coast and the neighbouring resorts, though taxis and local transport serve the strip. Once there, the coastal walkway and beach areas are easily explored on foot, while the old village's lanes are steep and best reached by car.
Getting around: Getting Around North Cyprus by Bus: Your Public Transport Guide
Late spring and early autumn are ideal in Lapta, with warm seas and comfortable temperatures for both the beaches and the coastal walkway. High summer is hot and busy, when the resort strip is at its liveliest and the population swells, and the sea stays warm well into autumn. Thanks to its mountain springs the old village stays green even in the driest months. Winters are mild and quiet, better suited to walking and sightseeing than beach days.
Timing your trip: Best Time to Visit North Cyprus: Weather by Season
Part of the Kyrenia (Girne) area
Last updated: 31 August 2026
Yes, especially for a beach base with character. Lapta combines a coastal resort strip with an old spring-fed mountain village, beaches, the coastal walkway and ancient history, all near Kyrenia.
They are the same place. Lapta is the modern name and Lapithos is the ancient and Greek name. The Roman-era settlement was also called Lambousa.
Yes. A run of small beaches and beach clubs line the coastal strip, most with sunbeds, cafés and watersports in season, along clear water and a mix of sand and pebble.
A scenic path running along the shore with sea and mountain views, popular for easy walks and linking much of Lapta's coast.
About a 15 to 20 minute drive west along the coast, making it easy to combine with Kyrenia and the neighbouring villages of Alsancak and Karaoğlanoğlu.