A comprehensive guide to the best beaches across every region of North Cyprus, from the golden sands of Karpaz to the beach clubs of Kyrenia.
North Cyprus boasts over 60 beaches spread across 396 kilometres of coastline, ranging from developed beach clubs with sun loungers and DJs to completely wild, untouched stretches where you might be the only person for miles. The water is crystal-clear Mediterranean, with temperatures ranging from 17C in winter to 28C in August.
The Kyrenia coastline is the most developed for tourism, with a mix of beach clubs and quieter coves. Escape Beach is the most popular, offering loungers, bars, water sports, and a lively atmosphere. Alagadi Beach (Turtle Beach) is a protected nesting site for loggerhead and green turtles. Diana Beach and Acapulco Beach are well-maintained beach club options with entrance fees of £3-5.
The Karpaz Peninsula has the most spectacular beaches in North Cyprus and arguably in the entire Mediterranean. Golden Beach (Altinkum), a 3-kilometre crescent of soft golden sand with no development apart from a small restaurant, is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in Europe. The water is gin-clear and shallow for hundreds of metres. Wild donkeys often wander the dunes. These beaches are remote — allow 2+ hours driving from Kyrenia — but absolutely worth the journey.
Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula is rated one of the top 10 Mediterranean beaches. Arrive early in peak season to secure a spot near the restaurant for shade.
Famagusta has long, sandy beaches that are less crowded than Kyrenia's offerings. Palm Beach and Glapsides Beach offer calm waters and basic facilities. The ghost town of Varosha has a haunting beach that has been partially reopened to the public. Silver Beach near Boltasli is a hidden gem with fine white sand and no crowds.
Iskele's coastline, particularly Long Beach and Bafra Beach, has been the focus of major resort development. Long Beach stretches for over 10 kilometres with a mix of public and hotel-managed sections. The sand is golden and the water calm and shallow — ideal for families. Bafra Beach is anchored by large five-star resorts with private beach areas and water sports.
The western coast around Guzelyurt is the least developed beach area in North Cyprus. The beaches tend to be pebbly or mixed sand-and-shingle, but they are almost entirely empty — even in August. The sunsets here, facing west across the Mediterranean, are arguably the best on the island.
Lifeguards are present at major beach clubs and resort beaches but rare at public beaches. Jellyfish are uncommon but can appear in late summer. Sea shoes are recommended at pebbly beaches. Most beach clubs charge £3-8 for a sun lounger and umbrella for the day. There are no dangerous sharks in the eastern Mediterranean, and sea conditions are generally calm from May through October.
Golden Beach (Altinkum) on the Karpaz Peninsula is widely considered the best beach in North Cyprus and one of the finest in the Mediterranean, with 3 km of unspoilt golden sand.
Yes, several beach clubs operate around Kyrenia including Escape Beach, Acapulco Beach, and Diana Beach. They offer loungers, bars, water sports, and food, typically charging £3-8 entry.
Iskele's Long Beach and Bafra Beach are ideal for families, with shallow calm waters, golden sand, and resort facilities including kids clubs and water parks.
The sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming from May through November (20-28C). Winter swimming is possible but temperatures drop to 17C.
Yes, Alagadi Beach near Kyrenia is a protected nesting site for loggerhead and green turtles. Swimming restrictions apply during nesting season (June-September evenings).