Best Beaches in North Cyprus: Where to Swim, Snorkel, and Relax
Northern Cyprus offers a surprising variety of beaches within short drives of Kyrenia and along the long Karpaz peninsula — each with distinct seabed, shelter from prevailing winds, and differing visitor services. Below I focus on three beaches frequently recommended by locals and experienced visitors: Golden Beach (Karpaz), Escape Beach (west of Kyrenia), and Alagadi / Turtle Beach (east of Kyrenia). For each I describe the water and seabed, the best activity (swimming, snorkelling, relaxing), access and facilities, typical crowding and seasonality, and nearby residential developments or accommodation options to help you plan a day or a longer stay.
Alagadi (Turtle) Beach — the snorkeller’s quiet witness to nesting turtles
Alagadi lies on the north coast roughly 15–20 km east of Kyrenia. It is best known for turtle conservation: long sandy bays, clear water and protected nesting sites for loggerhead and green turtles make it a seasonal hotspot for nature-watching. The beach is split into two bays; the eastern (right-hand) side when facing the sea is generally cleaner and sandier, while the western side has rockier stretches that hold small fish and are better for shallow snorkelling. Night-time hatching visits are regulated during the summer months — respect cordons and volunteer schedules. Wanderlog
Practical notes for swimmers and snorkellers
- Water clarity is often excellent in summer; bring a mask and snorkel for rocky margins where fish congregate.
- Avoid using bright lights or flash photography during hatching season; join organised conservation visits if you want to observe hatchlings.
- Parking is available above the dunes; facilities are basic (no large beach clubs), so bring shade and water for day trips.
Nearby residential options: Esentepe and the “Golden Mile” developments are the closest concentration of villas and apartment projects; KAYIM Golf Resort sits a short drive inland and provides hotels and resort apartments within 5–10 minutes’ drive. If you prefer turnkey property or managed rentals near Alagadi, many Esentepe projects advertise direct access or short transfers to the beach.
Escape Beach — for lively swimming, water sports and beach-club energy
Escape Beach is one of the island’s most active beach-club stretches and sits to the west of Kyrenia, within the Alsancak / Lapta corridor. The venue commonly operates as a full-service beach club in summer with sunbeds, a bar/restaurant, showers and organised water-sports (jet-ski, paddleboard), and hosts evening events and DJs during peak season. The seabed is a mix of sand and patches of shallow rock; swimming near the marked swim zone is straightforward. Escape’s infrastructure and proximity to Kyrenia make it a practical half-day option for families and groups that want both beach time and hospitality amenities.
Practical notes
- Beach-club facilities mean lifeguards are often present in summer and you can rent equipment on site.
- Afternoon sea breezes are typical; mornings are calmer for snorkeling near the rocks, evenings are reserved for social events.
- Nearby residential areas include Alsancak and Lapta where villas and apartment developments cater to permanent residents and holiday renters; short-term rentals and small hotels are common within a 5–15 minute drive.
Golden Beach (Altınkum) — raw sand, calm sea and remote wilderness
Golden Beach is on the far-eastern Karpaz (Karpasia) peninsula near Rizokarpaso (Dipkarpaz). This is not a managed beach-club environment: it’s a long, undeveloped sandy spit with dunes, very shallow approaches and excellent space for long swims, walking and low-impact wildlife watching. Because of its remoteness, services are minimal — a small local restaurant or rustic bungalows may exist nearby, but don’t expect showers or lifeguards. The lack of construction along the shore is deliberate: the area is valued for its conservation role, including turtle nesting. Golden Beach’s combination of wide sand and clean water is ideal for long, undisturbed swims and for families who can bring provisions. the-northcyprus.com
Practical notes
- Access roads become more rural closer to the beach; a high-clearance vehicle helps in the final unpaved approach.
- Bring shade, water and a first-aid kit for remote visits; mobile signal can be patchy.
- Accommodation choices nearby are limited to simple guesthouses or eco-bungalows in Rizokarpaso; the nearest large-scale residential developments are many kilometres away, so plan logistics in advance. bigsandcyprus.com
Specific snorkel recommendations and local seabed detail
- Rocky points and rock pools (best: Alagadi’s right-hand cove and the rocky shelves near some headlands east of Kyrenia): small fish and little invertebrates make these the best snorkelling for short excursions. Respect marine life and avoid trampling seagrass.
- Sand-and-shallow zones (best: Golden Beach): not a snorkelling highlight because sand limits visibility, but perfect for safe, long-distance swims and family wading.
- Managed beach-club swim areas (best: Escape Beach): good for sport swimming and wind-protected days; clubs often operate rescue craft for water-sports. Lonely Planet
When to visit — seasonality and crowding
- June–September: warmest sea, busiest beaches. Escape Beach and Alagadi will be busiest in July–August; Alagadi receives organised conservation visits at night during nesting/hatching season.
- Shoulder months (May & October): quieter, good for snorkelling and day trips; water is cooler in May but still swimmable from late spring.
- November–April: off-season for beach services; Golden Beach remains accessible but expect cooler water and often stronger winds.
Safety, conservation and pragmatic tips
- Turtle protection: follow local rules at Alagadi — do not approach nests and respect volunteer-led viewing windows.
- Equipment: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a mask and snorkel, water shoes for rocky approaches, and a small first-aid kit.
- Transport and parking: Alagadi and Golden Beach have parking with simple access; Escape has managed parking and easier public transport links from Kyrenia.
- Local intelligence: if you’re buying or renting property and want to know which projects have beach access, infrastructure or risk of noise from beach clubs, ask Wellton Property – we can provide neighbourhood briefs that list proximity to beaches and services.
Quick proximity summary
- Alagadi (Turtle) Beach — ~16 km east of Kyrenia; nearest residential clusters: Esentepe / Golden Mile; Korineum Resort nearby.
- Escape Beach — west of Kyrenia (Alsancak / Lapta corridor); close to urban villas, apartments and hotels used for short-term lets.
- Golden Beach (Karpaz) — remote long sandy beach near Rizokarpaso; minimal shoreline development, rustic guesthouses in the adjacent village.