12 Best Beaches in North Cyprus (2026)
North Cyprus has some of the Mediterranean's most stunning and uncrowded beaches. While beaches in Southern Europe get packed in summer, many North Cyprus beaches remain blissfully quiet. The water is crystal clear, the sand ranges from golden to powdery white, and many beaches are backed by dramatic mountain scenery.
Here are the twelve best beaches on the island, from famous stretches to hidden coves.
Kyrenia Coast Beaches
1. Escape Beach (Kyrenia)
The most popular beach in the Kyrenia area, and for good reason. Escape Beach offers a wide stretch of sand with sun loungers, a beach bar, water sports, and DJ sets in summer. The water is calm and shallow, making it excellent for families.
Best for: Beach clubs, water sports, families Facilities: Sun loungers, restaurants, changing rooms, water sports Entry: Paid entry (includes lounger)
2. Alagadi Turtle Beach (Kyrenia)
A protected nesting site for green and loggerhead sea turtles. Between June and September, conservationists monitor nests and visitors can sometimes watch baby turtles make their way to the sea. The beach itself is beautifully wild and undeveloped.
Best for: Nature lovers, turtle watching, quiet swimming Facilities: Minimal - bring your own supplies Entry: Free (conservation volunteers present in summer)
3. Acapulco Beach (Kyrenia)
A well-maintained resort beach with excellent facilities. The beach club atmosphere makes it popular with younger visitors, while families appreciate the calm, shallow water and lifeguards on duty.
Best for: Beach clubs, families, good facilities Facilities: Full resort amenities, restaurants, pools Entry: Paid entry
4. Diana Beach / Denizkizi Beach (Kyrenia)
Quieter alternatives west of Kyrenia, these beaches offer a more local experience. You will find fewer tourists, better prices, and a relaxed atmosphere. The water here is particularly clean.
Best for: Escaping the crowds, local atmosphere Facilities: Basic beach bars Entry: Free or minimal charge
Karpaz Peninsula Beaches
5. Golden Beach (Karpaz)
Widely considered the best beach in all of Cyprus. Golden Beach is a long, wide stretch of pristine sand at the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula. The water is turquoise, the sand is soft, and the beach is backed by dunes and wild vegetation. You might see wild donkeys grazing nearby.
Best for: Pristine, unspoiled beach experience Facilities: One small restaurant, limited facilities Entry: Free Getting there: 2-hour drive from Kyrenia; worth the journey
6. Kaplica Beach (Karpaz)
A beautiful, less-visited beach on the northern coast of the peninsula. Kaplica has calm water and a wide sandy bay. Fewer visitors make it to this stretch, so you often have it nearly to yourself.
Best for: Seclusion, quiet swimming Facilities: Very limited Entry: Free
Explore Karpaz area on EasyIslanders
Famagusta & Iskele Beaches
7. Long Beach (Iskele)
A seemingly endless stretch of sand running along the Famagusta Bay. Long Beach is North Cyprus's most developed beach area, with hotels, restaurants, and water sports lining the shore. The beach is wide and sandy, and the water is warm and calm.
Best for: Beach holidays, water sports, resort experience Facilities: Full hotel and resort amenities Entry: Public beach (free) or resort access
8. Bafra Beach (Iskele)
South of Long Beach, the Bafra area is home to several luxury resort hotels. The beaches here are wide, clean, and well-maintained. If you are staying at a resort, the beach is part of the package.
Best for: Luxury resort beach experience Facilities: 5-star resort facilities Entry: Resort guests or day-pass
9. Palm Beach (Famagusta)
Close to Famagusta's old town, Palm Beach offers the convenience of a city beach with palm-lined promenades and nearby restaurants. It is popular with locals and university students.
Best for: City beach, convenience Facilities: Beach bars, restaurants nearby Entry: Free
Explore stays near Famagusta beaches
Hidden Gem Beaches
10. Karsiyaka Beaches (West Kyrenia)
The coastline west of Kyrenia towards Karsiyaka and Lapta hides several small coves and sandy beaches. These are popular with locals and rarely visited by tourists. The mountain backdrop makes for stunning scenery.
Best for: Discovering secret spots, snorkelling Facilities: Varies; some basic, some have beach bars Entry: Mostly free
11. Tatlisu Coast
Between Kyrenia and Karpaz, the Tatlisu area has some wonderfully quiet beaches. The coast is rocky in places, but the small sandy bays have incredibly clear water perfect for snorkelling.
Best for: Snorkelling, rock pools, quiet days Facilities: Very limited Entry: Free
12. Glapsides Beach (Famagusta)
A long public beach just south of Famagusta, popular with locals. The water is shallow for a long way out, making it excellent for children. Beach bars and cafes are scattered along the shore.
Best for: Families, local atmosphere Facilities: Beach bars, basic amenities Entry: Free
Practical Beach Tips
Best Time to Visit
- Swimming season: May to November
- Peak season: July and August (warmest water, 28°C)
- Best compromise: June or September (warm, fewer crowds)
- Water temperature: 18°C in winter, 28°C in summer
Beach Safety
- Lifeguards are present at major beaches only
- Watch for sea urchins on rocky beaches
- Jellyfish are rare but possible in late summer
- Currents are generally mild on the north coast
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended; Mediterranean sun is strong)
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Snorkelling gear (available to rent at some beaches)
- Cash for beach bar purchases (some do not accept cards)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are beaches free in North Cyprus?
Many public beaches are free. Beach clubs and resort beaches charge entry (usually 100-300 TL) which typically includes a sun lounger and umbrella.
Can I swim year-round in North Cyprus?
Technically yes. The water stays above 16°C even in winter. Most people swim from May to November when the water is 22°C or warmer.
Are North Cyprus beaches clean?
Yes, North Cyprus beaches are generally very clean. The island's relatively low population and tourism numbers mean beaches stay in good condition. Several beaches hold Blue Flag status.
Can I see turtles on the beaches?
Yes! Alagadi beach (near Kyrenia) is a protected turtle nesting site. Between June and September, you may see nesting turtles at night or hatchlings making their way to the sea.
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