Kyrenia Beaches and Water Sports

(Kyrenia, Cyprus)

The golden sandy beaches of North Cyprus are regarded to be amongst the best that the island has to offer, and many of these beautiful stretches are within easy reach of Kyrenia. Directly to the east of Kyrenia, the Mediterranean beaches tend to be quite unkempt and natural in their appearance, being unmanaged, lacking in facilities and rich in Cypriot flora and fauna, including turtles.

On the westerly side of Kyrenia, the beaches are more developed and commercial, with a minimal charge being necessary to actually gain access to the sand. The beachfront facilities here are very good and include everything from restaurants and toilets, to shops, parasols and sun lounger hire.

General Information

Various water sports opportunities also present themselves on the western beaches, such as windsurfing, water-skiing, speed boating, jet-skiing and sea canoeing. For fun seekers, the inflatable banana-boat rides are always enjoyable.

Around Kyrenia, the main beaches include the following:

Acapulco Beach
Located approximately 10 km / 6 miles from Kyrenia and directly to the east, Acapulco Beach is close to the mountains and well signposted. This is a good spot for windsurfing and swimming, although do be aware that the undercurrent can be strong at times.

Alagadi Turtle Beach
Some 16 km / 10 miles to the east of Kyrenia and just past Karakum, Alagadi Turtle Beach is a popular public stretch and reached along a fairly rough track. Alagadi Turtle Beach fronts a gorgeous sweeping bay and does offer basic facilities at the Green Turtles Beach Bar. During the summer months, the green turtles and loggerhead turtles used this spot as a nesting site.

Alsancak Beach
Formerly under military control and now very much open to the general public, Alsancak Beach is close to Kyrenia, to the west, and just past the Alsancak Restaurant. Tourists often come to the Alsancak Restaurant to enjoy dining with excellent views across the Mediterranean Sea.

Camelot Beach
Those wishing to sunbathe on Camelot Beach will need to first head in a westerly direction, towards Alsancak, and then continue further until you reach the noticeable signpost to the Camelot Beach Club. A small fee is applicable here, although the facilities are quite extensive and very family friendly. Camelot Beach is known in Kyrenia for its good selection of water sports, which include water-skiing, speed boats, banana boats and scuba diving. There are plenty of sun loungers available for hire, as well as a lively beach bar, where live music is often a feature in the evenings.

Deniz Kizi Beach
Standing at only 11 km / 7 miles to the west of Kyrenia, Deniz Kizi Beach is a clean family beach, with toilets, showers and deck chairs, amongst other facilities. Families tend to favour this spot, since there are water sports available for all ages, including some fun inflatable rafts. Those feeling a little more adventurous may like to consider trying their hand at parascending.

Diana Beach
East of Kyrenia and next to Karakum, Diana Beach can be found just after a row of Cypriot villas and is both small and perfectly formed. This is not a naturally sandy beach and is entirely man-made, with literally tonnes of sand being brought here in a successful attempt to increase its popularity. A local restaurant is close by and sun loungers are available for rent. Trendy hydrofoil water scooters (Aquaskippers / Trampofoils) make for a fun activity here if you are looking for more than just sun and sand.

Escape Beach
Lying to the west of Kyrenia, close to Alsancak and alongside the War Memorial, Escape Beach is really very simple to locate and worth the effort. This particular place is known locally on Cyprus as Yavuz Cikarma Plaji and was the spot where in 1974, the Turkish Troops landed as part of the historic Peace Operation. Pedaloes, jet skis, canoes and banana boats are just some of the water sports that are available here. Also popular with the younger generation are the volleyball areas and the summer beach parties, which attract leading DJs from across Europe and last well into the night.

Guzelyali Beach
Head in a westerly direction from Kyrenia and 16 km / 10 miles later you will reach Guzelyali Beach. As you enter the warm and inviting sea, the sands turn to shingles and small rocks, so you should always be careful where you tread. A restaurant and toilets are to hand if required.

Incirli Plaji Beach
Just past Karaoglanoglu and Alsancak, and next to Lapta, Incirli Plaji Beach is a very quiet and peaceful place to come, and favoured by families with younger children, since the water here is reliable shallow and calm.

Kervansaray Beach
The westerly Kervansaray Beach is one not to miss and is certainly one of North Cyprus's most famous. The sand is soft and golden, and there is plenty of it to go around, while the facilities come in the form of eateries and lively bars.

Lara Beach
An easterly beach sited close to the new by-pass road, Lara Beach is near to Acapulco and boasts a notable open-air restaurant, should you require a bite to eat after a days' sunbathing.

Mare Monte Hotel Beach
Located approximately 16 km / 10 miles for the west of Kyrenia and easy to reach in roughly 20 minutes by car, the Mare Monte Hotel Beach offers lots in the way of facilities. These include parasols, sun loungers, showers and a bar.

Sunset Beach
At just under 8 km / 5 miles from Kyrenia, Sunset Beach lies on the westerly outskirts of the town and close to Karaoglanoglu, standing alongside the popular Altinkaya seafood restaurant.