Hidden Gems of the Eastern Mediterranean
Introduction
In a world increasingly obsessed with over-touristed beaches and crowded coastlines, North Cyprus remains one of the Mediterranean’s last under-the-radar sanctuaries. With over 400 kilometers of coastline, this region — politically known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — offers an astonishing variety of beaches: from golden sands caressed by turquoise waters to dramatic rocky coves framed by ancient ruins.
While the south of Cyprus draws the bulk of tourism, Northern Cyprus preserves an air of tranquility, authenticity, and untouched beauty. Here, you won’t fight for towel space. You’ll hear birdsong, not beach bar thumping. And the sunset belongs to you.
In this in-depth guide, we explore the best beaches of North Cyprus, organized by region, and highlight their natural beauty, historical significance, and practical visitor tips. We also dive into environmental conservation efforts — including turtle nesting beaches — and offer suggestions for those seeking seclusion, family fun, water sports, or romantic escapes.
1. The Kyrenia Coast: Where History Meets the Sea
1.1 Escape Beach (Yavuz Çıkarma Plajı)
Just 5 km west of Kyrenia (Girne), Escape Beach is one of the most popular and organized beaches in the region. Named after the famous Turkish military landing during the 1974 conflict, this beach blends historical importance with contemporary beach club flair.
Highlights:
- Calm, shallow waters perfect for families
- Beach clubs offering sunbeds, umbrellas, cocktails, and DJs
- Water sports: jet skis, banana boats, parasailing
Tip: If you’re seeking a lively atmosphere and don’t mind some music, this is the place. For a quieter experience, come early in the morning or on weekdays.
1.2 Kervansaray Beach
Located closer to Kyrenia’s city center, Kervansaray is a smaller, sandy cove known for its accessibility and peaceful vibe. It’s one of the few public beaches with free entry, though sunbeds and amenities are available.
Highlights:
- Beautiful sunset views
- Soft golden sand and clear, calm sea
- Popular with both locals and tourists
Local Insight: The adjacent restaurant serves fresh fish and meze with a sea view. It’s a beloved weekend spot for families from Kyrenia.
1.3 Alagadi (Turtle) Beach
About 16 km east of Kyrenia lies Alagadi Beach, famous for its dual role as a wildlife sanctuary and natural wonder. Every summer, Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) turtles come here to lay their eggs.
Highlights:
- Protected nesting grounds (June–September)
- Nature and conservation tours available via SPOT (Society for the Protection of Turtles)
- Long, wide beach with minimal development
Tip: Visit in the early morning or late evening for a chance to see turtles hatch — but always follow conservation guidelines. Alagadi is not commercial, so bring your own supplies.
1.4 Korineum Beach Club in Esentepe (20 minutes’ drive east of Kyrenia)
The first great beach to visit, close to the Korineum Golf Club, is the Korineum Beach Club. Open to the public and Korineum guests, there is a daily charge to use the immaculate sunbeds and showers. There is a café. It’s not a sandy beach but has a lovely deck with sails and swimming jetty as well as a lawn area with loungers. This is a high-quality option for a day by the sea. North Cyprus International has villas and apartments for sale within walking distance of this beach.
1.5 Esentepe Beach and Restaurant (public beach – 30 minutes’ drive east of Kyrenia)
Further along the coast, just before the Tempo Supermarket, the new Belediye (council) Esentepe Beach with restaurant and beach bar is a great new facility. Offering sandy beach, and the option to rent loungers, umbrellas and curtained booths for the day, this is a great new facility for those staying in the Esentepe/Bahceli region. There’s also a privately run Caribbean style beach bar – which is open 24/7 in the summer. North Cyprus International has villas and apartments for sale within walking distance of this beach.
2. Famagusta Region: East Coast Bliss
2.1 Glapsides Beach
Just outside Famagusta, Glapsides is the region’s premier public beach, popular with university students and locals. It’s long, sandy, and offers crystal-clear waters with excellent shallow entry for children.
Highlights:
- Fully serviced with cafés, lifeguards, and restrooms
- Popular beach volleyball spot
- Close to Eastern Mediterranean University and the historic city
Culture Tip: Combine your beach day with a visit to the walled city of Famagusta, where Ottoman architecture, Gothic churches, and Venetian walls tell a story of centuries.
2.2 Palm Beach (Maraş Plajı)
Possibly the most hauntingly beautiful beach in North Cyprus, Palm Beach sits just south of the fenced-off ghost town of Varosha (Maraş) — a city frozen in time since 1974.
Highlights:
- Dramatic juxtaposition of pristine beach and abandoned skyline
- Crystal waters and well-kept sands
- Growing facilities as the area gradually reopens to controlled tourism
Important: Always respect barriers and local regulations regarding Varosha. As of recent years, parts of the ghost town have been opened for guided walking tours, offering a rare chance to see modern history preserved in ruin.
2.3 Salamis Bay
North of Famagusta lies Salamis Bay, home to both natural beauty and rich history. The beach stretches beside the ruins of ancient Salamis, a Greco-Roman city once home to gladiators, kings, and priests.
Highlights:
- Miles of undeveloped coastline
- Golden sand with shallow water, ideal for kids
- Proximity to Salamis Ruins – amphitheater, baths, basilicas
Tip: Spend your morning exploring the ruins, then cool off on the beach. Pack water and snacks; some parts of the beach are wild and undeveloped.
3. Karpaz Peninsula: The Wild East
If you seek remoteness, natural beauty, and spiritual calm, the Karpaz Peninsula (Dipkarpaz) is your destination. Known as Cyprus’s “panhandle,” this region feels like the edge of the world.
3.1 Golden Beach (Altınkum)
Often described as the most beautiful beach in Cyprus — and arguably one of the best in the entire Mediterranean — Golden Beach is a sweeping, crescent-shaped shore with fine golden sand, framed by dunes and mountains.
Highlights:
- Miles of untouched, unspoiled coastline
- No permanent development – pure nature
- Sea turtles nest here in summer
Tip: Access requires a car (preferably 4WD), and there’s limited shade, so bring an umbrella, food, and plenty of water. It’s also perfect for wild camping under the stars.
3.2 Ayios Philon Beach
Close to the ancient site of Ayios Philon Church, this beach offers a spiritual aura alongside natural tranquility. It lies near the Turkish-Cypriot village of Dipkarpaz, where both Muslim and Christian communities have historically coexisted.
Highlights:
- Blend of archaeology and nature
- Rustic accommodation available nearby
- Quiet and contemplative atmosphere
Cultural Insight: This area represents the multi-layered heritage of Cyprus — ancient Greek temples, Christian basilicas, and Turkish villages within walking distance.
3.3 Dipkarpaz (Rizokarpaso) Hidden Coves
Along the northern edge of the Karpaz Peninsula, dozens of hidden coves and inlets can be found. Some are unnamed, known only to locals and shepherds. They’re often reachable by footpaths or off-road trails.
Perfect For:
- Skinny dipping or nude sunbathing (unofficially)
- Meditation and solitude
- Reading and journaling in complete silence
Tip: Always leave no trace. These places are pristine because they’re respected. Protect that legacy.
4. Morphou Bay and the Northwest Coast
This quieter corner of North Cyprus is rarely visited by mass tourism but holds some real gems, especially if you’re heading toward Güzelyurt (Morphou) or Lefke.
4.1 Yeşilırmak (Limnitis) Beach
This peaceful beach lies in a charming border village famed for its strawberries and citrus orchards. It offers both rocky and sandy patches and a distinctly local, welcoming vibe.
Highlights:
- Family-run cafés and beachfront taverns
- Agricultural tourism: strawberry picking in spring
- Border crossing into the Republic of Cyprus nearby
4.2 Gemikonağı Beach
Once a port town for copper exports, Gemikonağı has a pebbled beach with deep, refreshing water and views of the Troodos Mountains across the bay.
Perfect For:
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Day trips combined with visits to Soli and Vouni Palace
- Photography and nature walks
5. Beach Activities and Conservation
Turtle Conservation
The beaches of Alagadi, Golden Beach, and other parts of Karpaz are key nesting sites for endangered turtles. Organizations like SPOT work tirelessly to protect nesting grounds, monitor hatchlings, and educate the public.
Visitors can:
- Join night patrols to observe nesting (in season)
- Attend turtle hatchling releases (late summer)
- Donate or volunteer for beach cleanup efforts
Water Sports and Diving
While most of North Cyprus leans toward relaxation and nature, there are ample opportunities for water sports in Kyrenia and Famagusta areas:
- Jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating at Escape Beach
- Scuba diving: several wrecks, caves, and reefs
- Sailing and kayaking, especially along the north coast
Best Diving Spot: The Zenobia wreck is technically in the south, but the north has great diving too, including reef dives and octopus sightings.
Hiking to Hidden Beaches
Adventure-seekers will love the Beşparmak (Five Finger) Mountains, which run parallel to the coast. Trails often lead down to hidden coves, perfect for private swimming.
Top trails:
- St. Hilarion Castle to Bellapais
- Buffavento to Kyrenia coast
Conclusion: The North’s Secret Shores
North Cyprus beaches offer far more than sun and sand. They are a tapestry of nature, history, and culture woven together. From the golden wilds of the Karpaz Peninsula to the urban sands of Kyrenia, each beach tells a story.
Whether you’re a history buff, a honeymooner, a solo wanderer, or a family traveler, you’ll find a corner of coast that feels made just for you.
But perhaps the most precious quality of North Cyprus beaches is their quiet dignity. Here, you won’t find Instagram influencers staging drone shots on every dune. You’ll find sea turtles returning home. Shepherds leading goats past Byzantine ruins. And the Mediterranean, whispering its timeless lullaby.
Practical Tips for Beachgoers in North Cyprus:
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY), though Pounds and Euros are accepted in many places
- Language: Turkish, with widespread English in tourist areas
- Transportation: Rent a car for full access, especially to remote beaches
- Climate: May to October is beach season; July–August is hottest
- Beach Etiquette: Respect local customs — topless sunbathing is rare and frowned upon in public areas
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