The best beaches in North Cyprus are Golden Beach, Glapsides Beach, and Escape Beach, each with its own unique features from nature to atmosphere. In this guide we will cover the top 8 beaches in Northern Cyprus, what they have to offer and why you should visit. Beyond these 8 main beaches we will also introduce you to some hidden gems along the coast, so you have even more options to explore this Mediterranean paradise.
- Golden Beach on the Karpass Peninsula runs 4 km of soft golden sand near Rizokarpaso, kept almost untouched with minimal facilities and one hilltop restaurant.
- Glapsides Beach, 4-5 km north of Famagusta, is family-friendly with clear shallow water, full facilities, and water sports from April to October.
- Alagadi (Turtle) Beach, 20 km east of Kyrenia near Esentepe, is a major turtle nesting site with two sandy bays and a turtle information centre.
- Varosha Beach borders the ghost town fenced off since 1974, partially reopened between 2021 and 2022, and suits photography rather than swimming.
- Ideal beach weather brings warm sunny days and sea temperatures above 24 °C, with most tourists preferring air between 25 °C and 30 °C.
#1. Golden Beach (Pashi-Amos)
Golden Beach (Pashi-Amos) is a pristine and almost untouched beach, with solitude and nature in its purest form. 4 km long along the Karpass Peninsula near Rizokarpaso, the beach has soft golden sand divided by dunes and the Adatepe hill. Facilities are minimal to protect the environment, so there is only one hilltop restaurant. No toilets and no showers. To get to the beach you need to drive along a 20 km coastal road and the last 5 km is unpaved, so car is common.
Warning
Facilities are minimal to protect the environment, so there is only one hilltop restaurant, no toilets and no showers. The last 5 km of the coastal road is unpaved.
This beach is famous for its wildlife, it’s a major nesting ground for the endangered Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green Turtles. The protected dunes go up to 500 meters inland. The local authorities have removed all the unauthorized structures, including bungalows and informal restaurants to protect the environment.
Golden Beach is best visited from June to early September for good weather and wildlife viewing. Visit in May or October for fewer visitors.
#2. Glapsides Beach
Glapsides Beach is perfect for families and those who want a local atmosphere. 4-5 km north of Famagusta, the beach has clear shallow waters and clean white sand, perfect for kids. The beach has extensive family facilities, toilets, showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, deck chairs, beach bar, restaurant and mini-market. Visitors can also rent pedal boats to make it a family fun day.The beach offers various water sports activities: jet-skiing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, beach volleyball and even dolphin rides. It’s most popular from April to October, but weekends from June to August are very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience visit during weekdays or early season.
#3. Escape Beach Club / Escape Beach
Escape Beach Club is the ultimate beach club in North Cyprus, known for its lively atmosphere and events. Situated in a beautiful bay 5-10 km west of Kyrenia, the beach has clear water, golden sand and a large grassy area with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. Facilities include showers, changing cabins, bars and restaurants to keep you comfortable all day.
The beach hosts various water sports and activities: you can enjoy jet-skiing, flyboarding, banana boat rides, water-skiing, paddle boats and even diving lessons. Escape Beach Club is popular with a party crowd, they organize foam parties, disco nights and summer events. Peak season from June to August is the busiest and most festive. Visit during shoulder season for a more relaxed atmosphere if you prefer fewer crowds.
#4. Acapulco Beach
Acapulco Beach is perfect for families and those who want comfort as it has all resort facilities directly connected to the 5-star Acapulco Resort & Convention SPA Casino. The resort has a water park, multiple swimming pools, waterfalls, indoor spa, bar, children’s arcade and casino. Visitors have access to sunbeds, loungers, cafes, toilets and showers through resort stay or a day-pass.
Water conditions at Acapulco Beach are ideal for kids due to the shallow and clear water. The golden sandy beach is comfortable for both relaxation and family activities. June to August is the peak season for full resort experience. Visit in May or September for similar amenities with fewer crowds.
#5. Alagadi (Turtle) Beach
Alagadi Beach is great for wildlife and family visits as it’s a major turtle nesting site. Located 20 km east of Kyrenia near Esentepe, the beach has two sandy bays with clear water. Facilities include parking, a café called “Turtle Paradise”, basic toilets and showers and a turtle information centre.
This beach is important as a nesting site for Green and Loggerhead turtles. The information centre helps visitors to understand these turtles through educational materials and guided interactions. Night-time turtle watching tours are available: bring warm clothes and be respectful to the wildlife during these visits. Turtle nesting is from June to September, May and October are quieter but still warm for a relaxed experience.
#6. Silver Beach
Silver Beach is perfect for relaxation and snorkeling as it’s close to ancient ruins. The beach has soft golden sand and calm shallow water that’s knee deep even 50 meters offshore, making it very safe for families with kids. Facilities include sunbeds and a café/bar nearby, a comfortable place to unwind.
The beach is popular from May to October for clear visibility of the submerged ancient ruins, perfect for snorkeling. Its proximity to the Salamis archaeological site adds historical interest, so you can combine beach relaxation with cultural exploration.
#7. Palm Beach
Palm Beach offers urban comfort and quick access for casual swimming, near the city centre. This beach is backed by a 5-star boutique resort near Famagusta, with clean sand, sunbeds, pools, luxury spa, restaurants and beachfront residences. It’s easily accessible by car but also walkable from nearby town centres.
The common visiting period is from May to September. Palm Beach is perfect for urban amenities and short beach visits, leisurely swims and city based relaxation.
#8. Varosha Beach
Varosha Beach is for photography and urban exploration rather than swimming. The beach borders the famous ghost town of Varosha which has been fenced off since 1974 and partially reopened between 2021 and 2022. Sunbeds and umbrellas have been added so you can enjoy this surreal environment.You will see visitors taking photos or exploring by bike along the beachfront. However, many areas are still restricted due to military and security controls. Visit Varosha Beach to experience the atmosphere and take pictures of the post-industrial landscape.
What are other beaches to discover in Northern Cyprus?
There are several other beaches in Northern Cyprus beyond the top 8. Here we introduce more beaches, starting with Bafra Beach, Kaplıca Beach and Rizokarpaso Public Beach.
Bafra Beach
Bafra Beach is resort style with upscale hotels and some public areas. Easy to reach by car, it’s perfect for day trips. Best for luxury experiences is from May to September, peak comfort in summer.
Kaplıca Beach
Kaplıca Beach is quiet and close to historical sites. Facilities include car access, café, toilets and showers next to a hotel. Visit in May and September for a peaceful atmosphere or June to August for warmer weather.
Rizokarpaso Public Beach (Ayfilon)
Rizokarpaso Public Beach, also known as Ayfilon, is a basic but authentic beach. Reachable on foot or by car from the village and perfect for experiencing local culture in a less crowded area. Common visiting period is May to September.
Seabird Beach
Seabird Beach is untouched and perfect for isolation and hiking enthusiasts. The beach is natural, with no facilities and accessible by car only. May to October is best for those who want solitude and scenic walks.
Tatlısu Municipal Beach
Tatlısu Municipal Beach is for a peaceful swim and a local beach day. Facilities include toilets and a small café on a wooden jetty, easy to unwind. Reachable by car, main visiting season is late May to September.
Camelot Beach
Camelot Beach is great for families to enjoy beach activities. Sunbeds, beach bar and water sports. Visitors spend their time swimming and playing beach games. Easy to reach by car, best from May to September.
Deniz Kızı Beach
Deniz Kızı Beach is for action and watersports lovers. Windsurfing and water-skiing are popular here. Café available. Easy to reach by car, best months for warm weather and water activities are May to September.
Dome Hotel Beach
Dome Hotel Beach is convenient to visit due to its direct connection to the Dome Hotel. Quick and comfortable beach visits, limited facilities. June to August for optimal weather.
Karakum Beach
Karakum Beach is for basic sunbathing. Minimal infrastructure, public facilities only. Accessible all spring, summer and autumn, a reliable choice for simple beach relaxation.
Kervansaray Beach
Kervansaray Beach is for swimmers and family days. Municipal facilities include lifeguard, Wi-Fi, showers and café, perfect for long stays. The beach season is from May to October.
Horse Nail Beach
Horse Nail Beach is for divers due to its rocky and undeveloped coastline. Water clarity is best in summer, May to October, to see underwater.
Mare Monte Beach
Mare Monte Beach is for quiet relaxation with minimal activity. Sunbeds and Wi-Fi. May to September for peaceful beach days with fewer crowds.
Diana Beach
Diana Beach is for quick local swims. Loungers, café and water scooters for leisure rides. May to September for short stops and quick swims.
Savarona / Yavuz Çıkarma Beach
Savarona Beach, also known as Yavuz Çıkarma Beach, has basic watersports facilities, popular with locals. General sea enjoyment and recreational activities. June to August for best weather.
Ülfet Beach Club
Ülfet Beach Club is for social beach gatherings and local hangouts. Sunbeds and club-style bar. June to August for leisurely visits with friends.
Bedi’s Beach
Bedi’s Beach is for historical exploration and a relaxing swim as it’s located near the ancient ruins of Salamis. Basic facilities, best to visit May to September.
Boğaz Beach
Boğaz Beach is for peaceful local life, next to a small fishing port. Minimal facilities but calm and quiet. May to September for full relaxation.
Golden Bay Beach
Golden Bay Beach is popular with the younger crowd and active beachgoers as it’s geared towards students from Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU). Sunbeds and sports areas. June to September.
Long Beach
Long Beach is for family beach days and scenic walks, with a long promenade lined with restaurants, sunbeds and kids’ play areas. April to October, peak June to August.
Yeşilırmak Beach
Yeşilırmak Beach is for tranquility and scenic swimming, in a remote river bay area. Minimal and basic facilities, perfect for those seeking quiet. May to September.
What’s the ideal weather to go to the beach in North Cyprus?
Warm, sunny days with light breezes and sea temperatures above 24 °C are ideal for a beach visit, but your personal comfort is what matters most. Most tourists prefer air temperatures between 25 °C and 30 °C, low humidity and gentle winds that don’t blow sand. Mid-summer usually delivers these conditions, while the shoulder months of May, early June, late September and early October offer slightly cooler air around 22 °C to 26 °C and fewer crowds. In the middle of this range, northern Cyprus weather often combines clear skies with calm seas, giving you steady sunshine and good water clarity for swimming or snorkeling.
Conclusion
In summary we summarise the key points from our beach guide, highlighting the top 3 beaches in North Cyprus and why they are the best.
- Golden Beach has 4 km of sandy beach, protected dunes and seasonal turtle nesting, giving you wilderness and wildlife sightings.* Glapsides Beach has full amenities—showers, toilets, sunbeds, cafés and water sports—just 5 km from Famagusta.
- Escape Beach combines clear water with a club atmosphere, offering jet-skiing, foam parties and live events for those who want energy and entertainment.
These beaches rank high because they cater to nature lovers, convenience seekers and activity enthusiasts in one trio, so you always have an option that matches your holiday style.
FAQ
Alagadi Beach has the largest Green and Loggerhead turtle nesting site in the region from June to September, with night-time viewing tours.
Acapulco Beach is linked to a 5-star resort with a water park, multiple pools, cafés and on-site toilets, so you get seamless comfort and fun.
Mare Monte Beach has minimal facilities, Wi-Fi and sunbeds in a calm atmosphere, about 10 km west of Kyrenia.
July and August usually keep the Mediterranean above 27 °C, so warm water and sunshine are almost guaranteed.
No, Varosha Beach is a historical viewing area, you can sunbathe and take photos against the ghost-town backdrop but swimming and entry beyond the marked areas is not allowed.